Jacob Joseph Vasconcellos

Jacob Joseph Vasconcellos, a devoted family man and businessman, passed away on November 11, 2024, at the age of 80. Born an only child on August 29, 1944, he was raised by his grandmother in Honolulu, Hawaii. Jacob lived a life marked by his dedication to his family, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering faith.

Jacob attended St. Augustine Elementary School in Waikiki and was a proud 1962 alumnus of Saint Louis High School in Honolulu. He cherished his high school experience and remained a lifelong supporter, contributing as a donor throughout his life.  Years after graduating, he gained many friends from his strong relationship with his alma mater.  He earned his degree in Accounting from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and was a devoted fan of the Rainbow Warriors.

Jacob married his wife and lifelong partner, Priscilla, on July 1, 1967.  That same year, after completing basic training for the National Guard at Fort Ord, California, they returned to Hawaii together and started a family that was the heart of their lives.  Always a hard worker, Jacob returned to his college night job as a janitor at Hawaiian Electric, obtained his accounting degree at UH and accepted a job as a junior executive at IBM.  While at IBM, his National Guard unit was activated into the United States Army.  After six months at IBM he decided that a rigid, corporate job was not for him.  He left IBM, got an office and a phone, and started his business career - instantly and much happier.

In the early days of his career, Jacob explored many business interests during but quickly focused on the tourism industry.  He became a product developer, store owner, display designer and builder, salesman, manufacturer and office manager.  In addition to Hawaii made souvenirs, like ti leaf plants and personalized ceramic mugs, he began importing raw materials from Taiwan, which were decorated in Hawaii.  Realizing that Hawaii was becoming too small for his business aspirations, Jacob and Priscilla decided to move to the mainland.

In 1979, after a year in Wailea, Maui, they relocated their family of five (soon to be six) from Hawaii to Las Vegas, where he embarked on new business ventures. He maintained his Hawaii manufacturing while opening additional facilities in Las Vegas and Orlando, Florida. Las Vegas became his permanent home.

Over the years, Jacob built several successful businesses and partnerships including ceramic and glass decorating, custom printing, mall concessions, convenience store supply, video game importing and leather manufacturing.  He employed numerous people, many of whom became like family.  He always enjoyed celebrating their marriages, their children’s milestones and their successes, always touched when former employees visited just to say “hi”.

His work often took him to Asia, where he forged international business relationships in Taiwan, China and South Korea, establishing himself as a respected figure in his industry. Jacob was known for his wisdom, wicked humor, and strong faith.  His influence extended far beyond his professional life.

Jacob is survived by his wife of fifty-seven years, Priscilla; his children, Jenné and Monty Snell, Jessica and James Moore, and Joel and Shannon; his grandchildren, Jonas, Julius, Gavin, Jacob, Luke, Maggie, and Josie; and many friends and colleagues who were deeply influenced by him. Jacob was preceded in death by his son, Jacob II, who passed away in 2009.

Jacob’s legacy and spirit live on through his family, and he will be fondly remembered by all who knew him.  In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity that is meaningful to you.