Barbara Vitello

Barbara Anne Vitello (née Gifford), 93, passed away peacefully on September 8, 2025, surrounded by family, in Winter Haven, Florida. A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Barbara lived a life marked by faith, hospitality, and unwavering love for her family and community.

Born on April 30, 1932, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Barbara was raised and educated in Wilmington, Delaware. She graduated from Pierre S. DuPont High School in 1949. Feeling a deep spiritual calling as a young woman, she pursued Christian ministry studies at Eastern Bible Institute (now the University of Valley Forge), graduating in 1953. It was there that she met her future husband, Joseph L. Vitello, with whom she would share a lifetime of ministry and service.

Barbara's belief in Christ was the cornerstone of her life. From her teenage years onward, she lived out her faith with sincerity and consistency. Together with Joseph, she served in Evangelistic Ministry throughout the northeastern United States and Florida; in Pastoral Ministry in Jamestown, New York; Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia; Huntington Station and Hempstead, New York; and supported Joseph in Teaching Ministry across the globe-including The Italian Bible Institute of Rome, Commonwealth Bible College (now Alphacrucis Bible College) in Parramatta, Australia; Long Island Bible Institute in Oyster Bay, New York; and Continental Theological Seminary in Brussels, Belgium. Barbara taught classes on working with children at the college as well as religious education classes in Australian local schools. Both Barbara and Joseph had beautiful singing voices, and recorded a record in English and Italian to meet a need in the Italian Christian community. Their work with the Assemblies of God Division of World Missions took them to Italy, Australia, and Belgium.

Barbara's commitment to ministry was matched by her dedication to creating a loving home wherever they lived. She had a gift for transforming each house into a warm haven filled with beauty and comfort. A student of interior design who took courses in sewing and upholstery and refinished furniture, Barbara had an eye for artisan-crafted pieces that reflected the culture and spirit of each place they visited, reinforcing those memories in each home. When traveling with her family, she researched destinations to ensure they visited places rich in history or natural beauty. Her thoughtful planning turned family trips into meaningful experiences that left lasting impressions on her children and greatly enriched their education. She was also known for her gracious hospitality, welcoming guests with warmth and generosity, and especially for her baked goods. Her blueberry muffins, sticky buns, and apple pies were legendary among those who had the pleasure of sitting at her table. Always served with tea or coffee, these treats became symbols of the love she poured into every aspect of her life.

After retiring in 1999 to Lancaster, Pa., Barbara and Joseph eventually settled in Lake Wales, Florida in 2004. For a time she served as a docent at Bok Tower, sharing the beauty of this unique historical place with others. She became a cherished member of First Baptist Church of Lake Wales where she continued to live out her faith among friends and fellow believers.

Barbara is lovingly remembered by her brother Walter Turner (Dorothy); her children Roger (Kathy), Robert (Susan), and Noelle DeCan (David); grandchildren Jen D'Agostino (Bob), Ben Vitello (Nikita), Sarah Vitello, Amanda Westbury (Michael), Ryan Vitello (Haley), Evan DeCan, Christian DeCan (Sarah), Kate Cook (David), and Anna DeCan; eleven great-grandchildren, each one a source of immense joy to her in her later years; nieces, nephews, as well as a host of friends, many of whom visited her faithfully in recent years. The family thanks the staff at Waters Edge, Haines City Rehabilitation, Spring Lake Rehabilitation and Good Shepherd Hospice for their quality care over the past months.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-nine years, Joseph L. Vitello and her sister Joan Dawes.

Barbara's legacy is one of steadfast faith, enduring love, and quiet strength. Her life touched many across continents through ministry and hospitality alike. She leaves behind not only cherished memories but also a foundation of authentic faith that continues to shape generations. Please join the family in celebrating Barbara's life with a memorial service at First Baptist Church, Lake Wales, Florida at 11:00 am on Friday, October 17th. Beginning at 10:30 am, there will be a time for greeting the family and offering condolences.

From her favorite Psalm: "One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple. For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord." Psalm 27:4-6