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Joseph Vitale Obituary

Vitale, Joseph John Sunday May 2, 2010. Beloved husband of Carole A. Vitale (Hoehn); father of Terri and Dean and the late Joseph G. Vitale; dearest son of the late John J. and Fara M. (Sharamitaro) Vitale; brother of Mary Ann Phillips (Robert), John L.(Trudie) and Rosetta McLean (George). He was the uncle, cousin, brother-in-law and friend to too many to mention. Joe had a long and storied life including 28 years as a high school teacher/coach at St. Louis University H S. DuBourg, Marquette Catholic, as well as St. Paul The Apostle grade school. His coaching career included football, basketball, baseball, wrestling and track including over 1,500 competitions. Served on many boards, including: St. Norbert's school and president of Metro Collegiate Instructional Baseball League. He taught courses in economics, accounting, physiology, government, American history, psychology and physical ed. For the past 27 years, he has been a certified financial planner serving several hundred clients. He attended Normandy High, St. Louis University, Washington U., University of Missouri-Columbia & St. Louis and Fontbonne University receiving a B S in Commerce, and a Masters Degree. Served in the U S Air Force. Services: Visitation 2-9 p.m. Thurs., May 6, then procession from HUTCHENS MORTUARY, 675 Graham Rd. Florissant at 8:45 a.m. Friday, May 7 to Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Ferguson, 17 Hawkesbury Dr. & Florissant Road. 63121, for 9:30 am Mass. Interment at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery with military honorguard service. Donations to charities of your choice, but JOE & CAROLE prefer the Heart Association and the APA of Missouri. www.hutchensmortuary.com

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Published by St. Louis Post-Dispatch on May 5, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Vitale

Sponsored by Dean Vincent Vitale.

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Rosetta McLean

February 27, 2021

I miss you Joe I have many great memories including your kindness, caring nature, and the love you showed for your family friends and people close to you. You were not only kind, loving and so intelligent but always there when needed. I miss you.

Thomas Leigh

February 26, 2021

Thanks, Joe for taking me under your wing when I was a Freshman of 6' and about 120 lbs. You worked with me when no one else would too. I never really "got game" but I finally got to play some. Sorry my message is so late. Eternal time is yours, now.

Rosetta McLean

April 29, 2019

We Miss you so much Joe. I miss your voice and the phone calls with you singing and your silly jokes. A lot of years have past and I think of you so often. I love you Joe.

Jessica Harrison

May 12, 2010

Joe was my great uncle and although it's been years since I've seen him, I will miss him dearly. He was a GREAT man and had the best stories. My thoughts and prayers to Carole and family. I'm so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by all that knew him. Much love to you all.

Heather Robinett

May 10, 2010

Carole,
We were fortunate to move across the street from you and Joe in 2004. I'll never forget the first time Joe came over as we were working on the porch. Most people make small talk... Joe SANG A SONG at the top of his lungs with hand gestures galore!! Talk about your first impressions!!

In just a few short years he made a very large impact on all of us. I wouldn't trade a minute of it.

I imagine Joe introduced himself to everyone in Heaven with a theatrical song, while everyone laughed and scratched their halos in a bit of bewilderment! :-)

Sue Overkamp

May 8, 2010

Joe, you never coached me or taught me formally, but you always made me laugh. I cherish the memories of our meetings at our kitchen table, your excellent advice, and your hilarious good humor.

Bo3b Overkamp

May 8, 2010

Joe was absolutely a guy who repeatedly made a difference for the better. His enthusiasm for whatever was his current top idea was wonderful. A fine coach, a fine athlete, a good friend and colleague, a champion of generosity.
Judith Merril wrote of someone else, "such friends I have cherished as People I Can Really Argue With: cogent thinkers with views that are thoughtfully different from mine; tough talkers who can't be easily bamboozled; friends who might conceivably convince me or be convinced, but will in any case still be friends at the end." That is how I remember Joe.

Dean Vitale

May 8, 2010

You are my Hero Dad and I Love you Always!....and you are right " Life is a series of Adjustment...It's how we handle these adjustment which strengthen us" See you soon because life is a blink!

Jim Schwegel

May 7, 2010

Joe was a great coach and teacher. He and coach Holtman were such positive influences to so many of us in the MHS class of 60. May he rest in peace.

Bob

May 7, 2010

Joe was my 1st coach and a great guy and lifetime friend. He did make a difference in this world

Gail Scyoc

May 6, 2010

Carole,
Joe will always be remembered for his warmth and humor.Tom always enjoyed him as a teacher, coach and friend. He will be missed. God bless you.
Gail Scyoc

Jane Guenther

May 6, 2010

Carol,

From all the Calacci children, Joe was so dear to our father Dominic and our mother RoseLee we send our deepest sympathy. Jane, Tom, David and Dan

Betty Bealler

May 6, 2010

My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Vitale and family. I was fortunate to have met Joe during a financial planning meeting at my employer. I loved Joe's genuine interest and concern, but mainly his stories! He always greeted you with his smile..followed by a story. He is truly one-of-a-kind and will sorely be missed by all those whose lives he touched. Now he will be telling his stories to everyone in heaven!
God's Blessings to you and your family during this difficult time.
I live out-of-town and am unable to attend the services but will pay my respect to him the next time I am visiting the cemetery.

Tom Kasten

May 6, 2010

Thanks Coach. You gave me a chance to play back in 1961 at Marquette when no one else would. I will always remember you. You were a great inspiration to me and I am forever grateful. Rest in Peace.

May 6, 2010

Carol,

Jennifer and I want to express to you how sorry we are about the passing of Joe. I am sure that he has already made a splash in heaven. He was such a great mentor for me as I began my coaching career and eventually school administration. I cherish those days that we watched the Country Day basketball tournament together. I know that his life impacted many thousands of individuals and his legacy and the rememberances of Joe will always last in the hearts of so many. He made a difference in this world!!!

John & Jennifer Waters

MaryJane Wiss

May 5, 2010

Our deepest sympathy from Joe and MaryJane Wiss, Sharamitaro cousins of the Vitale Family (Peno Sharamitaro's daughter)....we are out of town and will not be able to attend the services but want to send our prayers and love to the entire family. God bless your family during this sad time.
Sincerely, Joe and MaryJane

John Walsh

May 5, 2010

Coach Vitale was a man of passion and integrity, whether in the classroom or on the field/court of athletic competition. His preparation for his teaching and coaching duties was unparalled. Few teachers and coaches can match his dedication to his students. He taught us, and I often share with others, that "the longer the march, the greater the victory!".
Indeed, the march is over now, Coach, so enjoy the spoils of victory

Judy Bollinger

May 5, 2010

A great man, a great friend, a generous humanitarian....one of a kind. He had a wonderful life and will be missed. I feel so blessed to have known Joe. We had many talks about sports and life in general. My deepest sympathy to Carole, Joe's children, his family and many, many friends.

Jack Lynch

May 5, 2010

On almost my first day at SLUH Mr. Vitale came up to me in the lunch line. He said, "You need to wrestle son." There I stood, all 92 pounds, thinking this man is crazy. I did try wrestling freshman year but it wasn't for me. As a senior, I had Mr. Vitale for physiology. I really enjoyed that course and having him as a teacher.

I will keep the family in my prayers.

Thomas Meyer

May 5, 2010

To a man who passionately pursued truth, when it would have been so easy to puruse the convenience of compromise. Rest in Peace.

May 5, 2010

DEAR VITALE FAMILY,
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JOE, WE LIVED IN PINE LAWN AND MY BROTHER,TOM AND I GRADUATED WITH JOE AT NORMANDY HE WAS THE NICEST GUY AND I NEVER SAW HIM WITHOUT A SMILE.
SINCERELY,
JEAN (WELZ) UMHOEFER

Joseph Jarvis

May 5, 2010

To the family of Joe, Another great man has moved on to the promised land. I grew up in the Normany area and knew the Vitale family well, Joe and I and others played football after school up at the old Normandy Jr.High field and had Steakbugers and fries in Pine Lawn together. You could always get Joe to sing the Normandy school song, just tell him you went there too. He was a kind and gentle spirit he shall be missed but always with a smile for the great Memories he was a part of. Thank you for the smiles Joe.

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