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Katie-Fenton Viccellio Obituary

Katie-Fenton Viccellio NORFOLK - Katie-Fenton Viccellio, the daughter of Kathleen and David Viccellio and the sister of Megan-Brady Viccellio, died Nov. 14, 2010. After a long struggle with mental illness, she took her own life. She was 29. She fought hard, and often privately. Nonetheless, she will be remembered by her friends and family for her sense of humor and generous spirit. Katie graduated from Maury High School in 1999, and University of Virginia in 2002. She majored in English. She was a gifted writer and published poet. Her articles have been published by The Virginian-Pilot, the Downtowner, and the Compass. She was a member of Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. She attended St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Norfolk, and led the Episcopal Youth Community there for several years. As a UVA alumna, she was a fan of the Cavaliers, and had season tickets for many years. She held a commercial real estate appraisal license, and away from work, she had a blue belt in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and a first degree black belt in Karate. She was a talented athlete. She completed triathlons, and was an occasional personal trainer for her friends and family. In addition to her parents and sister, Katie is survived by 10 cousins, three uncles, two aunts, and many friends. The family will hold a memorial service to commemorate Kate's life at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 1004 Graydon Ave. in Norfolk. A reception will follow at the White Hall at St. Andrews. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to I Need a Lighthouse Inc., 2600 Barrett Ave., Virginia Beach, VA 23452. Condolences can be made at www.altmeyer.com.

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Published by The Virginian-Pilot on Nov. 18, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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November 23, 2010

How brave you are to bring Katie's illness to the attention of the puplic. My daughter who was a good friend to Katie has had to deal with my own mental illness for many years. This has been particularly hard for her. I am so sorry for your loss and hope you will soon begin to remember the good times. Also remember there are many of us out here fighting the same battle. You are in our thoughts and prayers. This too shall pass.

Jenn Abrams

November 22, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss, and commend you on your candidness in being open about Katie's struggles with mental illness. Our world needs more honesty like that to help reduce stigma for so many other young lives fighting daily.
-Jenn

Randolph Herring

November 22, 2010

I did not know Katie, but I lost a son also 29,on November 10, 2009. He had struggled with his particular mental disease for 10 years. During the past year I have written his story. It is still in manuscript form and may never be published, but I would like to share it with David and Kathleen if they should be so inclined.

November 22, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you face this transitional time in your life. May God grant you strength to carry on and may Katie's soul rest in peace. The Pearne family

Ron Witcher

November 22, 2010

Kathleen ; David and Family

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your extended family during this time.
May you continue celebrate her life.

Ron and Susan Witcher
Richmond,VA

November 22, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. We will be thinking of you.
Tiffany Smith Cooper

November 21, 2010

Megan, Mr. and Mrs. Viccellio,
We are so very sorry for your loss of Katie. I'm sure our Mandy knew her because they had so much in common at Maury, Karate, and UVA. I remember that you, Megan, were good friends with Mandy.

We want you to know you are all in our thoughts and in our hearts as you morn for Katie.

Mandy's Mom and Dad
Peg and Bill Schmidt

Anne Abraham

November 19, 2010

One of my first memories of this precious girl was when Katie was standing in line in front of me with her Mom at the post office. I was so impressed with the mature and loving relationship that she semed to have with her Mother.
My boys and I are keeping you close in our thoughts and prayers, and feel so blessed to have known such an incredible gifted girl.

Anne Chisman Abraham
Chip, Tom and Wythe Hogge's Mom

November 19, 2010

I only knew Katie a short time, but I knew she had a great personality and she was so funny too! I just learned about this tragedy today when I went to Kat's house and was shocked to be told that she is gone. I hope the family knows that she is in a beautiful peaceful place, and we will see her again one day.
Kathy Hogan

Linda Wilson

November 19, 2010

I fondly remember Katie and Megan as children when I used to babysit. They always got a real kick out of me telling them the story of the white wolf that came over the hill when I was little and lived in Danville. They wanted to hear it over and over again, and each time I added a little bit to it. Katie was such a sweet little girl and my heart goes out to Kathy and David.

Kathy and Gary Snider

November 19, 2010

We will always remember this uniquely beautiful and gifted young lady. As we received this news, just this morning, ours minds journeyed back to her early childhood... playing along side Megan and Allison. What great fun we all had as we took our adventures around Norfolk or just played together (Moms, too!) at one house or the other. We will remember always her precious smile and those remarkable sparkling eyes and lashes!!... until we see her again and we will!
Our hearts go out to Kat, David and Megan. We love you guys, our forever friends!

November 19, 2010

...Katie made me laugh when she had a goal scored(her first)on her at about one half a mile per DAY. We trust the family will get through the pain and remember the good times. Much love to the Viccellios...Chip Rogers and family...

Sara Bradshaw

November 19, 2010

Katie was one of the most special people I have had the pleasure of knowing. All my favorite college memories involve Katie and her well-developed sense of humor. She will be dearly missed.

November 19, 2010

Katie was such a beautiful person inside and out. She gave me encouragement when I needed it most, always brought a smile to my face and helped me make sense of things when I couldn't quite get a grasp. I will miss her dearly but find comfort that I will see her once again in a better place.

When I pray, you answer me and encourage me by giving me the strength I need. Psalm 138: 3

~Katie Ellis

Jeremy Beck

November 19, 2010

Katie was nothing short of wonderful. I feel lucky to have known her. She will be terribly missed. My deepest sympathies to the Viccellio family.

November 18, 2010

Katie will be missed by all who knew her. I will remember her as a happy and spirited young lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family.

Jeff Jones

November 18, 2010

Im shocked to hear the news about Katie. I will always look back at the holiday dinners at the Viccellio's with wonderful memories. My deepest condolences go out to Mr. and Mrs. Viccellio, Megan, and the entire Viccellio family.

November 18, 2010

God will strengthen you with his own great power so that you will not give up when troubles come, but you will be patient. Col 1:11

Elizabeth Mattern

November 18, 2010

"Although I didn't know Katie personally, I can see that she had a beautiful smile that was contagious and that she brought a great deal of joy to many peoples lives. Katies parents are wonderful people who have always been supportive of my son and Kats always made me see the best in him, and I thank you. God Bless."

Kelly Ambrester

November 18, 2010

Katie was always one to make me smile and laugh ....she could brighten up a room with her presence. She will be missed by many. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Todd Hageman

November 18, 2010

Katie was a wonderful,energetic, and kind person.She could light up a room with her smile or her unique karaoke style. She will be missed by myself and the rest of the NKA family.

November 18, 2010

My heart aches for Kat,David and Megan. Katie was so special. Thoughts come to mind of Mrs. Hackney's ballet recitals and Katie wearing a little white tutu. Lovingly, Anne Stanfield

Gregory Magier

November 18, 2010

I grew up with Katie on Fairwater Drive, and I always admired her wit and unique beauty. Although we did not talk often, she was a part of what I believe was a beautiful neighborhood, and I have only positive memories of her to this day. To her, I bid a sad farewell too soon. To her family, that I know to be wonderful, caring, and benevolent, I leave the words of Dumas: May your bitter recollections have time to change themselves into sweet remembrances.

Sarah Robotham

November 18, 2010

After I got the news I was on my bed and grabbed the small teddy bear that gives me comfort on many sad occasions. I suddenly remembered that the bear was a caritas present from Katie at my final Happening. She always had the ability to make everyone feel that they were one of her closest friends.

My hear goes out to you during this time.

Manuel Collazo

November 18, 2010

I didn't have to know her, to know exactly what she was going through...

Brenda Singletary

November 18, 2010

Katie was always a bright star at Maury and brightened so many faculty members. She is in a better world, but will be so missed. My heart is with you.

Lisa Beckman

November 18, 2010

Katie V. was a dear person-- always the lovely smile and "hello" to me when she came to pick up my Darby with Henley and the rest of the high school girls; as well as every time after. When she came in my home she was always the one who made sure to talk to "the mom" and to thank me for having her in my home. She was ALWAYS a pleasure and remained so over the years. A just a few weeks ago she was the same darling young woman at Janel's birthday. I always knew that my Darby was lucky to have such a smart, sweet friend. I feel her family and friends' great loss and I know she won't be replaced; but I also am sure Katie wouldn't want anyone to despair. She was always a courageous young woman and I am proud my family had her light shared into our lives. My sincerest condolences to her family.

Andy and Lindsay Stephenson

November 18, 2010

I became close with Katie at Camp Chanco. She had the most beautiful smile and she could make you laugh with the best of them. I enjoyed her company and my husband and I will miss her very much. God bless.

Lisa Suhay

November 18, 2010

She was, and is, a beautiful soul. The way in which she left us should never be remembered so much, as what she left us. I promise to adopt the volunteer spirit she brought here and left behind for us to tend. Thank you for bringing her into the world and helping her remain as long as she was able.

Tracey Trimyer

November 18, 2010

My heart breaks for you. I am so sorry.

Meredith Miller Saunders

November 18, 2010

Katie's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers...

Gabe Baesen

November 18, 2010

It was always a pleasure to have Katie and all her wonderful friends come visit us at the Taphouse. She wore a beautiful smile that was contagious to all that were lucky enough to be in the same room.
Please accept the most sincere condolences for your loss. Will always keep the warmest and happiest thoughts of her.

Scott Leveque

November 18, 2010

So soory for your loss

Henly Ervin-Schmitt

November 18, 2010

Katie was one of my favorite people in the world! Great taste in books, music, lectures, and NPR shows (we both loved and discussed This American Life and the Splendid Table way too much). Her goofy sarcasm was a particularly unique trait. Super imagination too….I will really miss the dreamy conversations about our extremely fancy futures. Little did Oprah know, we were planning to attend her show with Katie’s homemade splenda bon bons as a special gift for the O icon. Katie was one of a kind! May her memory live on in stories and conversation amongst friends and family for years to come!

Friends of the Family - Batemans

November 18, 2010

So sorry for your loss.

JOHN & CATHY MOSS

November 18, 2010

MAY HAPPY MEMORIES CARRY YOU THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME

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