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Joshua Vitale Obituary
Joshua Vitale and Ina Weintraub had been best friends since they were seventh graders in Syosset, on Long Island. Two years ago, when they were 26, Mr. Vitale made a confession as they left the movies. "He said he'd been in love with me for many years and that if he didn't tell me this now he would always regret it," Ms. Weintraub said. "I was so blown away I didn't talk to him for three months."
When the dust settled, the couple's life together quickly fell into place. They got engaged and moved into an apartment in Great Neck, N.Y. Mr. Vitale, who had been a wanderer, a party animal and something of a lost soul for much of his 20's, got a job at Cantor Fitzgerald's trading desk.
"Once we got together it was like we were shooting for the stars," Ms. Weintraub said. "We were so happy."
Two days before Sept. 11, the couple tried to get tickets to the United States Open tennis tournament, without success. "Josh said: 'Forget the Open. Why don't we go to the zoo?' " Ms. Weintraub said. The couple communed with the gorillas at the Bronx Zoo, and then Mr. Vitale, his wandering instincts intact, found a path where they had a picnic together. "There was nothing left unsaid between us," Ms. Weintraub said. "He knew how much I loved him and I will always know how much he loved me."
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Gloria Picorelli
September 10, 2024
Another year has passed, but we all still remember and hold you close in our hearts. I know you are with your Dad. May you both RIP...sending my love.
Lucille Vitale
January 23, 2023
Thinking of you on your birthday.
Lucille Vitale
September 12, 2021
It is hard to believe that it is 20 years I say a prayer for you each night you are never forgotten. I miss and love you. Now dad has joined you and I bet there is much laughter. Aunt Lucille
Scott Stoner
September 12, 2021
Joshua, you are the brightest star in the sky! Always missed, always remembered! Love, Scott and Clara Stoner
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Gloria Picorelli
September 11, 2021
It doesn't get any easier for the family Josh. It's been 20 years and it seems like yesterday...we all miss you and are sending our love. You are together with your Dad again...may you both RIP...love, your cousin Gloria
Lucille Vitale
September 11, 2019
Dearest Joshua I want you to know that you are never forgotten and will always be in our hearts. The family misses and loves you so very much. Sending on Butterfly wings tons of kisses, love, and prayers. Love you forever. Aunt Lucille. xoxo
Gloria Picorelli
September 11, 2019
Tough day for all family and friends...you are and always will be remembered on this 911 day. I know you are watching over your family. RIP Joshua...love, your cousin Gloria
Kindred Family
May 24, 2019
We send our thoughts of sincere condolence to your family. May God continue to give the comfort and help needed to cope. Josh is still missed by others and he will not be forgotten.
Lucille Vitale
January 31, 2019
Lighting a candle in honor of your birthday. Miss and Love you. Aunt Lucille
September 11, 2018
Never forgotten. Keep the sense of humor alive wherever you are.
Heather
September 11, 2018
Thinking of you on this day can't believe it's 17 years Dave and i were just having dinner and noticed that south woods road is now josh vitale road RIP and continue to watch over your family and friends ❤
Gloria Picorelli
September 10, 2018
You are missed, but you are never forgotten...RIP Joshua and keep looking and loving your family from Heaven.
September 11, 2016
You are missed and loved!
Scott and Clara Stoner
John Carrozzella
September 11, 2016
Continue to RIP Josh. I will always remember the great times playing street hockey at Shep Messing.
Lucille Vitale
September 10, 2016
Dear Josh I can't believe it has been 15 years since 9/11 and there isn't a day that I don't think about you. I will say my prayers and light a candle for you tonight.
Gloria Picorelli
September 8, 2016
In memory of Joshua Vitale...you are missed every day...
Gloria Picorelli
September 8, 2016
You will NEVER be forgotten...this day is difficult for your family, but I know you are watching over them...RIP Josh...
Aunt Lucille
January 31, 2016
Happy B'Day Josh just wanted to say I love and miss you.
Love U 4-Ever
Aunt Lucille
September 11, 2015
Dear Josh once again I am lighting a candle and saying you are missed.
Aunt Lucille
Aunt Lucille
January 31, 2015
Happy Birthday Josh I love and miss you very much.
Gloria Picorelli
September 11, 2014
Although we never met, I am your cousin..when I found out about you my heart broke..I have lit a candle for you and you will always be in my heart. May you rest in peace..say Hi to everyone in our family up in Heaven. Love Aunt Gloria ?
Lucille Vitale
September 10, 2014
Dearest Josh, another year another candle plus my prayers. I have a special night stand with Grandma, Christopher and your photo with a candle and I send my love to you all every night. Peace be with you.
Love,
Aunt Lucille
Pete Winther
September 12, 2013
Joshua my friend I was given your name in honor for the 9/11 ride to DC , sure was a great ride brother RIP God Bless and NSE
Aunt Lucille
September 10, 2013
Dear Josh you are in my heart and prayers tonight and always and are truly missed. Love U-4 ever. Aunt Lucille
January 31, 2013
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSH, I LOVE AND MISS YOU. My prayers go out to you. Love Aunt Lucille.
September 10, 2012
At mid-nite here in Oregon I will light a candle and keep it burning and send my prayers to you and all my love as you are missed everyday. LoveU-4Ever Aunt Lucille.
scott orlowsky
September 17, 2011
jv all i can say is you are missed by so many. i think if it wasn't for you being in every class we me our senior year. i wouldn't have made it. ill never forget the bball games at syosset community park. or the times we skipped school to just hang out. josh as pink floyd says " wish you were here "
to keep you're memory alive i tattood your initials on my leg. peace my brother !
Scott Orlowsky
September 17, 2011
JV all I can say is you are missed by so many. I think if it wasn't for you being in every class w me our senior year. I wouldn't have made it. Ill never forget the bball games at Syosset community park. Or the times we skipped school to just hang out. Josh as pink floyd says " wish you were here "
To keep you're memory alive I tattood your initials on my leg. Peace my brother !
Amy L
September 11, 2011
Not too long ago, I reconnected with some University of Northern Colorado friends. Some of us started tracking down more of our friends. That is when I found out about you Josh. As another posted, we too partied like rock stars. I guess there was not much more to do in Greeley. I have found many pictures of all of us partying and some crazy Halloween parties. I just want to let your family know that you were a great friend to have back in college. Your family and friends will always be in my thought and prayers.
Amy L
September 11, 2011
THINKING OF U!!
Lucille Vitale
September 11, 2011
Oh Josh you are truly missed here in the Northwest, I often go thru the photo album of when you were little you had a joyful, playful personality. You are now in heaven with all of our loved one and I know you are keeping them smiling. God Bless and keep you in his arms with all the angels singing. Love U 4-Ever, Aunt Lucille.
Billy V
September 11, 2011
I remember when U,Scott W and I drove back from Albany University in a blizzard while the super bowl was playing on the radio. U are missed and never will be forgotten. God Bless U Josh!
j Callahan
September 10, 2011
Josh,,All I have to say is I miss your funny sarcastic comments,,and as funny as you were,,YOU were just as caring,,,Thinkin' about you lots!!!! "Callahan" xoxo
Spencer Giesea
September 5, 2011
Thinking of you Josh.
10 Years have gone by fast.
Josh was a house-mate at University of Northern Colorado.
Went on many road trips together and partied liked rock stars.
Even joined Josh on a road-trips to and from NY to CO.
After College, I bumped into Josh at the WTC in '99. We connected and had a few drinks.
Your a good man. And thoughts are with you and your family.
Peace
Arthur L
September 11, 2010
Watching the service and waiting for someone to read your name, as I do every year. You and Mike L. always jump in my head, and I think back to those great years downtown all the time. Much love and respect to all your friends and family.
Joe R
September 10, 2010
Thinking of you buddy. Never forget. Never...forget
Jason Weissman
September 11, 2009
Josh,
I remember being your partner for that shite presentation we worked on together in Drama class at Hofstra. Neither of us knew what we were talking about, but your enthusiasm got us through it!
My thoughts are always with you buddy.
Best,
Jason Weissman
Hofstra 99'
Dina Ragonese
September 11, 2009
Thinking of you, it doesn't get easier as time goes on, just different...
September 9, 2009
Josh- I never met you but I have become close with your Dariella. You are in her life every day. I know that you know this 'cause you always leave her signs. I hope you are resting in peace and I promise you that I will do everything I can to love and protect her. She will never be the same since your passing and she deserves to have the love that she had with you. I hope you approve. I love her. --- Joe
Doug Abraham
January 30, 2009
Happy Birthday!!!
jenn callahan
June 29, 2008
god Bless,,and I am sure you are the same in heaven as you wre at home,,,Enjoy!!!! love jenn
Doug Abraham
January 30, 2008
Happy Birthday!!!
Dave O
September 11, 2007
Your memory and spirit lives on in many of us Josh. Remembering the good days of Syosset...
RIP Bro!
P Tabbernor
April 12, 2007
In remembrance....
Stumpf
September 11, 2003
Josh and I go way back to our childhood years growing up playing hockey, going to school, even having our Bar Mitzvahs together, an unforgettable event that sure was. I ran into Josh at the WTC shortly after he started working there. I had not seen or spoken to him in quite a while, but we always seemed to run into each other eventually over the years. After that first time seeing Josh, I always seemed to run into him constantly from that day on. Pretty remarkable considering he was 1 person amongst 80,000+ working in the complex. A week before 9/11 I saw Josh running through WTC-5 during the day. I was unable to get his attention, but I figured I would just get him the next time since I saw him so often. I was somehow lucky not to be there that day. I constantly think about that week before, when I saw Josh. I cherish all the great memories of growing up with Josh, a kid who was a funny rowdy boy who sure mellowed out as he got older and was just a genuine great guy. The world has lost a good man, we all miss ya Josh. Best wishes to your family from mine.
JD
September 11, 2003
Growing up we shared a common bond our love for the game of hockey and a passion for the NY Islanders. The countless days we played together after school, our summers at IHC, and the infinite number teams we were apart of, are all fond memories that I hold on to. Today when I step on a rink there isn’t a game that goes by that I think about you with your initials etched on the back of my helmet your right there with me every shift of every game. I miss my teammate, my centerman, and my friend.
sarah
September 11, 2002
dear vitale family: i had never had the chance to know joshua. in fact, i had never even heard of him before today. during a prayer service at our school, we were each given a card with a name of one of the victums of 9/11 on it and were told to pray for them. joshua's name was on mine. he will be in my prayers always and forever.
Roseannn Fornito
June 6, 2002
To the Vitale Family, I did not know Josh but his last name is the same as my sisters married name and it home. May God Bless Josh's Family and his girlfriend Ina and may he give them strength everyday to carry Josh's memory.
June 3, 2002
A light that burns twice as bright burns half as long...
May 20, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...JOSHUA S.VITALE AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS LOVING FAMILY...GOD BLESS INA AND HIS MANY FRIENDS..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK...MAY JESUS AND ALL HIS SAINTS GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN...AMEN
Anthony Arato
March 11, 2002
My heart felt prayers go out to the Vitale family. I was fortunate to know Josh growing up and I knew him as a very wonderful human being... I only wish his family peace and I will pray for all of you.
Rest in Peace...
May God bless you
MONIQUE PAPON
February 18, 2002
JOSHUA IN AUGUST 30 LAST YEAR AFTER 8 YEARS I SAW YOU FOR THE FIRST TIME YOU LOOK SO HAPPY. I WILL REMEMBER YOU FOREVER. YOU WILL BE LOVE FOREVER AND MISSED.
"YOU ARE OUR GARDIAN ANGEL"
MONIQUE PAPON (NEW YORK NY)
FEBRUARY18,2002
Gary Stern
February 1, 2002
I never met Josh, nor Ina. Frankly, I had not heard of Josh untial the day after the tragedy. I then learned that I has a cousin, once removed who worked for Cantor-Fitzgerald, and was now lost. Yet months later, I cannot think of September 11 without thinking about the cousin I never had a chance to meet, or of his fiancee and her indescibable loss. I tend to grieve for my uncle, Josh's grandfather, because I know him, and how much this tragedy has hurt him. From his pain, I know I will suffer for not having known my cousin.
Dawn Strain
January 30, 2002
Some people come into our lives
and quickly go,
Some people stay for a while,
Leaving footprints on our
hearts and souls,
And we are never ever the same
Josh, Thankyou for those footprints that you have left on so many...
January 30, 2002
Happy Birthday Josh.
If tears could build a stairway, and memories a lane,
I'd walk right up to Heaven,
and bring you home again.
JILL GOLDSTEIN
January 23, 2002
I RECENTLY GOT TO SPEND SOME QUALITY TIME WITH JOSH AND LEARNED WHAT A WONDERFUL LOVING PERSON HE WAS AND HOW MUCH HE LIVED FOR INA. I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. mAY HE REST IN PIECE
Ilene Sharinn
January 18, 2002
This poem was written years ago by a dear friend of mine. I don't believe to this day she even knows that I had made a copy of it. This dear friend of mine has been deeply affected by this tragedy, not only because of what happened on Sept.11, but because she knew and loved Josh as well. It's never easy to lose somebody, especially when there are no answers. I never knew why I saved this poem all these years, but now I know. This one's for you Josh!
I feel like I'm being pulled down, my silence is broken by the roaring thunder. My flowers can't live without any rain, it's hard to be happy surrounded by pain. The grass isn't green, just a light shade of tan, I try to survive, I do what i can. My days aren't bright, I can't see the sun, I wonder if anyone sees whats going on. My nights don't dance with the light of the moon,my life is empty, I hope this madness ends soon.
Josh, you are well respected and much loved, you will be sorely missed. I look forward to our lunches when we meet again.
To Josh's friends and family you have my deepest sympathy.
Cheryl Francis
January 17, 2002
Josh and I never met, but the amazing stories will stand out in my mind forever. He meant so much to a very special person in my life. For that he will not only be apart of her heart, but mine as well. We refer to him as our "Angel". We feel safe knowing he is around and blessed to know he is watching over those who meant so much to him. As far as I am concerned, with what I've heard about him, it's so many people. You will be loved and missed, but never forgotten!
A Friend
January 14, 2002
Josh was one of the kindest people I've known. I will miss him tremendously. There is not a day that goes by that I don't remember him in some way. My heart breaks for his family and for Ina. He was a wonderful person that I feel blessed to have known.
Keith London
January 2, 2002
Josh and I were cut from similar cloth, and our lives frequently ran on parallel tracks. Our mothers are childhood friends, and I easily recall the stories of how our moms got remarried, how we "borrowed" our stepfathers' luxury cars, and how we skirted convention. I'll always be thankful to him for letting me know that I wasn't alone in my search for a way through days that could be tough on a kid with an independant mom who was trying to find her way too. From a tumultuous life, I hope you've found peace. I'm still looking here for us... k
Frank Sorano
December 31, 2001
I attended high school with Josh and Ina and graduated with them in 1991. I was so sorry to hear about the loss of Josh and the loss that Ina must feel. My family and I wish to send our condolences with all of our hearts. The loss of Josh and of all the victims of Sept. 11 will remain with us for eternity. As you go through life you seldom think of people that you once knew until it is to late. To the Vitales we mourn your loss. To my classmate Ina, we are truly sorry and you are in our prayers.
God bless America.
Teresa Jahn
December 5, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
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