JOSEPH A. VITATERNA

JOSEPH A. VITATERNA

JOSEPH VITATERNA Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jun. 30 to Jul. 1, 2010.
Joseph A. Vitaterna, age 79 of Northbrook, beloved husband of Carole (nee Marturano); loving father of Joseph F. (Martha) Vitaterna, Julie Vitaterna (Ike) Strasser and Amy Vitaterna (Joel) Krisolofsky; dear grandfather of Melanie, Olivia and Angela Vitaterna and Sophia and Sabrina Strasser; loving brother of Jacqueline (Mike) Pietrucha and the late Marilyn Vitaterna; uncle of Dean (Christy) Mento, Christine (John) Wilkinson and Cheryl (Ed) Flett; fond brother-in-law of Sandra (Leonard) Lisowski and Doris Marturano; dear son of the late Joseph and Rachel Vitaterna. 50 year member of American Federation of Musicians, Local 10-208. Visitation Thursday, 4 to 9 p.m. Funeral Friday, 10:15 a.m., from Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd., at Old Orchard Rd., Skokie, to St. Norbert Church 1809 Walters Ave., Northbrook, Mass 11 a.m. Interment All Saints Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 800 Davis St., Suite 400, Evanston, IL 60201 or DePaul University, School of Music, 804 W. Belden Ave., Chicago, IL 60614. Funeral Info (847) 675-1990 or www.donnellanfuneral.com

  

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October 24, 2010

Mary Zolgar posted to the memorial.

October 5, 2010

Josie Falbo posted to the memorial.

July 9, 2010

Meredith Colby posted to the memorial.

Mary Zolgar

October 24, 2010

To the Family of Joe Vito,
I just learned of Joe's passing. My deepest sympathy to the Family. I met Joe through my guitar teacher in the early 70's (Joe R.) The two can now play music again together in heaven. How I remember the two of them kidding and laughing together.
Now our young violinist son plays his treasured Joe Vito and Johnny Frigo CD almost once a week while he practices along with them. I feel like Joe is in the house with us while we listen to his fine piano music. So Joe and his memory is actually passed down to a second generation in our family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Mary (Pastorek) Zolgar
(Southern California, formerly from Chicago)

Josie Falbo

October 5, 2010

I was so saddened to hear of Joe's passing. This world is a little darker without his mischievous smile and sense of humor. A wonderfully intuitive pianist, he always made my performance so easy for me as he knew exactly what I needed to hear. He told such fantastic stories with such a straight face and I always fell for it! A sweet soul; he will be missed. Enjoy "vitaeterna" in heaven my friend.

Meredith Colby

July 9, 2010

I had the pleasure of singing with Joe accompanying me several times. Each time was singular pleasure, both personally and musically. Joe was always warm and easy to be around, with the slightest provocations triggering his wonderful, contagious laugh. Singing with him playing behind me was as easy as sitting in an old armchair. Being in the audience the first time I heard Joe play with Johnny created a memory I will never forget - it was the first time I really understood how joy is carried into the world through music. Joe Vito's life was a gift to the world.

Paul McDermand

July 6, 2010

I learned of Joe's passing earlier today from a fellow named Ivan, a former Chicago stagehand who worked on my dad's (David McDermand) many industrial shows during the 70's and 80's. Joe, along with Johnny Frigo and Dick Boyell, was a favorite of my father's, for his superior musicianship and genuine good nature. Joe and I had a phone conversation a couple of years back while he was visiting Scottsdale; brief, but long enough to capture the essence of his appeal. The many sentiments expressed here describe a remarkable musician, family man and friend; a rare treasure of a human being.

Mark Pedian & Joshua Onassis

July 6, 2010

Aunty Carol and Family. We are both sorry to hear about the passing of Uncle Joe. He was a special person and will be always missed. We send our prayers and blessings to you all.

Lori Lippitz

July 6, 2010

Joe and Johnny were my and my violinist's first introduction to the unique style of music created by their mutual genius. It's not enough to say they played jazz--they cast a spell over their audience. Within half an hour of listening to their music in the low-lit cafe, it seemed as if all ones troubles in the world dissolved into the veil of inspiration and soulfulness that emanated from them. Joe delighted all who knew him, even in informal encounters, and he never forgot who you were and could always spare a smile.

Mary Lynn Saks

July 4, 2010

I first met Joe over 40 years ago on an industrial show in New York. He appeared backstage dressed in his tux, holding an iron and said,“The show has some problems, but don’t worry, we’ll iron them out.”

I worked with Joe many times over the years. His amazing talent was assurance of a quality show. His presence made everything fun. He could make the worst singer sound like a star at an audition and he easily won the respect of any musician he worked with.

Last summer I ran into Joe at the library. He was feeling the effects of his treatment, but was positive as usual. He wanted to make sure I knew what his real last name was and what it meant.

I consider myself fortunate to have known Joe and am very sad he is gone. I offer the family my sincere condolences.

Mary Lynn Saks

Charlene Zimmerman

July 4, 2010

Carole and family, may Joe's passing and all its grief be softened ever so slightly by the fact that so many of us loved him dearly! Your family has been a shining example of love in its simplest and best form! We will miss him deeply! Now Puccini gets to hold him in his arms!
Charlene and Jack Zimmerman

Graham Donley

July 4, 2010

Gee, Joe. We're gonna miss you. Many fond memories of long ago shows and your great sense of humour. Rest in peace.

Graham Donley
Formerly of Audio Visual Techniques and Media Control.

July 4, 2010

Carole and family,

We are so sorry to hear about Joe. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim and Judy Merola

July 4, 2010

Carole and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Joe. You are in our prayers.

Jim and Judy Merola

Gary Swiontek

July 3, 2010

Carole,

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow. It was a pleasure to play with Joe over the years. He also had a personality that was fun and amusing to be around. Of course I also remember those days playing with you in Eddie Vodicka's country band at the Bismark Hotel (Was it the Bismark?)

July 2, 2010

Dear Carole and Family,
Monty & I are SO sorry to hear of Joe's illness and passing. We always enjoyed working with him - a consumate musician and hilarious man! He will remain in our hearts forever. Our thoughts are with you! Phyllis & Monty Adams, Evanston, IL

Pat Brennan

July 2, 2010

Dear Vito family, I met Joe 18 years ago when I joined the Lyric Opera viola section. Joe was playing with us, as he would occasionally do, and our paths would cross in session work. When I found out he was playing with Johnny Frigo, I made time to catch them when I could. He always had a great smile and firm handshake for you as well as a one-liner. He always called me "Lucky" when we saw each other. We both played the Super Bowl squares from the doorman at Lyric. I won two squares that 1st year I met him and he would always say "Hey Lucky, how are ya?" We would always chuckle after that. About 5 years ago I had a close scare with cancer. He saw me sometime after treatment and knew by looking at me that something was different. After giving him the shortened version he leaned in and said "Your still Lucky!"
I'll never forget what a great guy he was.
I'm sorry for your loss, he will be missed.

Pat Brennan

Susan Wagner

July 2, 2010

Dear Vito family,
Joe won my heart when he sat with me for hours recording all the songs for my parents' 50th wedding anniversary. Then, a couple years ago, he was in person with us for their 60th. Joe was such a lovely man. Kind and patient and very talented. I send my sincere sympathies to your family.

Diane Brodson

July 2, 2010

Dear Joe, Martha and the girls,
From reading the many online messages, I know you have wonderful memories to draw upon to help you through this time. I am so sorry for your loss; my heart goes out to you. Much love to you all.

lisa and frank visconti and family

July 2, 2010

CAROLE and Family, we are very sad about the passing of Joe, we will remember the great times our families had together and may god bless you all at this time of sorrow. he will be missed very much.

dan stetzel

July 1, 2010

dear vitaterna family: what a fantastic guy! joe was a true mentor to me. we spent many hours together in the studio and his wit and kindness shall never be forgotten. i am a better person and pianist for having known him. sincerely, dan stetzel

Fran Charlson

July 1, 2010

Dear Carole and Family,
Joe was one in a million. He filled a room with laughter, love and beautiful music. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless.

July 1, 2010

Dear Carole and family
We share in your sorrow and will miss Joe greatly. He was a wonderful person and we loved him and his sense of humor more than we can ever say. Our prayers are with you today and always.
Don & Anita Komorski

Richard Armandi

July 1, 2010

Dear Carole and Family,

I am saddened to my very core with Joe's passing. He was such a brilliant musician and a role model to so many of us in so many ways. I feel blessed to have shared the bandstand with him, and his loss has left a hole in my heart that will not soon be healed.
His is a life we all celebrate, for he brought so much to so many.
May he rest in peace.
Love,

Harold Fethe

July 1, 2010

Dean Carole and family--I will always remember Joe's explanation of how his father and uncle taught him that the joy of living cannot be suppressed by illness, adversity or bad luck, if you don't let it. He epitomized that philosophy, radiated it, and affected so many people with it. Tonight, in Half Moon Bay, CA, I'm using my time onstage for a little memorial, playing his performance of Cuenca Mercado from the CD we did together, and wearing a bowtie in his memory. What a dear, priceless human being, and what a loss.

Stuart Rosenberg

July 1, 2010

Dear Carole & family,

Memories of Joe will bless us all eternally. His warmth, wisdom & wit was a gift to all who knew him; his skill and talent were a gift to all who heard him. He inspired in so many ways and made our lives so much richer.

May you bear your grief in peace, and please know that you are in our thoughts.

Love,
Stuart & Rachel ROsenberg

July 1, 2010

Dear Martha & Joe,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Just want you to know that I am thinking of you and your family during this time. May God bless you and your family. My deepest condolences.
Helen Nader

July 1, 2010

Dear Carole,

My wife and I spent a wonderful 4 days with Joe at a jazz festival in Clearwater, FL in 2004. He was working with Johnny Frigo and I had known both of them for years going back to when I still lived in Chicago. Joe was so much fun to be around and I can still see the twinkle in his eyes, particularly when he was holding court and telling stories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob Dauber - Dallas (Irving) TX

Jimmy & Marilyn Damon

July 1, 2010

A Great Family Man... that shared his LOVE of MUSIC.... Joe's Music will always be with me....... Jimmy Damon

Cindy Edwards

June 30, 2010

Dear Amy,
My deepest sympathy for the loss of your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Love, Cindy
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Dick Sarlo

June 30, 2010

Dear Carole and family,
As you know, I had known Joe for about 40 years. I can still remember the first day we met. He had just gotten out of the Service and came to see me at the Normandy Restaurant, in Chicago. From that day on, we formed a close friendship. You know that because our appearance was similiar, many people used confuse us and call us each other's name. We often laughed about that!

It must be said, that above all else -- he was a polished, devoted, accomplished musician with extraordinary talent on the piano and accordian. Always a perfect gentleman, Joe was liked by everyone who knew him.

Your entire family has our deepest sympathy, and we mourn with you over the loss of this wonderful individual. God Bless You, Joe!
Dick and Gloria Sarlo

June 30, 2010

To Carole and the entire Vitaterna family,
We are greatly saddened by the loss of Joe and his music , He was a part of many of our family events. As great as his talent was, we will remember him as a truly wonderful gracious man. His life is indeed one for joyous celebration. Frank, Jim and Mike Hogan

June 30, 2010

Chicago has indeed lost its color with the passing of Joe Vito. There is NO one who will not miss him. Blessings to Carole and all of the Vitaterna family. What a wonderful experience working with him was. 10 solid weeks!! I am a lucky so and so. - Judi K

Arlene Cohan

June 30, 2010

Dear Joe and Family,
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy on the death of your father. You and your family are in my prayers during this most difficult time.

Sam Abraham

June 30, 2010

Dear Amy,
I am sorry for the loss of your dad. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
God bless,

David Yonan

June 30, 2010

Dear Carole,
It was with great sadness, when I learned of Joe's passing.
As I listen to a live recording we did together in 2006 many wonderful memories come back. I will never forget his brilliant piano playing, his fatherly advice and his warm personality. My sincere condolences go to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sincerely,
David Yonan

Sharon Stine

June 30, 2010

Peace to all who mourn the loss of Joe. He was an incredible musician and a wonderful man. He will be fondly remembered by so many.

Frank & Katie Gattone

June 30, 2010

Please know that you all are in our prayers. Uncle Joe was a wonderful man and a great friend to our family; he will be missed.

Chris Boldt

June 30, 2010

Dear Auntie Carole, Joe, Julie & Amy-
Our family was blessed to have Uncle Joe! What a kind, devoted, talented and FUN man. I can only imagine that our family above has welcomed him home with hugs, laughs, and if I know them a special "drink" of some sort...
We will all miss him very much! God be with you now and always.
All our love,
Chris, Jim, Elyse & Jimmy

June 30, 2010

To the Vitaterna family.

Our deepest condolences.

Koujaian Family

Sue & Ray Perdomo

June 30, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Duane Landini

June 30, 2010

Dear Carole and Family,

I am fortunate to have worked closely with Joe and learned many lessons about music, business and life that I continue to use every day, which I am forever grateful. Joe is my mentor and has contributed to the success that I have been able to achieve along the way.

May God continue to bless Joe and provide you and your family with the strength, peace and patience to be reunited in heaven.

Love,

John Cvejanovich

June 30, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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Donnellan Family Funeral Services

10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077

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Sign JOSEPH VITATERNA's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

October 24, 2010

Mary Zolgar posted to the memorial.

October 5, 2010

Josie Falbo posted to the memorial.

July 9, 2010

Meredith Colby posted to the memorial.