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Joseph Vitale Obituary

JOSEPH VITALE "Did anyone tell you they loved you today? Because, I do." This was Joe's opening statement to all he greeted. Joseph Frank Vitale, "Cheech", was born to Rose and Joseph Vitale Sept. 17, 1925, in New Castle, Pa., Joe, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend joined his heavenly family May 3, 2007. Joe was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Rose and Joseph Vitale; step-father, Peter; and sister, Dorothy Santangelo. Joe was an inspirational man who lived his life to honor God's will, to spread the love. Joe served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Tennessee in World War II. He returned from the war to follow in his father's footsteps, continuing in the family fireworks business. He met the love of his life, Dena, and they shared 57 years of marriage. In the mid 1950's, Joe and Dena moved to Las Vegas with their three young daughters. He was blessed once again when his son was born in 1965. Upon arriving to Las Vegas, Joe began his career in the casino industry, which spanned 50 years. He was a teacher to many, and will be considered a master, a legend, in the dice pit at Caesar's Palace and in Las Vegas. Joe loved nature, and was an expert bass fisherman. He loved his time in nature and fishing on his Boston Whaler. Joe was an active member in AA for over 25 years, where he led by example as he walked his talk and showed unconditional love for all he met. Joe is survived by his beautiful wife, Dena; daughters, Debby Berce of Pleasant Hill, Calif., Cindy Bushey and Paula Jones of Las Vegas; and son, Joey Vitale of Las Vegas. Joe's five grandchildren, Julie, Megan, Jo-Jo, Kaylee and Jeremy brought him his greatest joys. Joe was the patriarch of the family and also leaves his sister, Patricia Litrenta and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His family and friends know all we have to do is call his name, and he will be with us in spirit, continuing to guide, teach and love...until we meet again. Visitation from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 9, with a rosary at 5:30 p.m., at Palm Mortuary, 1600 S. Jones Blvd. Funeral mass at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 10, at St. Joseph, Husband of Mary, Catholic Church, 7260 W. Sahara Ave. Burial will follow at Palm Valley View Cemetery, 7600 S. Eastern.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal on May 7, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Vitale

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6 Entries

Michael Broadhead

December 31, 2024

Joe was the best he was loving he helped me get sober when I was young I worked Ceasars palace and I remember him working the 4 Queens the box I loved him so much my deepest condolences prayers and love for your loss

Cindy Bushey

May 5, 2019

Twelve years May 3, 2019. Miss you still, always will..I see this now. You left me good memories, good thoughts of you..all ways. Youre inspired mind lives on with me, with all of us, who knew & loved your spirit. ❤

Joey Vitale

June 12, 2016

Hey Dad!
I just read my note to you back in '07. I guess I was pretty shaken up by your passing. Now that Mom is with you I feel a new sense of love and protective light over our family and friends! Thanks to all who post here in honor of Joe ♥
I love you!! Thank you for watching over us. My buddy!

Cindy

September 17, 2013

Celebrating you today on your birthday, Dad. Think of you everyday and love you forever.

May 3, 2012

Five years today that I had to say good bye to my favorite guy! Having you for my dad was the highlight of my life. Keeping it simple, one day at a time.

las vegas review-journal

June 11, 2010

Date: May 07, 2007
From: Will,Karen,Andrea&Willie Rydell
City/State: Las Vegas

To the entire Vitale family: Sorry for your loss. ...O God, whose mercies cannot be numbered;Accept our prayers on behalf of the soul of thy servant departed,and grant him an entrance into the land of light and joy,in the fellowship of thy saints;through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: Randy Staresinic
City/State: Las Vegas

Cindy; My deepest condolence to you and your family. Your father will always be remembered as a good man.

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: Joan Wetzel
City/State: Pleasant Hill, CA

Fond memories of a beautiful man

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: Joey
City/State: Las Vegas

Hey buddy! I am so glad you are home and out of the pain you were in. You made me what I am today and I love you with all my heart. I wish I could see where you are now and who you are with and what you are doing. That day will come for all of us. I haven`t really cried or morned your loss yet and I have to admit I`m a little scared but something way deep inside tells me not to weep, cry or feel sorry for myself. I think that`s all it is man. It`s not like I don`t miss you I just can`t justify sobbing to myself. Different things make me cry now like concern from a friend or seeing something of yours but right now everyone is like in a little turmoil. Mom really needs you now so if you could help her let go of the physical and hook up to you spiritually it will help her heal. I`m really not morning your physical death right now. I hope I don`t have to. I can feel you right next to me all the time so why cry? I guess I`ll find out in a minute :) This is SO not goodbye dad. I can`t do that. So I`ll catch you in a minute. Love Joey.

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: COCCARO FAMILY
City/State: LAS VEGAS

OUT THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: Gabi Johnsen
City/State: Las Vegas

I never met this man, but he has touched my life with his "opening greeting". May God rest his soal. My heartfelt prayers go out to the family.

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: Cindy
City/State: Las Vegas

My dear, sweet father...thank you for showing me what is important in this life. Thank you for guiding me, supporting me and always loving me. You know, you are my hero...you always will be...thank you for the signs and validating that you have life again on the other side...LOVE YOU...your daughter, Cindy

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: Karen Fletcher
City/State: South San Francisco

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family.

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: belinda ludwig
City/State: las vegas

To the family of Mr. Vitale...i am truly sorry for you loss. Yet, rejoice because he is free now. It has been 2 years since our father left us; and yet he is still ever present. He shows us all the time; especially to his grandchildren and our mother is comforted. Mr. Vitale has earned the crown of life. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints-Let everything that has breath praise the Lord"-With deepest respect.

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: Linda Bartnett
City/State: Las Vegas

To Cindy and you family, My heart is with you today. Your Dad was such a wonderful man. He made my days at Caesars Palace a little more interesting and a lot more fun. He was someone sooo special....everyone loved him. God bless all of you and know you will see him again. Love, Linda Bartnett

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Date: May 07, 2007
From: VIOLET MOON--DANAN MARIE
City/State: La. ca.

LET YOUR FEET REST IN THE WARM SAND AS YOU STAND ON THE TWILIGHT SHORE. NOW MOVE INTO THE WATER, FEEL THE PULL, THE SPIRAL FORCE, CIRLCEL WITHIN CIRCLES. FEEL THE TURNING OF THE WAVE, AS WATERS CLEANSE, HEAL, BLESS. WHEN LIFE IS TENSE BE LIKE THE WIRLPOOL WHOSE CENTER IS EVERYWHERE. SENDING LOVE ON THE WINGS OF A DOVE GOD BLESS

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Date: May 08, 2007
From: Valjean Schaeffer Tyndall
City/State: Las Vegas

Dear Dena, Debbie, Cindy, Paula and Joey- I am so sorry for the loss of our husband and father. When I saw the name "Cheech" it reminded me of when I used to come to your house as a young girl and I can still hear your mom calling your dad by that name. It seems like yesterday. I know you will miss him as I miss my mom, but, I know that he is looking down on all of you and will take care of you! Love, Valjean

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Date: May 08, 2007
From: Roxane DeAngelo
City/State: New Castle, PA

Dear Aunt D, Debby, Cindy, Paula, & Joey, You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I know exactly what you are going through. Losing my Dad was the hardest thing ever. We wish we were able to be with you at this time. Love you Much Roxane & Tom, DeAngelo & Family

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Date: May 08, 2007
From: Anthony DiThomas
City/State: New Castle, PA

Dear Vitale Family, I am so very sorry to hear of your Great loss. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. My God Bless You All and Keep You Strong. With Deepest Sympathy, Love Anthony "Hooker" DiThomas

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Date: May 08, 2007
From: Dick Higgins
City/State: Baker City, Oregon

My deepest condolences to the Vitale family. I only wish I could have known you, Joe. Thank-you for your beautiful daughter, Debby and "good fishing" to you.

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Date: May 08, 2007
From: Julie
City/State: Pleasant Hill, CA

Grandpa`s profound thoughts helped me grow into the adult that I am. Now that he is in heaven, I know that he will watch over me and keep up his trusted guidance.

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Date: May 09, 2007
From: My-Lien Bui
City/State: Union City, CA

Dearest Debby, My sincere condolences to you and your family. The past few months have been tough on you and Julie but time will help heal and sooth away your sorrow. I will keep you all in my prayers. Take care of your Mom and I hope to see you soon.

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Date: May 09, 2007
From: Lisa Ravazza
City/State: Martinez, CA

My deepest condolences to the entire family. Although I am not with you in person for the rosary or services, my thoughts, prayers and love will be with all of you. Joe was a blessing on this earth. The proof is the wonderful loving individuals he called his family that are here to share and carry on his teachings and memory.

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Date: May 09, 2007
From: Susan Ward Kring
City/State: Henderson

Dear Vitale Family, I want to offer my deepest condolences for the loss of Joe. He was a warm, kind, and loving man with a great sense of humor. I know you will all miss him, but you will always keep him alive with the many great stories you have about him. God Bless all of you. Love Susan Kring

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Date: May 10, 2007
From: Jerry Paytas & Family
City/State: Pittsburgh, PA

Dear Vitale Family, We are sorry for your loss.

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Date: May 11, 2007
From: kali
City/State: australia

sending much love to the entire family.

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Date: May 11, 2007
From: Debby
City/State: Pleasant Hill

Hi Dad...you always said how proud you were of us. I can`t begin to tell you how very proud I am of you and the exemplary life you led on this earth. You have touched so many people by your kind, loving, honest and non-judgmental example. You walked the walk and talked the talk...just like you taught us to do. I thank God for the time you were allowed to be with us and I cherish every memory of you. I love you and miss you terribly, but I know you are happy with the Lord. Watch over us, Dad, until we meet again. All My Love, Always...Debby

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Date: May 11, 2007
From: John Quattrone&Family
City/State: Las vegas

You were an inspiration to your daughter(Cynthia)and she was ,and still is,an inspiration to me.You have touched more people than anyone could ever know.You did God`s work while you were on this earth,and now it`s time to go Home and take your rightful place ,IN THE HOUSE OF THE LORD-We will miss you in the flesh,but you will live "FOREVER" in spirit and in our hearts...Although I didn`t know you,all that well,Just knowing your daughter,Cynthia,....Tells me all I need to know about you and your beautiful family...With all my deepest condolences,...John Quattrone & Family

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Date: May 14, 2007
From: Cindi Cirac
City/State: Las Vegas

Dena,Cindy,Debbie,Joey and Paula I was so saddened to hear of your loss. It seems like only yesterday that I was in and out of your house, hearing him saying "Din Din" come sit with me. He and Dena were the first ones to come to my family when my Dad passed so many years ago. He was very much loved and will be missed by us all. I love you Cindy, and you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Cindi

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Date: May 14, 2007
From: Ann Barilla
City/State: Las Vegas

My deepest condolences on the loss of your husband and father. Joe and Dom were the best of friends............they are together again. Love, Ann

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Date: May 15, 2007
From: Patty Brito Webster
City/State: Albuquerque,New Mexico

Cindy, My sincerest sympathy goes out to you and your Fathers loved ones. As we realize how short this lifetime is we often comlain that we don`t have enough time. I believe that your dad is a master of time, as he always had the time to brighten my time at Caesars with a "goodnight Josephine". Even as he left this physical world through his graciousness and great love for you Cindy he found the time to declare emphatically that he had the time to wait for you to have your time too. Lovingly, Patty

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Date: September 28, 2007
From: Cindy (din-din)
City/State: Las Vegas

Hi Dad, Almost 5 months since you left us for heaven...seems like yesterday, then seems like years...very difficult, but we are all making progress..as I know you see that. I know you were there when we took your birthday cake to your men`s meeting..and thank you for being here with Mom, me and Meg on my birthday-that door shutting behind Meg was something-you always did know how to get her attention!Thank you for watching over and guiding Meg as you do..Thank you for guiding me to Dr. Bob, thru Patrick...and Sister Toni...I know you opened those doors for us to these wonderful people so that we may continue our journey here with a little more grace and understanding. Mom is really missing you and I guess you know that...you kiss her alot, you turn on her coffee pot, you even fixed that oven..didn`t you? so, what about the house? Divine timing, huh? We planted the St. Joseph statue by your fig tree...Mom really wants to move...she knows you will come with her...can you help here please and let us know what to do...I am wondering why you are not coming to me in my dreams...oh, you are..but I am not remembering..not like I used to or maybe it is not time...I guess I just want you to send me an email and tell me what to do here with the rest of my life...I know you know what I mean...help me out here and ask God to send me the clarity I desire to continue my work please...I hope you are not disapointed in me for not being able to do more...I guess I am supposed to trust more..help me with that desire.

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Date: May 10, 2008
From: Cindy
City/State: Las Vegas

Hi Dad, We stayed busy, as you saw, on the first anniversary of your passing. Thank you for being with mom so much and giving her so much comfort. Your energy, your love is amazing for us all to witness and be part of. I am looking forward to another `dream` visit with you, though I said the visit on Nov 10th, 7 months after you crossed over, would hold me thru eternity. I remeber it like it was yesterday and always will. Thank you for all the validation that your spirit lives on, that we will all be together again someday. Your writings are such a gift to me. Your legacy lives on, your work here on earth continues..I love you so very much and honor you for the wonderful father you were to me and continue to be in spirit. Your daughter, Cindy

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Date: May 03, 2009
From: Cindy
City/State: Las Vegas

Hi Dad, Two years today. Thank you for the 24 year AA coin you left in my pocket..I got the message. Thank you for all the love you still shower us with. You were a remarkable man and now a remarkable spirit. Forever in gratitude, your daughter, Cindy.

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Date: September 17, 2009
From: Cindy
City/State: Las Vegas

Happy Birthday, Dad. Miss you more today than most days. Like Meg wrote in her song for you, "I know you are doing fine up there and you are looking down on me`...pretty cool..`black dress, red rose`..all for you. I know you are helping Meg on her tour, that you are with her in Spirit, as always. You are still our hero. Love you always and forever. Your daughter, Cindy

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Date: April 10, 2010
From: Cindy
City/State: Las Vegas

Hi Dad, Well, as you know, you are a great-grandparent now. Madison is beautiful and Julie and Steve are great parents. Mom and I traveled to Denver to meet our new baby! Debby came and they took a 4 generation picture. Mom still feels you with her often. I still miss you terribly. So many changes coming in my life right now and am not sure how I have done it without you to run to, to talk to, to make everything better. Would you please come visit me again?! It would really help me. Love you forever. din-din

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