Rest in Peace, John Joseph Vitale. Husband, Grandfather, Father, Brother, Friend, and Veteran.

John had a unique ability to connect with people, putting them at ease and making them feel instantly welcome.

He grew up the son of Italian American immigrants, facing hardship and limited opportunities. Despite these challenges, he married at just 19 after a five-year courtship. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. After his service, with limited education and financial resources, he began his career as a mechanic, taking on any job he could find. Through years of hard work, returning to school, and unwavering determination, he became an engineer and provided a better life for his family, purchasing their first home before his son’s entered high school. He truly achieved the American Dream.

In September 2022, John was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. Following an unsuccessful Whipple procedure in December of that same year, he was given six months to live. However, his fighting spirit prevailed, and he blessed us with two more years of cherished memories.

John leaves behind a powerful legacy, instilled in a family dedicated to serving others. His wife, Cindy Vitale of 52 years devoted her career to caring for others as a NICU RN. His eldest son, Anthony Vitale, a published author and Poet Laureate who studied under Allen Ginsburg, has dedicated his life to teaching English in public schools for nearly three decades. A daughter-in-law, Jana Vitale, that has been like a daughter to him for over 35 years serving her community as a children’s speech and rehabilitation therapy specialist. His youngest son, Jon Vitale, has spent the past 25 years in the healthcare industry serving both providers and patients. A grandson, Ethan Vitale, currently pursuing his undergraduate degree at NYU with aspirations of becoming a lawyer. A granddaughter, Saylor Vitale, an exceptional student and accomplished swimmer, is a high school sophomore with dreams of attending Harvard. John’s brother, Cami Vitale, an Army Veteran, VFW Officer, Police Officer, husband of nearly 50 years to Joni Vitale and father to John’s nephews Cami Jr. & Tony as well as his niece Corinne.

John imparted these invaluable life lessons:

 * Commitment to Excellence: When you commit to something – a neighbor, a friend, a job, anything – give it your all. Be grateful for the opportunity to serve others.

 * Relationships: Cherish them. They are the most valuable assets in life. Cultivate genuine care, strive for authentic connection, and seek to understand, so you may be understood.

 * Selflessness: Prioritize the needs of others. True blessings come from serving others without expecting anything in return.

Thank you, John, for teaching family, friends, colleagues, and everyone you touched through your selfless service. You were a beacon of light to all, and you are now at peace. 

Che il Signore ti benedica e ti protegga! 

A visitation will be held Thursday, January 16, 2025, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.  at M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 4820 Charlotte Hwy., Lake Wylie, SC.  At approximately 8:00 p.m., there will be a Blessing Service with military honors.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home or memorials may be sent to the Wounded Warriers Project, P. O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS  66675 in his honor.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Mr. Vitale.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.