Lawrence Vitatoe

Vitatoe, Lawrence "Larry"

Lawrence "Larry" Vitatoe age 84 of Hamilton, Ohio passed away on Wednesday September 18, 2024 at Fort Hamilton Hospital. He was born in Hamilton on October 14, 1939, the son of James Ollie and Ethel (Burton) Vitatoe. Larry graduated from Hamilton High School. He attended University of Cincinnati, was a U.S. Army Veteran and completed Officer Candidate School. Larry married Pat Beckman on December 22, 1961. In his military career, Larry was an officer leading various divisions of the little-known Nike Nuclear Missile Program. His positions included Commander of guided Missile Integrated Fire Control (IFC) Area and base commander in West Haven, Connecticut. He retired as Director of General Operations at Lebanon Correctional Institution. Upon retirement, Larry built a stunning brick home on 45 acres for himself and Pat. He loved adventure, traveling and taking the road less traveled. Larry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pat; his two children, David (Lee Anne) Vitatoe, Virginia Beach, VA, and Susan (Kirk) Andersen, Johnston, IA; four grandchildren, Nico and Luca Vitatoe, Virginia Beach, VA, Shelby Andersen, Aurora, CO, and David Andersen, Johnston, IA; and sister, Sandy (Frank) Vitale, Hamilton. He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ronald Vitatoe and William (Debbie) Vitatoe, and his sister-in-law Debbie. There will be a visitation and memorial service announced at a later date. Online condolences are available at www.weigelfuneralhome.com.