Thomas A. Vitale, Sr., 95, of Fellsburg, passed away on Tuesday, January 3, 2017. Born in Webster on May 21, 1921, he was the son of the late Raffaele and Flora (Lorenzo) Vitale.
From America's "Greatest Generation", Thomas was a Decorated World War II Veteran of the Coast Guard. He was awarded the "Navy Marine Medal for Heroism" in saving the lives of survivors of the sinking of the USS Dorchester while aboard the LST Commanche in the Atlantic Ocean.
He was a graduate of Rostraver High School class of 1939 and the University of Pittsburgh. He taught at East Allegheny School District for 30 years and was a pioneering President of the Rostraver Little League for many years, as well as being a member of the VFW Post 699 in Belle Vernon. One of his favorite past-times was regularly meeting with the McDonalds "Morning Coffee" friends, but his greatest joy was his family.
Thomas was married to the love of his life - Lois (Glass) Vitale for 67 years and will be dearly missed by his 2 sons and daughter, Vic and Marsha Vitale, Debbie (Vitale) and Tom Tomalski, and Thomas Vitale Jr.; 7 grandchildren, John and Michelle Tomalski, Melissa (Tomalski) and Michael Lancy, Katie (Tomalski) Clement, Jeff and Angela Vitale, Jenni (Vitale) and Derek Zdravecky, Lauren (Vitale) and Jeff Logan, and Karina Vitale; 11 great grandchildren. He was the oldest brother to his surviving sisters Mary (Vitale) Neupaver, Rose Vitale, and Sarah (Vitale) Overton. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Frank Vitale, Alphonse Vitale, and John Vitale.
Friends will be received on Thursday from 2 to 5 and 6 to 8 p.m. in the James C. Stump Funeral Home Inc., 580 Circle Drive, Belle Vernon/Rostraver Township (724-929-7934) where a Blessing Service will be held on Friday at 9:30 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. in the Church of St. Anne, Rostraver Township, with Rev. Vincent J. Gigliotti as celebrant. Interment, with Military Honors, will follow in the Monongahela Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Rostraver Food Bank http://www.rehobothchurchpa.org/page16/page16.htm
Online condolences accepted at www.jamesstumpfuneralhome.com
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