1973
2017
John "Johnny" R. Vitale
MINONK - John R. "Johnny" Vitale, 43, of Minonk passed away at 11:54 p.m. on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at OSF St. James Hospital in Pontiac, IL.
He was born on October 23, 1973, in Mesa, AZ, to John D. and Roberta "Bertie" Stuart Vitale. He first married Allyson McCollum, and later married Shannon Halloran on September 29, 2012, in Wenona, IL. She survives.
Also surviving are his son, Brodi Vitale of Atlanta, IL; step-daughter, Hailey Higbie of Minonk; mother, Bertie Soeder (Bob Bielby) of Lake Wildwood, IL; father, John Vitale of Dana, IL; 3 sisters, Jennifer (Daryl) Rinaldo and Renee (Bill) Baum, both of Varna, IL, and Robin (Beau) Hawkins of East Peoria, IL; grandparents, John (Micky) Vitale of Peru, IL, and Ollie Stuart of LaSalle, IL; and several nieces and nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his step-father, Wayne Soeder in 2005; two nieces, Katelyn and Ruby; and his grandfather, Robert Stuart in 1993.
Johnny worked as the body work man for several area auto shops. He was currently working for Uftring Automotive in Minonk. He did his apprenticeship at Heller Ford in El Paso and went on to work for Sons of Color in Wenona and Minonk Autobody. He had a passion for cars and was one of the best known autobody guys in the business.
Johnny was a jokester and always liked to have fun. He enjoyed camping and racing. He touched the lives of many and will be missed.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, 2017, at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Minonk. There will be no formal service. Cremation rites will be accorded.
Memorials may be made to his family.
Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home - Minonk.
6 Entries
Worked with John, didn't know him real well but considered him a friend.
Type of person that would drop things to help you out .
Tad Bonham
July 30, 2017
Great guy. Good times in JR high. My thoughts are with the family.
July 10, 2017
Rest in Peace John, you will be missed.
Rich & Ronda Hodge
July 10, 2017
My deepest sympathies to the entire family. You are so loved and will be missed by all those lives that you have touched.
June Virgo
July 7, 2017
Brian McCumber & Paula Butler
Friend
July 7, 2017
Lynn Elliott
Family
July 6, 2017
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4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home - Minonk775 North Chestnut Street, Minonk, IL 61760
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Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home - Minonk775 North Chestnut Street, Minonk, IL 61760
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