The Vincent & Geraldine Lesunaitis Collection of Fine & Rare Wines

Manchester Community College has accepted, with pleasure, a magnificent donation of wines from the collection of Vincent and Geraldine Lesunaitis of Hamden, Connecticut. Special thanks are given to Glenn Lemaire whose friendship with them over the years brought the excitement and purpose of An Evening of Fine Wines to the attention of Vincent and Geraldine Lesunaitis.

Vincent Lesunaitis, known as "Les," passed away on February 4, 1998. He held a B.A. degree from the University of Connecticut and was a 29-year state employee who worked for the Department of Labor, Welfare Department, Board of Parole, and Department of Social Services. His impressive wine credentials include honorary Lifetime Member of Les Amis du Vin, an international wine society; Chevalier of Bretvin Muscadet Vineyards, Brittany, France; Confrere of Entonneaurs Rabelaisiens, Chinon, France; Member of L'Academie du Vin, New York, Paris, and Zurich; Member of the Society of Wine Educators; Member of the American Wine Society; and Member of the American Food and Wine Society. Other civic activities in which Les was involved include the Rotary Club of Hamden, Knights of Columbus Council 4985, member of the Board of Directors of the Half-Way House, and the American Public Welfare Association. He was an ardent supporter of the arts, including The Metropolitan Opera, and was a 17-year financial supporter of The Tanglewood Music Center, sponsoring a student every summer.

He also taught wine appreciation through Continuing Education at MCC and other local colleges including Saint Joseph College, Naugatuck Valley Community College, and Gateway Community College.

His favorite wine was champagne and, according to his wife, Geraldine, his favorite saying was, "The more you know about wine, the greater the pleasure."