Edward T. Vitus

1953 - 2021

Edward T. Vitus, 67, passed away peacefully at Ellis Hospital on Monday morning February 8, 2021 after being stricken on Saturday. Sadly, due to covid restrictions, only one sibling was able to be at his side when he passed. Ed was born in Amsterdam on July 13, 1953 as the middle child to the late Joseph and Bernice Alisauski Vitus. He graduated from Truax Elementary School, Wilbur H. Lynch High School, SUNY-Cobleskill, and Marist College. Ed did not let his physical limitations stop him from enjoying life. An avid gardener, Ed spent countless hours creating beautiful gardens, which were the envy of his black-thumbed relatives. When not gardening, Ed enjoyed drawing pictures, writing poems, and connecting with friends via Facebook. An independent person, Ed was fortunate to be able to drive his van and enjoyed tooling around by himself. A big thrill for him was flying to Denver to attend his godson's wedding in 2018. Survivors include two sisters, Joyce (John) Gavel of Galway and Lynn Vitus of Scotia; six brothers, Bradley, Kenneth, Donald (Cindy), Douglas (Donna), James, Joseph (Janet) ,all of the Amsterdam area; seven nieces/nephews, John Edward "Jed" (Jessica) Gavel, Nicole (Kristian) Gallego, Joseph Vitus, Robert (Heather) Vitus, Jessica (Jon) Marotta, Kimberly Vitus Kurtzner, and Michael (Debbie) Vitus; and several grandnieces and grandnephews. Two babies born during this past year are Stella Bea Gallego and John "Jack" Robert Gavel. Ed was not able to meet them in person, but he enjoyed them via Facetime and pictures. Ed is also survived by several cousins on both branches of his family. In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by his nephew Donald "DJ" Vitus this past December. Funeral services will be private. Burial will be in St. Casmir's Cemetery. The family requests that no flowers be sent. Contributions to Ed's memory may be made to the American Public Gardens Association (https://www.publicgardens.org) or to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are by the Amsterdam Funeral Chapel, 13 Belmont Place, Amsterdam, NY.