Joseph A. Vitaterna

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...

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.

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...

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...

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.

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...

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...

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

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.