Vincent Joseph McAuliffe was born on January 25, 1927 in New York City, New York, to Michael and Gertrude McAuliffe. During his childhood he resided in Kerhonkson, New York, where he graduated high school. In 1944, at the age of 17, Joseph enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until 1946. After his military contributions, McAuliffe went to college, earning his Bachelor degree at Cornell University in 1949, a Master's degree at the University of Maryland in 1955, and a Doctorate degree at Stanford University in 1965.

McAuliffe began his career in 4-H as a member and President of the Kerhonkson 4-H club in Ulster County, New York. From there, Joseph became a 4-H agent in South Dakota and Minnesota. In 1959 until 1968, Joseph became Program Leader of 4-H and Youth Development. In late 1968, Joseph was promoted to Extension Service and Associate State Leader of 4-H Youth in Minnesota. He then held the position of Director of Educational Programs of the National 4-H Foundation, then Director of Educational Programs and Services of the National 4-H Council in Washington D.C. from 1968 to 1974. In 1973, in the last stages of Joseph McAuliffe's career, he was named Program Leader of 4-H Youth until his retirement in 1977.
After retirement, Joseph kept his involvement in 4-H further by consulting to Jamaica to expand their 4-H program, then consulting with his wife, June McAuliffe, at major U.S. fairs to promote 4-H Wildlife and Fisheries Program, and finally consulting to Romania to establish a 4-H program.

McAuliffe’s awards and honors from his lengthy career with 4-H are extensive, with some including being named a National 4-H Fellow, 4-H Distinguished Service Award, National Partner in 4-H, and being named to the National 4-H Hall of Fame.

Vincent Joseph McAuliffe passed away on January 18, 2021, preceded by his wife, June McAuliffe.