The young Vincenzo was formed in the Italian Naval Academy of Livorno, graduating in October 1890 with a degree in electrical engineering.

He was also an accomplished technician, holding patents of five specializations: underwater weapons, chemical explosives, electronics, telegraphy, ballistics.

De Feo collaborated with the "Rivista Marittima" from 1906 to 1936, supporting the strategic importance of submarines and aircraft carriers in naval battles.

As uncle of Ugo Tiberio, he supported his research at the Naval Academy for the development of the Italian radar system.

When World War II started, De Feo was assigned to the Commissione Italiana d'Armistizio con la Francia, signing the Protocol that regulated the conditions of the French surrender with respect to naval issues.