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Alan Vitagliano Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Alan Vitagliano
Alan having a glass of wine
July 21, 2007
Josie Vitagliano
July 21, 2007
My Dearest Son, Alan,
It has now been over a year since the Good Lord has taken you from us here on earth. It has been the hardest year of my entire life. Not being able to see you and give you a hug and a kiss on the cheek, it makes my heart bleed, it makes my tears flow, it hurt my entire life not being able to see you and talk to you.
There are no answers to my questions, all I can do is pray that God gives me the strength to go on in this life without you. Who ever thought that this was ever going to happen to our family, not having you around has broken my heart, I will never be the same person I was, there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I always have you on my mind and in my heart. On June 5th, I was coming out of the store and I was thinking of some of the great times we had together in our family, and I fell and broke my foot. I broke 5 metathorsils and was put in a wheelchair, I could not walk for over a month, and I am still healing with a boot on my foot. Since it is the right foot, I can't even drive, so I have been homebound since June 6th. It gives me so much more time to think of the happy times we all had with you in our family.
It seems like you always spent vacations with us, I know you loved to go with us where ever we went. Going to visit relatives in New Jersey, going to San Diego to the ocean, going to Mexico with Gina, Adell and Austin. It was so wonderful to have you with us. I find it so hard planning on going anywhere now, because you can't come with us. You are looking over us because you are now our Angel in Heaven. There are no words to describe the feelings in my heart for you. My son, you were always so neat and perfect in every way to me. You always knew how to do anything and do it to perfection, and you wouldn't quit unless it was done to perfection.
Everyone tells me it gets easier as the time goes on, well, I disagree with them, I find it much harder, I miss you more and more each day, It is not the same here without you. The only hope I have is that some day we will be reunited and I will be with you once more.
I love you with all my heart, forever and ever.
Your loving MOM
David G. Munn
June 12, 2007
Hi ALAN,YOU HAVE BEEN GONE NOW
1 FULL YEAR! I SPENT THE LAST FEW DAYS Thinking of your last days and laying you to rest a true champion in the hearts of everyone who knew you.
Josie I hope is o.k these last few days must have been hard for her,we both miss you so much.I have your drums and am keeping them tuned and polished as you did I hope to really play as you did but you got the advanage of lesson's in school,I just pray with a little help from you and Tracy I
will be able to make beautiful music sent your way for approval! It is an awesome drum set which I tune and polish all the time,The system is amazing and sounds so good I play
everyday and am learning fills and beat the high hat,bass drums and toms are all set up in a
classic configuration I will learn
to play these TAMA drums if it kills me. I am taking very good care
of them and have everthing I have which I am not yet using put away and protected. For when the time I am ready for the second bass drum as
everything comes together.I hope your spirit is high and you are free of pain and problems,and if I know
the Alan I love and look up to you
are teaching evervone the value of organization as the CREW CHIEF FOR
THE LORD HIMSELF! And if you are to get saint hood it will have to be after your teach the lord and Heaven
itself YOUR Values,which I have never none anyone who could do all
you do in just about any sittuation.
1 LOVE YOU and miss you everyday!
Rest in peace...David G. Munn
Francine Chillemi
June 8, 2007
My Dear Cousin,
It has been a year since you began your new life, and during these past months you have been missed so very much by those who love you. We celebrate your life, and we treasure your special qualities that we were fortunate to have known and appreciated here on earth.
Warm thoughts of you have become a part of our daily existence. When I finish cooking and put a pot in the sink "to soak" before washing it, I recall a time when you were still living at your parents' house and the NJ faction of the family was visiting...we had just finished eating a meal and I put something in the sink "to soak" and you said to me, "Nothing soaks in this house more than 5 seconds." It was one of your funny one-liners that made us all laugh then, but it could not have been a more accurate statement. That is because you took pride in keeping your house -- including your sink of course -- sparkly clean at all times. Whatever was placed in the sink would be washed and neatly put away with lightening speed. Everything was in order, the floors were mopped and vaccumed, and there is no doubt that you would have received an A+ on the "white glove test." And you enjoyed doing these chores even more because you knew your help would mean less work for your mother and father to do.
Your sense of responsibility toward your parents did not stop when you moved out of their house. I am thinking of the first time I visited the new Vitagliano home in Chandler. When I went to take a shower I could not figure out how to make the water come out from the showerhead instead of from the faucet below. I went out to ask your mother, and she told me that she could not figure it out either the first time she wanted to take a shower when they first moved in -- and I'm sure you remember the rest of the story: your mom called you up, and you came over and immediately figured out what had to be done to turn on the shower! These little incidents seemed so trivial then, and it feels almost silly to even mention them now... but now that you are no longer here with us we have had some time to reflect upon our fond memories of you. There is a pattern: you were always there to help. As we look back, we have a broader perspective, and we are able to cherish little details that sometimes got lost in the hustle and bustle of our busy world. Like admiring a fine painting, it is only when you step back, distance yourself from it a bit, that you can truly appreciate the rare beauty of the masterpiece. And a masterpiece and "Master Craftsman" you truly were.
You were a man of few words. But you made every word count. I don't remember you saying anything really mean, and I think most days you subscribed to the "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" school of thought. (Except when you were being funny, and even then you were never intentionally cruel to others). You said what you meant and meant what you said. That trait is becoming rarer and rarer these days. We'd all be a lot better off if we could take a lesson from you in this regard.
I remember when you met Lora. You was so happy then. I remember when she came to NJ and we all got a chance to meet her. Those were the good old days "down the shore" at the Nero beach "resort." We can't forget the "War at the Shore," the highly competitive annual basketball game. Or the aroma of the Italian feasts being created in the kitchen by the "the older cousins" as the "younger cousins" walked back from the beach. We all had a great time just sitting around with all those cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. What a fantastic bunch of people. I can close my eyes right now and imagine the salty sea air, the delicious and plentiful food, the warm hospitality, the sounds of laughter, and the feeling of being wrapped in big hugs -- and it was all priceless. And you were there in every scene of our memories of these amazing family events. As they say, this is the stuff life is made of, this is what is important in life.
Whether you were working on your car, assembling your trains in their village, playing your drums, riding the waves in San Diego or Long Beach Island (NJ), dancing at a wedding, quipping a word in Italian at the dinner table (Insalata! Mangia!), you did so with the appearance of joy in the simple pleasures of life. I don't think it took much to make you happy, and you dealt with each day as it came, making the most of what you had. I don't remember you ever looking stressed out or rushing around; you moved quietly and calmly, at least from what I saw most of the time. Again, we can learn a lot from you.
I remember when you were a regular at Thornbecke's with your brother David. You were proud of your physical fitness, and also proud of the fact that you went to Fuddrucker's after workouts and pigged out on huge hamburgers with everything on them. I can just see your face as you were telling me about that. I remember going to the Gold Rush disco and that other fraternity-like place by ASU with the torches of fire on the walls (Devil's Den or something like that). You took me there when nobody else wanted to go, just because you knew I wanted to go and you were being kind to your cousin from NJ -- even if you didn't really want to go either. I remember all of us going as a group to different places to watch David perform, and I'll never forget the wonderful feeling I got from being surrounded by my loving cousins and aunt and uncle. There are no words to describe those feelings and those memories. Just like there are not enough words in the English language (or the Italian language for that matter) to pay proper tribute to you, my dear cousin. I have so many things to say, and began to write this message so many times over the past few months, but the message was always insufficient to truly describe the person you were and the void you have left.
The last time I saw you was Easter two years ago. (I submitted 3 photos from that occasion to this Guest Book.) You did seem tired then -- or maybe it was just my imagination. In any event, I do believe it was your time to be called "home" and your time to experience a life of everlasting peace. And I know you will be there to welcome us when our time comes. Until then, please watch over all of your family and friends, give us strength and courage, and help keep us on the right track... And don't forget to make us laugh now and then.
We love you with all our hearts.
Josie Vitagliano
May 29, 2007
My Dear Precious Son, Alan,
Today, May 29th is your birthday, we always celebrated your birthday with your sister, Gina, as she was born on May 25th, 3 years later.
It was not the same this year, you were not there, all we had were memories.
It is terribly sad for me and all of our family that you were not present. All we could do is pray and wish you were here with us. Alan, my son, we miss you sooooooo very much.
You have no idea how much. Life is not the same for us. We can't bear being here and you are not. Why must we be without you, my son. How we love you. You were so perfect in every way. Every thing you did was always perfect or you would not say it was complete.
Oh, God if only you were here again. I don't know how to explain my grief. It is so deep, never thinking this would happen to me. I cry for you every night.
You are with me every minute of the day. I will always remember you and your wonderful sense of humor when you made me laugh. No one can take your place. You are with us forever. I love you, my son.
Love
Mom
JOSIE VITAGLIANO
May 17, 2007
My Precious Son, Alan,
Mother's Day came and you were not here to spend it with us. The family gathered together over your brother's house, but there was an empty chair, it was your's my son.
How could we ever forget you. You were the sunshine in our lives, so smart and quick wits about you. It was so sad not to have you with us. You can not imagine the pain in my heart. I miss you every minute of the day, you never leave my mind. It is a great loss for us here on earth not to have you with us. I pray for you every night and I wish I could see you and talk to you. People tell me that you are aware of everything that is going on here on earth. Do You see how much I miss and love you. Till my dying day, I will keep on remembering you. Till my dying day, I will always love you and I will never forget you.
You were so talented and could take things apart and put them back together again in a perfect condtion. Ever since you were a little boy. The many things you made for me. That little bench for the kitchen, I still have it, and use it every day, the lamp of Grandma's that you fixed, the beautiful wooden vase that you made, you were such a perfectionist, everyone that knows you, could tell about that. Oh God, please give me the strength to go on without you. My wonderful SON.
LOVE - PEACE -
YOUR LOVING MOM
Josie Vitagliano
May 8, 2007
MY DEAREST, PRECIOUS SON, ALAN
IF TEARS COULD BUILD A STAIRWAY AND MEMORIES WERE A LANE,
I WOULD WALK A HUNDRED MILES TO BRING YOU HOME AGAIN.
NO FAREWELL WORDS WERE SPOKEN, NO TIME TO SAY GOODBYE,
YOU WERE GONE BEFORE WE KNEW IT AND ONLY GOD KNOWS WHY!
WE LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER,
MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU IN HIS ARMS, WE MISS YOU TERRIBLY,
YOUR LOVING MOM
Josie Vitagliano
May 5, 2007
My dear precious son, Alan,
Our Middle Child:
You were the second to be born,
How proud we were of you
You were the answer to our prayers,
A special dream come true.
And from that moment forward
You have made life so much fun
You have filled our lives with happiness
And kept us on the run
And for these special memories
we have thanked the Lord above
For giving us a middle child,
to hold, to raise, to love.
We have cherished every moment
and we wanted you to know
You have brought real joy into our lives,
And we love you so.
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, MY DEAR PRECIOUS SON, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF ME, FOREVER AND EVER.
YOUR LOVING MOM,
Josie Vitagliano
May 3, 2007
My dearest Son Alan,
The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning
that God was going to call your name,
In life we loved you dearly,
In death, we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you,
you did not go alone,
for part of us went with you
the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories
your love is still our guide;
and though we cannot see you,
you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God call us one by one,
the chain will link again!
I will love you forever and ever,
Mom
JOSIE VITAGLIANO
May 2, 2007
MY DEAREST ALAN;
"HE ONLY TOOK MY HAND"
LAST NIGHT WHILE I WAS TRYING TO SLEEP,
MY SON'S VOICE, I DID HEAR.
I OPENED MY EYES AND LOOKED AROUND,
BUT HE DID NOT APPEAR
HE SAID, "MOM, YOU'VE GOT TO LISTEN,
YOU'VE GOT TO UNDERSTAND,
GOD DIDN'T TAKE ME FROM YOU, MOM,
HE ONLY TOOK MY HAND.
WHEN I CALLED OUT IN PAIN THAT NIGHT,
THE INSTANT THAT I DIED,
HE REACHED DOWN AND TOOK MY HAND
AND PULLED ME TO HIS SIDE.
HE PULLED ME UP AND SAVED ME
FROM THE MISERY AND PAIN
MY BODY WAS HURT SO BADLY INSIDE,
I COULD NEVER BE THE SAME.
MY SEARCH IS REALLY OVER NOW,
I'VE FOUND HAPPINESS WITHIN.
ALL THE ANSWERS TO MY EMPTY DREAMS,
AND ALL THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN.
I LOVE YOU SO AND MISS YOU SO,
AND I'LL ALWAYS BE NEARBY.
MY BODY'S GONE FOREVER
BUT MY SPIRIT WILL NEVER DIE!
AND SO YOU MUST GO ON NOW,
LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME,
JUST UNDERSTAND,
GOD DIDN'T TAKE ME FROM YOU,
HE ONLY TOOK MY HAND."
YOUR LOVING MOM, FOREVER
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
Josie Vitagliao
May 1, 2007
My Dearest Son Alan:
Today is the first day of the month of your birth. You were born on May 29th, it was such a happy day for our family, you became our number two son and now you would be a baby brother to your brother David.
How wonderful to see your shiny bright eyes and the beautiful smile on your little face. It was such a joy to have you. You were a great little baby boy. Easy to take care of. You had a pleasing personality and you were a wonderful baby.
As you grew, you became everything a little boy would do. Play with trucks, cars and trains, You always loved doing that, and I always bought you models to make and keep in your room.
Remember sharing your bedroom with your brother David, you were on the top bunk bed and David was on the bottom bunk bed. You both were so close to each other. It seemed where ever David went, you were right behind him. The house in Roxbury was perfect for you boys, It had that big back yard with apple trees on the side and an acre of land for you to run around in. Roads in the country to ride your bikes. Fresh air for you to breathe in. Oh, the joy to see you grow up there. The pond down the street where you and David went ice skating in the winter months.
It still comes to my mind and it will never leave my mind. We miss you soooooooo much. You can not imagine. My love for you grows stronger every day - You are in my heart and my mind every minute of the day. My son, I will love you forever and ever. Until I am reunited with you, I am in a lost world without you.
Love,
Mom
Fil Emanuel
March 29, 2007
Dear Jo,
I hope you know that you and your family are always in my thoughts and prayers. I often think about all the good times when we all lived in the same neighborhood and were raising our families. I have such fond memories of Alan and so do my sons, Tommy and Chris. They often mention him and remember the loving and caring person he was, and we're all sorry that he had to leave us so soon. We look forward to seeing you and Joe When we come to visit Chris. I just want you to know that I'll be here for you always, whenever you have the need to talk and to share memories of Alan. I truly believe in my heart that Alan is with the good Lord and he has found peace and comfort in the arms of the Lord. God bless you and comfort all of you. I love you very much and you will always be one of my dearest friends.
Fil
Josie Vitagliano
March 19, 2007
My Dearest Son Alan,
What is life without you???? You filled my life, it is now empty here without you. I have this hollow feeling in my body now every day. I pray to God every day for the strength to carry on here without you. Crying nights until I fall asleep, looking at your pictures and missing you so very much. It is so painful. I love you so very much.
Mom
Josie Vitagliano
March 19, 2007
My Dearest Son Alan,
Here is an e-mail that I received from your friend David Munn.
Hi Josie,
David G. Munn here ,thought you might like too hear this or should I say read it! My wife Frances went to see a lady that her sister Marcella goes to all the time on Monday, her name is Melinda Vail, she is a spirtual advisor, She said Alan had someone waiting for him on the oher side that took him straight to HEAVEN!!!! Of course, we all knew that because he was such a good man, he would not have gone anywhere else.
I miss him, I am crying right now. I have never had such a good friend that had done so much for me. Alan was a GREAT man who never did anything to hurt anyone, all he ever did was help. I never even knew him to be anything but nice, I don't even think in the 20 plus years I had known him that I had ever even once seen him mad or upset! He was without a doubt the nicest man I have ever known. Why was he taken from us all so soon?, I will not know until I see him again. Which I know I will, God needed Alan right next to him, someone with his talent, skills and abilities can't go anywhere but HEAVEN - He was simply perfect and needed elsewhere. I will never forget your son. I loved him like a brother and have never known anyone who could do so much so well, so perfect, so complete. His car, his tools, his drums his life was nothing but the best, if not for that heart problem, he would still be here helping as he always did, never asking for anything but friendship.
We will, Josie, see him again, we will just have to wait our turn and he will greet us all with a big simle and say, I missed you, it's about time now, come and see what I have been doing since I have been gone! You Know as well as I do that what he is doing is making everything look like he made everything look on earth, spotless, organized and perfect as only he could!!! Have a great day and thank you for ALAN JAMES VITAGLIANO, he was one of a kind and will never be forgotten.
LOVE YOU, ALAN
FROM: DAVID GALE MUNN
Thank you for that e-mail
Josie (Alan's Mom)
David G. Munn
February 17, 2007
Hi Alan,I miss you I wish I had you around to teach me how to play your Tama drum set!
I am picking it up but need to start playing by note not sound,I still think of you everyday and just want to play as good as you and be a talented drummer just like you.
The Drag races are next weekend
I wish you were able to go but you will probably be there in spirit taking in the 330 MPH passes the 2007 season will get started without
you! We are going out to see Tracy,
Annette,Casey and Melanie today and
spend some time with the only friends we have left after you died!
Take care bro and be sure and know
you have never been forgotten over
here,Love you, rest in peace we will
one day meet again.
David G. Munn
Josie Vitagliano
February 6, 2007
My Dearest Son, Alan
If there was some way I could climb the stairs to heaven, I would. No matter how long it took me, I would start right now. Missing you is so painful and there are no words that I can say to describe it. When I look up to the sky, I say "Where are You?" "Can you see us here on earth suffering without you?" How we all miss you here, it is sooooo
painful. Our hearts will never be happy again.
Your loving Mom
Josie Vitagliano
February 2, 2007
My Dearest Alan
Each day I think of you, Each moment you are on my mind. My heart is frozen in grief. It is so hard to realize that you are not here with us. Our family suffers here on earth without you. Your humor was always enjoyed by all of us. Your friend Ray, told me on e-mail that he always asked you to bring back "salt water taffy" from Long Beach Island and You said to him, "that it was made by a dentist so he could make more money." That was just an old saying that you would always tell him. I remember when we would all be down Long Beach Island with the family. You always had a great time there. Are you watching us from Heaven and smiling down on us??? We miss you so very much. You will never be forgotten. We love you forever.
Your Loving Mom
Josie Vitagliano
January 24, 2007
My dear precious son, Alan,
As the days go on, it seems harder and harder because we miss you so much. It is not easy being here on earth without you. I always want to see you and talk to you, but you are not here. I do not understand why you left us so early in your life. I cannot understand why you didn't grow to be an old man. So, you see, my son, I am here on earth without you. It is the most painful phase of my life I will ever have to go thru. Each day you are in my thoughts and prayers from the minute I get up til the minute I fall asleep. I love you forever and ever. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, MY DEAR SON.
YOUR LOVING MOM
David G. Munn
January 22, 2007
Hi Alan,
You were with me on the 9th of January
when I crashed our 2001 Mitsubishi Galant as you always said brought to you by the makers of World War II.
I had a seizure on Broadway just past College and crashed that beautiful car into 4 trees that line Broadway on the north side totaling the nicest car I have ever owned. I crossed two lanes of east bound traffic and the center lane then crossed two oncoming lanes headed west and did not get hit or kill anyone,just killed Mitsi as I
Frances and Tracy so lovingly called her.I was told to get out the car was on fire,I asked what the hell
happened took one look at Mitsi and
could not believe I was still alive!
Thank you Alan,I am playing your drums getting better everyday and survived a crash that should easily
have killed me and did not. You have
passed on but I believe your spirit is still alive and watching over everone that loves and misses you
so much! I miss you bro and think of you every time I see that awesome Tama drum set up in my bedroom,and
think of why you are gone and just
why that simple heart defect was not found and repaired which would have
saved your life and allowed you to live for years to come. I love you,
Alan take care and continue to watch
over us all,your Mother Josie and your Brother David have become a part of my life.David delivered the drums and your Mother and I seem
to miss you the most.I went over and
cleaned out your fish tank Lora said
she could never use the suction hose
which vacumed the gravel but you and I had it down.Rest in peace my friend,I know we will meet again!!!
David G. Munn
David G. Munn
January 7, 2007
Alan,you are the best most talented
perfectionest I have and will ever know!
Tracy and I set up your Tama drum set in my bedroom and it is the most beautiful setup I have ever seen.I have watched bands play on t.v,concerts and even the new dvd I have to help me learn what you knew and were so good at and I have never seen someone play a drum set that even came close to yours!
I have recieved the best drum set that has ever been made,why because as I have been told by your Mother and I completly agree the reason is it was yours which made it the BEST as like everything you have ever done before your car,your truck,your house,your train set,your tools and
most of all your perfect Tama drum set!
As we were setting it up you had such a massive set that I e-mailed
your Mother asking if she had the picture's that I had lost when my
computer crashed,she sent me some
picture's that must have been of the set when you first bought it.It was just a simple set that looked nothing like what you had created
showing once again what a talented
person you are.
She also sent me picture's of your train set-up which I showed Annette Tracy's wife and Frances's sister she could not believe how it looked and what your are able to do.
These picture's I will keep and will show them,send them to everyone I know showing what you are capable of doing.
Thank you Alan for being such an amazing individual and Thank you the
Vitagliano family for allowing me the honor of owning his drums which
are as he is the BEST!
Rest in peace my friend and watch
over me as I learn something I have always wanted to do and play the drums always thinking of you.
David G. Munn
Josie Vitagliano
January 6, 2007
BUT SHALL THE ANGELS CALL FOR HIM MUCH SOONER THAN WE PLANNED,
WE'LL BRAVE THE BITTER GRIEF THAT COMES AND TRY TO UNDERSTAND.
ALWAYS, YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.
YOUR LOVING MOM
Josie Vitagliano
January 6, 2007
My Dearest Son, Alan
As I look up into the beautiful sky, I can only ask myself, one more time, WHY?
Of course, people tell me it was your time, but they don't know what it's like to pretend to be fine, to live each day with the hurt and pain from deep inside you don't know where it came, they don't know how it feels to have to live without the child who had so much to give, to go on and on and never know WHY.
I can't understand no matter how hard I try. I try to be patient and not get mad,
But of course I'll always be sad, there is such a void and emptiness inside, you can't imagine how much I've cried, and I know if I really knew why you had to leave you still wouldn't be here, I still bereaved.
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN, I LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER.
YOUR LOVING MOM
Maria Christopher's mommy
January 1, 2007
Dear Josie - I just wanted to let you know how very sorry I am to read about your loss of your precious son Alan. my heart truly goes out to you in your loss.
love and hugs,
maria
Christopher's mommy forever
Josie Vitagliano
December 29, 2006
My Dearest Son, Alan
Yesterday, December 28th was my Birthday but there was not a celebration for it. Why? I did not feel like Celebrating it without you. It was the first birthday of mine that you ever missed. I thought of you, coming over and having a beautiful card for me and giving me a great big hug and always displaying a big wonderful smile. Oh God, how I miss you. It was not the same here without you.
As I spent the day, my thoughts are about you and how peaceful you must be now. I remember when you came over and sat in the back yard, and said to me "AHHH, The peaceful Lake" I know what a truly sentimental guy you are. Mothers know their sons well. And I Love you more than words can say. You are in my heart forever and ever, and some day we will be reunited. That will be a happy, blessed day. Rest in Peace, My son, til we meet again. Love you, Love you, Love you.
Your loving Mom,
David Vitagliano
December 27, 2006
I miss my brother and think of him daily, I had so may many more questions and more projects to do with him. I will always miss him.
As Alan’s older brother, I always tried to look out for him as we grew up. He was such a cute little kid. When we were young and still lived in Jersey. We did so much together like brothers do; fishing, hiking, ice skating. He was a tag-along little brother but I never minded much, because he was such a good kid. It was when we moved to Arizona in 1973 though, that really brought us close together. I was 15 and he was 13 and we knew no one here so he became my best friend. I specifically remember a day when I was feeling particularly lonely and was sitting sullenly in the front yard of our little house in Scottsdale. All of a sudden I get hit with a blast of water for above. I turn around and look up and there is Alan on the roof with the garden hose from the back yard blasting me. He kept egging me on to pick up the hose in the front yard and we had a water fight for over an hour. What he did that day not only brought me out of my sadness of moving here, but cemented my relationship with him. We did so much together. We worked construction together on an off through the years and my memories of fun we had working together will never leave me. With Alan those jobs we did were less work and more like an adventure.
Alan loved playing the drums and was an excellent rock drummer. For years during our teens we played in bands together, Alan on drums, me on the bass. We were the rhythm section, my brother and I.
I remember one summer when we were in our early twenties I was working at a nightclub as a doorman and the manager ask me if I knew anyone he could hire as a bar back. Well I thought of my brother. What is funny about that is that there were all these beautiful girls who worked there and I could never get them to even acknowledge my existence, but after Alan starting working there all that changed because they would all come up to me and say “You brother is so cute and so funny!” And that’s how I remember him, my brother Alan was always the life of the party. He was great at making people laugh.
For many years Alan was also my training partner at Thorbecke’s Gym. He was proud to be a member of that brotherhood with me and that made us brothers twice over.
Alan was always the mechanical genius of the family. Even when he was a toddler he would look under his toy trucks and taking them apart to see what made them go. He loved creating art with his hands. Al was never afraid to dive into anything, and he was meticulous in his work. His Camaro, his pride and joy, is proof of that. When ever I had trouble with something whether it was a car, motorcycle, home improvement project, I always called him first to help me and he was always willing. And it is in that area of Alan’s expertise that I received my greatest gift from him. One day when I called him for help he said I’ll come over and I’ll tell you what to do, but you’re doing the work. And with that he taught me not to be afraid of taking things apart and at least trying things on my own. With the confidence in the skills he taught me I was able to build a car over the last three years, but not without much help and advice from Alan.
I could say so much more about my brother, our times, our relationship, and what kind of man he was, but if you knew him, you already know. My main point in my short tribute is this. My brother Alan was a good, kind fun loving guy who always to tried help everyone in his life and asked almost nothing in return. I will miss my brother more than I could ever say in words; however, I am a better man for having had the privilege of being his brother. Alan’s legacy to me will be that I will be a better man every day, and I will do things right. I will be kinder, I will be more tolerant, I will have the patience with others that Alan had for me. I will live everyday to its fullest and I will enjoy the beauty in this life and through it all I will always remember our good times together and smile when I think of him.
After who have watched me sail away
Will miss my craft from the busy day
Friendly barks that were anchored near
In silent sorrow will shed a tear
But I shall have peacefully furled my sail
In moorings sheltered from the storm and gale
And will greet the ones who have gone before
On that unknown sea to that unknown shore
Marie Vitagliano
December 26, 2006
Merry Christmas brother Alan
We thought about you all thru the weeks and days leading up to the holiday.
We thought about you all through Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
We wish so badly you were still here with us.
We think about you everyday~!
It was a long slow holiday this year, not very festive but we tried to keep our spirits up and remember the true meaning of Christmas. We asked the Lord to show us the light and give us grace to go on.
We know you were with Uncle Mario and Tommy, and ALL of our dearly departed who have had many many holidays in heaven now.
I'm sure they showed you the way, as you will do for us one day.
Until then... we love & miss you!
My brother Alan, forever in ours hearts, not only at Christmas but ALWAYS!!
David G. Munn
December 26, 2006
Alan,Christmas is over and it's all
most a new year 2007 will begin with
everyone thinking how much you are missed! Tracy gave me a dvd The Ultimate Beginner series Rock Drums
with Tom Brechtlein steps one and two.
Then he also gave me a book Rock Drums Basics which includes practice
tips,note values,8th and 16th note
variations on the bass drum,fill ideas for each grove,rock ballades
and shuffles,3 play along charts,
developing a grove with a bass player! So I have allot to read and
watch before I get your drums later this week and I will play them in your honor and will soon be as good
as you were someday I will treat them with love and respect and will
forever think of you Alan every time
I even look at them and with your spirit I shall learn from you! REST
IN PEACE BROTHER FOREVER YOU WILL BE A PART OF ME,
David G. Munn
JOSIE VITAGLIANO
December 25, 2006
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY AND WE SPENT THE CHRISTMAS EVE OVER GINA'S HOUSE WITH OUR TRADTIONAL FISH DINNER, IT WAS NOT THE SAME WITHOUT ALAN, OUR SON, OUR BROTHER, OUR UNCLE AND OUR COUSIN AND OUR FRIEND. WE HAD A PLACE AT THE TABLE FOR ALAN, BECAUSE HE NEVER MISSED A CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER WITH THE FAMILY. HE ALWAYS LOOKED FORWARD TO IT. WE HAVE ALL OUR HOLIDAY MEMORIES. WE MISSED HIM SOOOO MUCH. EVEN HIS NEPHEW AUSTIN SAID HE WAS THINKING OF HIM. AUSTIN IS 11 YEARS OLD.
THE HOLIDAYS WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. ALAN IS SUCH A PART OF US. MAY GOD GIVE US THE STRENGTH TO GO ON WITHOUT HIM. CHRISTMAS DAY WE WENT TO CHURCH AND PRAYED FOR ALAN. IT IS LONELY HERE ON EARTH WITHOUT OUR SON ALAN. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
YOUR LOVING MOM
JOSIE VITAGLIANO
December 18, 2006
TO MY LOVING SON - ALAN
A CHRISTMAS POEM
THIS YEAR FOR CHRISTMAS, I WANT
THIS YEAR, I WANT NO TINSEL,
NO CHRISTMAS TREE WITH LIGHTS,
I WANT NO CUPS OF EGGNOG,
NO SINGING SILENT NIGHT.
NO HASSLED HOLIDAY SHOPPING,
NO PRESENTS WITH PRETTY BOWS.
I WANT NO CHRISTMAS CAROLS,
OR SANTA'S HO HO HO'S
NO SNOWY HORSE DRAWN SLEIGH RIDES,
OR BUSY CITY STREETS
NO WISHFUL WINDOW SHOPPING
OR CHOCOLATE CANDY TREATS
I DON'T WANT CHRISTMAS COOKIES
NO CANDY CANES OR CAKE
NOT EVEN BEING GOOD
JUST FOR GOODNESS SAKES
NO BRIGHTLY COLORED PAPER,
NO BARGAINS, DEALS OR SALES
I DON'T WANT ROASTED CHESTNUTS,
OR EVEN THAT GRINCH THAT STEALS
I WANT NO CHRISTMAS PLAYS
OR EVEN THE STORIES THAT THEY TELL
NO TV COMMERCIALS AND ALL THE JUNK THEY SELL
I DON'T WANT REINDEER PRANCING,
OR A JINGLING CHRISTMAS BELL
I DON'T NEED CHRISTMAS CARDS
THAT WISHES ALL IS WELL
THIS YEAR I WISH FOR PEACE
FOR ALL THOSE THAT I HOLD DEAR,
IN THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
AND THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
THE WARMTH OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY
FOND MEMORIES FOR ALL TO SHARE
SPENDING TIME TOGETHER
THAT'S WHAT I WANT THIS YEAR
THIS YEAR I WISH FOR YOU
THAT WITH ME YOU COULD BE.
MY DEAR SWEET CHILD OF MINE,
THAT'S WHAT I WANT FOR ME.
YOUR LOVING MOM
DECEMBER 2006
JOSIE VITAGLIANO
December 17, 2006
AS CHRISTMAS TIME APPROACHES, THE STORES ARE FILLED WITH TRIMMINGS, GOODIES AND MUSIC OF CHRISTMAS FILLS THE AIR, AND THE BEAUTIFUL TRAINS THAT REMIND US OF YOU SO MUCH, WE THE FAMILY ARE MISSING YOU, ALAN, OUR SON, OUR BROTHER, OUR UNCLE, OUR COUSIN, OUR FRIEND,
IT IS NOT THE SAME HERE ON EARTH WITHOUT YOU. WHAT WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS, IT'S YOU AND WE CAN'T HAVE YOU. YOU ARE NOW IN HEAVEN WITH THE LORD. WE ARE SADDENED AND TEARS ARE SHED EVERY DAY FROM THE LOSS OF NOT HAVING YOU HERE AND BEING ABLE TO TALK WITH YOU AND NOT BEING ABLE TO HUG YOU AND NOT SEEING YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILING FACE.
OH, HOW I PRAY FOR GOD TO GIVE ME STRENGTH AT THIS TIME IN MY LIFE WITHOUT YOU. IT IS NOT EASY NOT HEARING YOUR VOICE, NOT SEEING YOU, NOT HUGGING YOU. ARE YOU LOOKING DOWN AT US AND SEEING OUR SADDNESS? YOU ARE TERRIBLY MISSED. THIS CHRISTMAS WILL NOT BE THE SAME AND ALL THE CHRISTMAS'S THAT FOLLOW, WILL NEVER BE THE SAME. WHAT CAN WE DO? WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER WHAT THE LORD HAS PLANNED. WE LOVE YOU FOREVER AND EVER. YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
YOUR LOVING MOTHER,
JOSIE
David G. Munn
December 16, 2006
Hi Alan, Christmas is only 9 days
away this will be the first time you
will celebrate with the MAN himself!
I will be thinking of just what might be going on in your spiritual world, could you actualy be everywhere now that your not here.
Tempe is lit with the lights and joy of this oldest of celebrations, it will soon be 2007 and the date will come marking one year since you have been gone. June 9th will forever be a day of mourning for so many of the people who have lost their best friend,son,brother,uncle,cousin and
companion! The years will pass but
Alan will never be thought of ANY less.For someone who holds a special
place in so many lives has too have
been immortal who we will all one day be allowed a position right next to him and that classic wit will make us all smile and we will all
realize it had happened acording too a plan and we will see
Alan James Vitagliano once again!!!
Rest in Peace my friend,
David G. Munn.
David G. Munn
December 9, 2006
Alan,I sit here alone on 12/9/2006 9:43 pm and when I think of you I read your guest book,it brings the years I have known you back too life. You have meant so much to so many that reading what others think of you fills my life with yours. Alan I have got too
know your mother what a special lady
Josie is, she raised my friend Al into the man I knew. I miss you Alan this book keeps you alive in spirit now that you have died, I think of you allot and still feel the pain of
loosing my best friend in a way
that should not have been your heart
let me down like my brain! Alan I
will think of you again and again
I will never have such a close friend just a mile down the street I think of you even when I sleep.
I need you Alan Too watch me play
for I will try and play your drums
as good as you someday. I will polish them in your memory and keep
them perfect just because that is one thing that I realized I have learned from YOU!
What a special man you are that
I know is alive and well among
the stars in a world that must be
nice with Alan James Vitagliano on
as captain and crew keeping heaven
just like you kept things on earth spotless and perfect everything in it's place not a thing out of order that's how I know you are wise with
what God has gotten with surprise.
A man who can do it all, I just hope there is the same supplies tools,pumps,workers and lives Alan
can bring too Heaven the best of his abilities he just needs help which he will get from us when it's our time we will be together again Alan
your my best friend! Rest in peace and watch over us all as we live our life without you, we will continue
on one day at a time until we come
together at the end of our journey
and meet again!!!
David G. Munn
David G. Munn
November 30, 2006
Another e-mail sent after Tracy had gone over and practiced that one time
down in the basement at Lora's.Tracy
had seen for himself what a kind and special man Alan was,how he kept his drums,cars and house in perfect shape and condition. Josie your son
will never be forgotten,thank you for bringing such a perfect friend
and human being into my life and onto this planet! You created a Saint who I know is looking down on us all with a big smile.
Please just know he is gone but if it was not for you we would not have these memories which we all treasure
of thee most talented special person I will ever know.Please smile and think of what a perfect Son,friend,
brother,mechanic,plumber,drummer and
all around good person your son was.
THANK YOU ALAN,REST IN PEACE!
David G. Munn
David G. Munn
November 30, 2006
Dearest Alan,another day we must all spend without you.I was looking through my past e-mails and came across one that spoke of your ability's and I was asked by your precious mother to share it with everyone on your guest book.
February 15,2006 Tracy, I think looking into other mechanics is smart but we still have a trust issue.Like I said before work could
be said it had been done but how would we really know? We can't look
into the tank and see what has been done without being POSITIVE all work had been compleated.
Alan is the best mechanic I know we are talking so called pro mechanics don't hold a candle to his abilities! As one, a man of his word and someone who has better tools,equipment and knowledge of any true pro.Two,he has dealt with just about every car out there he has helped me do so many things and never ONCE said wait a minute I
need a manuel or I don't know how
this works.Three,we have a man we can trust and a place Betsy the Buick Riveara could be placed like you said climate controlled and locked in the perfect place where work WILL be done and I will detail as I watch it be done and help as I can.Four hundred dollars is cheap but piece of mind is priceless,we could start with the gas tank change the oil then find the transmission leak.And once it is said too have been done it will have been done!
Four hundred to change the oil and just flush the tank is as expensive
as hell and would it really have been done.
Mechanics talk the talk but do they really walk the walk just a little food for thought,we know who we can trust and who WILL do the job right with no questions left to ask
or reason to worry! It's your call but I think you can tell my choice.
REST IN PEACE ALAN,David G. Munn.
Josie Vitagliano
November 26, 2006
Our dear beloved son, Alan, Thanksgiving came and went by, we were here in body, but not in mind, we were thinking of you. It was not the same this year, we missed you terribly as everyone else gathered around the turkey, but tears rolled down my eyes, because you were not there. I kept thinking of the previous years gone by, you would not miss a Thanksgiving dinner ever. You were always with us. It was not easy for Dad and I as we were only thinking of you not being there this year. It will never be the same again. I could fill an ocean with all the tears I have shed. I never thought I would be without you. We miss you and love you more than you will ever know.
your loving MOM & DAD
JOSIE VITAGLIANO
October 26, 2006
SO MUCH WE WANTED TO SAY TO YOU, NEVER THINKING ONE DAY YOU'D BE GONE. OUR TIME TOGETHER WASN'T VERY LONG
SO MUCH WE WANTED TO SHARE WITH YOU,
OUR TIME TOGETHER NOW LOST,
DEAREST CHILD, I FEEL SO LOST, WE HAVE THE MEMORIES WE SHARED TOGETHER, BUT IT ISN'T THE SAME.
OH, HOW WE WISH WE COULD DO IT OVER AGAIN, SO MUCH WE TAKE FOR GRANTED, INCLUDING OUR TIME WHICH WE LIVE, SO MUCH FOR YOU WE WANTED TO GIVE, SO MUCH WE SO EVER MISS YOU, SO MUCH WE HAVE CRIED, SO MUCH WE FOREVER WISH, DEAREST CHILD, YOU HAD NEVER DIED. WE LOVE YOU FOREVER,
YOUR LOVING MOM, DAD, DAVE, MARIE, AND GINA, ADELL, AUSTIN, ANDRIA AND JOEY MISS YOU TERRIBLY. SO MUCH YOU WILL NEVER KNOW.
Ann Laurasmom
October 1, 2006
Josie,
Thank you so much for inviting me to see photos of your beloved son Alan along with the rest of his family. Although we've never met, I know you through my dearest friend Fil, and she told me of your terrible loss. I am so deeply sorry that even I cannot find words to say in spite of the fact that I lost my own daughter Laura Ann in October 2002. Our lives will never be the same and I will be your friend forever. May the Lord bless you, may His light shine upon you and may He be gracious unto you. Sending love and hugs and dear Alan rest well with the Father in Heaven. Love, Ann, mother to Angel Laura
gina vitagliano
September 4, 2006
We are missing you today and everyday that follows we pray for you everyday no one could ever replace you in our hearts and in our mind!
Josie Vitagliano
September 3, 2006
QUOTE FROM JASON EISEMANN
"I AM A FRIEND OF RAY PORTER, WHO MET ALAN WHEN HE WAS HERE IN SAN DIEGO A FEW YEARS AGO ON VACATION WITH HIS MOM AND DAD. HE CAME TO VISIT RAY AND I AT MY HOUSE IN DEL MAR AND I ENJOYED HIS COMPANY GREATLY. ALAN FILLED MY MIND WITH WILD STORIES ABOUT NEW JERSEY, REMINDING ME OF THE STORIES MY DAD WOULD TELL ABOUT HIS YOUTH AND ADULTHOOD IN BUTLER AND POMPTON LAKES. WHENEVER RAY WAS STAYING WITH ME AND CALLED ALAN, I WOULD MAKE SURE TO SAY HELLO TO ALAN. RECENTLY I WAS INFORMED ABOUT YOUR LOSS AND I AM DEEPLY SADDENED. I CONSIDER ALAN A FRIEND AND I WILL CHERISH THE SHORT TIME I KNEW HIM IN MY HEART. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY."
JOSIE Vitagliano
September 3, 2006
QUOTE FROM DAVE MUNN TO MARIE VITAGLIANO;
"I REALLY LOVED YOUR BROTHER ALAN, HE WAS MY BEST FRIEND, HE REPAIRED MY FRONT DOOR WHEN THE PARAMEDICS AND POLICE KICKED IT IN WHEN I HAD A SEIZURE ON THE TELEPHONE, AND HE REPLACED MY WATER HEATER WHEN IT WENT OUT. HIS DEATH WAS A SHOCK TO BOTH MY WIFE AND I, SHE IS SO GLAD SHE GAVE HIM A BIG HUG WHEN HE LEFT LAST TIME HE CAME OVER. I WILL MISS HIM AND THINK ABOUT HIM FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE. MY BROTHER-IN-LAW TRACY HAD PLANS FOR ALAN TO PLAY THE DRUMS FOR HIS BAND. I AM GLAD WE GOT TOGETHER AT LEAST ONCE AND JAMMED DOWN IN THE BASEMENT OVER AT LORA'S! TRACY THOUGHT HE WAS QUITE THE DRUMMER AND A VERY FINE HUMAN BEING. HE TOLD ME HE CRIED WHEN HE HEARD THE NEWS, SUCH A FINE YOUNG MAN WHO WAS TRACY'S AGE TAKEN FROM US ALL TO SOON,MY WIFE AGREES ALAN WILL HAVE THOSE GATES POLISHED AND PERFECT WHEN WE ALL ARRIVE. HE WAS A VERY SPECIAL MAN."
Josie Vitagliano
September 3, 2006
Alan,
Thank you for the visit and confirmation that your spirit lives on, I was soooo happy to have you hug me. I have so many wonderful memories of you and I keep thinking of them all the time. You are in my heart and in my mind every minute of the day. You will never, ever be forgotten. You are my special ANGEL. LOVE YOU FOREVER, your loving MOM XOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXO
JOSIE VITAGLIANO
September 3, 2006
ALAN, WE MISS YOU MORE AND MORE EACH DAY, WE THINK OF YOU EVERY MINUTE. IT IS DAD'S BIRTHDAY THE 5TH OF SEPT. AND YOU WILL BE VERY MUCH MISSED. YOU ALWAYS WERE AT ALL THE FAMILY FUNCTIONS. OUR HEARTS ARE BROKEN FOREVER. WE LOVE YOU FOREVER AND YOU WILL REMAIN IN OUR HEARTS.
Josie (your loving mom) Vitagliano
September 3, 2006
Alan, As time goes by, we miss you more and more. It is so painful not to see you. Dad's birthday is the 5th of this month and it is going to be very sad that you are not present. We think of you every minute of the day, your spirit lives on forever. We can never, never forget you. You were always at the family functions and we know that you will be there with us. We love you more than you will ever know. Our hearts are broken forever.
Marie Vitagliano
August 25, 2006
We miss you and think of you each and every day! Our Angel Alan...
David G. Munn
July 24, 2006
Alan,it's been so long since you have been gone,life is just not the same with you not around!
you must be busy up there,with all
that's needing your touch with you there and your touch being what you have and your ability to perfect!!! Earth has lost but Heaven has won one that is
missed with the work being done like it's just alot of fun being up above the sun and not down on the ground you were taken too soon
up above the moon where you will remain until we meet again! Love you man take care. David G. Munn.
REST IN PEACE,RELAX ENJOY THE VIEW!!!
Marie Vitagliano (Alan's sister)
July 16, 2006
Alan,
Just thinking of you today. I have so many memories of you. Thank you for the visit and the confirmation that your spirit lives on...
I'm sure you are very busy up there, as I believe God must have needed you on a special task force-or for something mega important- to have taken you from us so soon.
But please also watch over all of us, and be with us when you can.
YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
We love & miss you with all our mgiht! Keep up the visits, we need them...
Waiting for Easter dinner at Hotel Vitagliano (2005)
July 12, 2006
Alan looks gorgeous in Christina's Easter bonnet
July 12, 2006
Alan hanging out in the kitchen with mom Josie, niece Adell, and cousin Christina
Francine Chillemi Kurtz
July 12, 2006
I have found some photos of Easter 2005, when my daughter Christina (age 1 1/2 then) met Alan for the first time. This is when Alan said "Eat-ster!" These are happy memories that we will always cherish.
David G. Munn
July 10, 2006
Alan,I miss you. Today Frances and I put 3 photo's on your guest
book one of the Packers vs.Vikings game we watched over at Tracy's and two of the day we spent at the classic car show! Who could have ever thought that just 2 month's later you would be gone,and I would get the call from Lora on the 9th of June telling me of this tragedy. It was the shock of something so unexpected that I was awoken to that day by Lora.My best friend was gone and I was crushed by the call taken from us all so soon. I will never forget the Alan I have known for almost 20 years you helped on our cars my home and was always there for everyone and anyone you made me a blow gun when we were just becoming friends when you first met Lora at the same bar Frances's mom met her husband Rick the Yucca tap room another rare similarity that has always been something that just kept us close and the best of friends!!! Alan I will be looking for you in this life and the life after, a friend like you I can't wait to see again you will have those gates polished and perfect just like you kept everything on earth. Goodbye my friend until we meet again, I love you.You will be missed, my life will never be the same a friend like you a man is lucky to have in his life if he is blessed with good luck in life someone like you with such special qualities and ability's comes around once in a person's life and will be missed for the rest of mine.Take care until we meet again love you man REST IN PEACE. Your friend forever!
David Gale Munn.
Al clowning around with Ronald McDonald at the car show!
July 10, 2006
Al at the classic car show April 9, 2006 in Scottsdale AZ.
July 10, 2006
Al at a Packers fans house enjoying the Vikings/Packers game. Vikings won!!!
Frances Munn
July 10, 2006
The news of Al's passing shocked and saddend me.Al had a wonderful soul and light which was taken from us who knew him far too soon.Al and Lora are great people who always helped people.I am happy to have considered them our friends. The memories I have of Al will help my husband and I through our grief. Sharing them with Lora has helped too.Al was a wonderfully special beautiful human being.I thank his parents and his family for bringing such a beautiful person up in this world that we have had the pleasure of sharing in his life and sadly death.I loved Al. He was like a teddy bear you just wanted to hug on.I will always think of him with a smile on my face,because whenever I saw him he put a smile on my face.I will remember that unique humor of his and his quick wit.That was my favorite quality in Al, was his ability to make me laugh.Telling a story or making an observation.Even when he was'nt trying to be funny he was making us laugh.He was a good friend to my husband and I.Our cats liked Al too, they always got good pets from him.I miss him so much. Losing such a special person makes you sit up and take notice. We do not know how much time we have left on this journey called life. It can all be taken away from us far too soon. Hold your friends and family close. Tell them you love them at every opportunity.And most of all do what makes you happy.May God Bless the family of Al Vitagliano. My heart breaks for you losing your son,your brother, your nephew, your uncle, your cousin and your brother-in-law.My heart breaks for me that I have lost my friend Al. I will always remember you. I love you. Francesca A.Munn
Dino Vitagliano
July 8, 2006
alan,you were my cousin,my friend,my partner,words cannot explain what you ment to me.you took care of everyone when you where here,and now the lord needs you to take care of people up in heaven.I will always miss and LOVE you.tell grandma and grandpa and uncle mario i LOVE and miss them also.
Marie Vitagliano his sister
July 6, 2006
for Mom & Dad, and ALL of us who know and love Alan, we have confirmation that he is with us and will help comfort us. His love is so strong he came thru...
MY ANGEL IN THE SKY
My angel in the sky,
who comes to me in dreams at night.
You left me without a single word,
but when I close my eyes,
your voice is heard.
Telling me you'll be alright,
that you're not scared,
you're in the light.
And now whenever I need you near,
I close my eyes and you appear.
He's my angel in the sky,
who comes to me in dreams at night.
To let me know that he's alright,
he's with God,
he's in the light.
Linda Hinrichs
July 6, 2006
I find myself with so many memories of you, Alan many have been buried for years. I spent so much time with you growing up I do not think I really ever realized the impact you made on my life. You were always there always a friend to me. You help to guide me through those difficult younger years and I was so blessed you were there with me to pick me up when I fell. I want you to know that I love you dearly and I am missing you. I find myself saying "why did I not call you, why did I not try to stay closer" I will never know the answer but I do know that in your passing you have taught me yet another lesson and that is to not put off until tomorrow what is in your heart today. Relationships/people are important and we all need to stay close. I will miss you until I see you at heavens gates.
All my love to you Alan,
Linda
Kathleen Scerati
July 4, 2006
The honor is mine through your sister...maybe you have met my son, maybe your mom needss another too talk with, maybe...
God wants special people, he has a few of mine,
God Bless you all!!!
David G. Munn
July 3, 2006
Alan it's your friend Dave Munn, I miss you so I am filled with tears of thoughts of those you know
what a special man you were and how
sad we all are you had too go.It has just been so hard the time we
must now spend without you,a man who always wanted to help and be a part of so many lives and treat us
all as one,you cared for us all and treated us all as family you will welcome us when we meet again but you will be missed until then!
You left too soon and caught us all off guard a man like you we all
need to make us smile and enjoy our
life in Alan J. Vitagliano style!!! I am so sad you had to go
I miss you bro like you will never
know until I see you again my very
best friend, rest in peace until we
meet again. I love you man you were my very best friend,please lift us up and brings us into your spotless little world with trains,cars and everything needed to accomplish it all the pain I feel will last forever a man like you should not be gone GOD needed
a smile and got it all talent,humor,ability and style! You will be missed and never be forgotten where you are now has got to be HEAVEN! R.I.P.
David G. Munn.
Francine Chillemi Kurtz
July 3, 2006
Those who knew my cousin Alan well loved and appreciated all of his wonderful and rare qualities. His creative talents were immeasurable -- musical, mechanical, and artistic. His drums, his trains, and his cars were his lifelong hobbies about which he was passionate in his own quiet way. He was a true perfectionist and "Master Craftsman." His mother, my Aunt Josie, always said "The engine of Alan's car is so clean you can eat off of it." (That classic Camaro that Alan lovingly rebuilt was so amazing that it made the cover of Hot Rod magazine.) He had all his tools and equipment neatly in order; he knew just where everything was in Lora's garage, which was his workshop of many years. Alan was blessed with amazing intelligence, common sense, and a quick and analytical mind, but he never flaunted these gifts or acted like he was better than anyone else. Although he liked to portray the image of "Big Al," a tough guy, he was also an unusually sensitive, caring, and sincere person. He was a man of relatively few words, but his exceptional sense of humor presented itself at the most unexpected times. He made everyone crack up laughing at his famous one-liners. He even had the ability to repeat one single word and make it sound funny. (I remember Alan's repeated use of the word "Eat-ster!" two Easters ago, which was his acknowledgement of the abundance of food his Italian family was famous for at holiday celebrations and other family get-togethers where the gracious Vitagliano tradition is "The More the Merrier," which pertains to the number of people as well as the amount of food). Alan's timing was impeccable; he always seemed to know when a little humor could lighten a mood. As our other cousin Eddie always said, Alan could have been a commedian. And although he could be a "wild and crazy guy," he was always an honest, down-to-earth, and truly decent person who was willing to help others or give comfort and support when he could. These traits originated from the loving family which shaped him into the great man he was. Alan lived his life without artifice or greed; he was truly a "good person." His life is an inspiration to us all. We must try to replace our overwhelming grief over his untimely passing with our happy memories of him. We reflect upon him with love and admiration, and he will remain alive always in our hearts. We envision a day when we will meet him again in eternal paradise, where there is no sadness or pain.
Josie Vitagliano
June 30, 2006
My dearest Alan,
I will miss your wonderful smile & your great sense of humor. My heart is broken, You are always on mind & in my heart. No one can replace you. You were special to me. I love you forever. love, Mom
Josie Vitagliano
June 17, 2006
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2006
Linda Hinrichs
June 14, 2006
I had the pleasure of spending many years growing up with Alan and the Vitagliano family. We lived in the same Townhouse complex and attended Highschool together. I have many fond memories of Alan and the many hours we spent just hanging out back then. He was a dear friend to me growing up and a very specail man. He will be missed.
David G. Munn
June 11, 2006
ALAN,YOU WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
A NICER MAN OR A BETTER FRIEND I HAVE NEVER KNOWN! I WILL MISS YOU AND YOUR WAY OF LIFE, CARS WERE ONLY ONE OF YOUR MANY DIFFERENT ABILITY'S A SMARTER MAN I WILL NEVER KNOW! YOUR NOW A TRUE ANGEL
JUST LIKE YOU WERE HERE BUT WITH THE POWER OF GOD MAKING YOU AN EVEN BETTER PERSON.I MISS YOU AND HOPE TO ONE DAY SEE YOU AGAIN, REST IN PEACE YOU HAVE BEEN BLESSED YOU ARE ONE OF A KIND I HOPE YOUR ON TOP OF THE WORLD, GOODBYE MY FRIEND! DAVID G. MUNN.
Tracy Matzen
June 11, 2006
Al was a kind and compassionate man. The type of person that was always willing to help you. I didn't have the opportunity to know him long, but from the time I that I did, I learned he was a genuine human being. The kind of person of which there are never enough of in this world. God bless you Al and thank you for letting us share some time with you.
David G. Munn
June 11, 2006
My best friend Big AL Vitagliano has left this world but has left it
a better place because of him! He was the nicest,smartest,fun to be around person who I am proud to call my very best friend he will be
missed and thought of everyday for the rest of my natural life! A man
like him could NEVER,EVER be forgotten he holds a place in my heart that will keep him alive in spirit for the rest of my life which he has saved many times helping me through grand-mal seizures, I just can not believe he
was taken from us all so soon. He was a giant among men and never did a wrong to anyone he should still be with Lora and still be my
best friend alive and well, life is
just so unfair and Alan had said it
himself we never know how much time
we have on this planet when it's it your time it's your time but please Alan REST IN PEACE, I LOVE YOU MAN AND HOPE I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN THAT WOULD BE THE ONE THING THAT WILL KEEP ME ALIVE KNOWING THAT ONE DAY WE WILL MEET AGAIN BECAUSE I miss you Alan please take
care of yourself and know you are loved by hundreds and missed by everyone!!!!! If there is ANYTHING
I can do to help PLEASE let me know
how, this man desearves the best of
everything and everyone call me if there is ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP
PLEASE IT WOULD BE MY HONOR THANK YOU,David G. Munn. 480-967-4384
Mike Carro
June 10, 2006
I just received this news a few minutes ago. Alan and his brother Dave were my best friends growing up in Tempe. His family was a big part of my life growing up here. Being with them was like being with my own family. We lost touch over the years but this news hit me hard and the feeling of his loss is immeasurable. I know his family is devastated and so my love and thoughts are with them.
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How to support Alan's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
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Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
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What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
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Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
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The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Alan Vitagliano's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
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How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
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