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Joseph Vitarelli Obituary
AGE: 20 • Colts Neck
Joseph passed suddenly Thursday morning, Oct. 23, 2014, at the age of 20. Joseph is a beloved son of Joseph and Roxanne Vitarelli and is loved dearly by his sister, Victoria, and brothers, Frank and Vincent. Joseph was treasured by his uncles and aunts, along with his many cousins. He was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Frank and Maria Barbarino. He is survived by his paternal grandparents, Frank and MaeAnn Vitarelli.
Joseph was a proud graduate of Colts Neck High School Class of 2013 and was continuing his education at Colts Neck High School while working at the Colts Neck Primary School's preschool program, where he began his education. He was loved by his amazing teachers, aids, and the students who knew him. Joseph enjoyed school, was an avid sports fan, and participated in Challenger Youth Sports, currently, known as RallyCAP Sports. He enjoyed playing softball, basketball, and football, and watching his New York Jets on Sundays. Joseph's smile always lit up a room and he will forever be missed. Everyone who was blessed to know Joseph loved him dearly.
At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, please make donations to RallyCAP Sports. Donations can be made online at www.rallycapsports.org.
Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 26 at St. Mary's R.C. Church, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck, where a Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:30 a.m. Monday morning, Oct. 27. For directions or to post an online condolence for the family, please visit www.holmdelfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Vitarelli
Sponsored by anonymous.
Carmela Haggan
October 19, 2019
Joey you continue to live forever in our hearts.
Laura Gironda
March 8, 2015
Joe , you were truly an inspiration and friend to all. I'm proud to have and to call you my friend! You will always be a treasure in my heart! And I'm glad I had the privilege to meet you! Smile for joe!
Giuseppe Palmiero
November 12, 2014
Abbiamo saputo oggi di questa brutta notizia, siamo rimasti sconvolti! Vogliamo ricordare Joseph con il suo splendido sorriso e con l'affetto che ci ha donato durante i suoi viaggi a Firenze! Vorremmo con tutto il cuore stare vicini a tutta la famiglia! Porteremo Joseph nel cuore! Un bacio a Victoria ed a tutti voi!! Con Amore, Pino Antonella e Martina.
Abigail Mahoney
October 29, 2014
You will always be remembered and Everyone will be thinking of you each and every day
October 28, 2014
A great teammate, great friend, and an amazing person. Travel baseball wouldn't have been the same if I couldn't come back to the dugout and see his face. No matter what you did on the field good or bad you were guaranteed a pat on the back and smile from Joe when you returned to the dugout. I was blessed to know Joe. We all were. My heart goes out to the Vitarelli family. Amazing memories.
Antonia Calamia
October 27, 2014
Joey was always happy and never went a day without smiling. He brought so much happiness to everyone. Joey will always be a Colts Neck Cougar. Rest in peace.
Debbie Schlechter
October 27, 2014
Joe, you had a smile that would light up a room. May God bless your family with peace and love. Please thank God for us that you were allowed into our lives and get things ready up there for when we meet again.
Mary Beth Kurdewan
October 27, 2014
I am so sad to hear about Joseph - he was such a wonderful person and brought so much love to everyone he touched. My thoughts and prayers are with Roxanne, Joe, Vince, Frank and Victoria. I will keep Joseph in my prayers, though I know he is an angel already.
Ed Daniele
October 27, 2014
Our condolences to the Vitarelli family at this difficult time.
John Powers
October 26, 2014
Joe, you were my one of my very confident friends of all time. I'm very devastated to see you go, but I will always remember the great time we all had together at CNHS. May you rest in peace and God bless you. Let's Go Mets!!!!
Paul Hooker
October 26, 2014
Joey was such a wonderful, happy, positive young man with a beautiful smile for everyone he met. Everyone in our Challenged Youth Sports/RallyCap Sports program is better to have known Joey. He will forever be memorialized in the video on our RallyCap Sports website. We love Joey and will sorely miss him.
Patricia Tavis
October 26, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a good friend to my daughter, Samantha. May your special memories of Joe bring you comfort at this sad time. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
October 26, 2014
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Joseph. Our Thoughts and prayers are with the whole Vitarelli Family.
Melissa, Mitch, Casey and Kendall Freedman
Patty Inglese
October 26, 2014
Dear Joe, Roxanne ,Victoria, Frank & Vincent,
We are so very sorry for your loss.
With Love & Respect
The Inglese Family
Erika Woods
October 26, 2014
We are so sad to hear about your loss. Joe always brought a smile to our faces and will hold a special place in our hearts.
Your friends at Woolley's
Harriet, Ira and Lynn Bernstein
October 26, 2014
The Grandparents and Aunt of Jason and Alyssa Bernstein send our sympathy and prayers to you and your family. We had the privilege of meeting Joe on different occasions and saw what a good person he was. The world has lost the sweetness of his presence. Joe will not be forgotten.
The Sheridan Family
October 26, 2014
Dearest Vin and the entire Vitarelli family,
James called us and told us the very sad news about the passing of your brother Joe. He was so upset that he couldn't be here with you during this very difficult time. On behalf of James and our family, we are sending hugs, prayers and our deepest sympathies. Sounds like your brother was quite the young man! May you all find comfort in the beautiful memories of him.
john Gelardi
October 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers from our family to yours...we're very sorry for your loss..
The Gelardi Family
Todd Schaefer
October 26, 2014
For the last 5 years I was greeted by Joe daily with a huge smile and a resounding "Schaefer!" and my response was always "Vitarelli!" followed by a fist bump. You blessed us all with your exuberant smile and happy outlook on life. I feel truly honored to have been able to work with Joe. He will forever hold a place in my heart. Just knowing Joe made me a better person and for that I say thank you. Rest in peace my friend your loss has deeply affected all that knew you. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire Vitarelli family.
Mae & Natalie Jubinsky
October 26, 2014
Our prayers and condolences go out to the Vitarelli family at this sad time. May you find comfort and peace in the healing hands of the Lord and your loved ones.
Julianna Motola
October 26, 2014
This is such a sad day for the Vitarelli family as well as our whole community!! Joseph is the rare individual who could always bring sunshine into your day. He started kindergarten with my son and I cannot think of a time when he did not greet his friends with a smile, handshake, or hearty hug! It was our privilege to watch him grow from a little boy into a fine young man. He will be greatly missed. We pray that God will give your family strength and courage at this difficult time.
The Motola Family
Ann Lanza
October 26, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very difficult time. So many happy memories of your entire family- Roxanne and Joe coaching and Joey endearing himself to every one of us- he'd announce he had a game and the kids would want to go to cheer him on. So personable even as a really young boy. May all of the beautiful memories you have as a family comfort you. With our deepest sympathy and Love, Ann, Gary, Leeann and Kerrilynn
cheryl
October 26, 2014
My heart is broken for your loss..Joe was a wonderful young man..I had the pleasure of driving him to work and will always remember us singing to and from work,Joe will be missed by all and will always be loved.His big blue eyes and wonderful smile will live in me forever..Love and prayers to all family an friends
The Warendorf Family
October 25, 2014
We are so saddened to learn of Joseph's passing. Know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Kimberly Gavaghen
October 25, 2014
Joe was a really amazing person, and my prayers go out to those who knew and loved him. I graduated from Colts Neck High School in 2014, and I remember spending my days smiling at his charisma and joyful nature. We will all miss him, and I hope that Colts Neck High School will always be filled with his warm and caring attitude. Rest in peace, Joe, you were the brightest star of them all.
eric santora
October 25, 2014
JOE u were one of my best friends at colts neck i liked u so sorry to hear rest in peach with my mom your in heaven now and forever so sorry to hear my buddy
Abby Dufifie
October 25, 2014
Joe was my classmate at CNHS. He made me laugh a lot! He was a good friend. He smiled and laughed a lot!! He was friends with everyone! He always talked about his sister and brothers. I'm so sad for his family. I will miss Joe
Matthew Zeto
October 25, 2014
Blessed to have known you Joey - you're a gem! Will never forget you for a long as I live.
Let's play catch when I see ya again...
Love You Pal,
Coach Matt
Mets
October 25, 2014
Joe has lightened up many of our lives in sooo many ways. In fact my son, Brandon
, who spent 8 years with him in school felt compelled to do a speech last year in college about him in his public speaking course. A true tribute of how he touched us all! We will all miss you and be forever touched by you!!!! RIP our blue eyed smiley friend! :)
Adam Falk
October 25, 2014
Joe was student in my Computer class at CNHS. Every morning when he walked in I knew I would get a big smile and a warm "good morning". I'll always remember that. This is heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with Joe's family, and may his memory always bring you comfort.
J
October 25, 2014
Joe, thanks for brightening everyone's time at CNHS. I met you in Rec after school and I always saw you with a smile on your face. I can't believe you're not going to be at Rec anymore. I miss hearing you joke around, seeing your smile that lit up my world. Thank you for being an amazing person!
~J
Katrina M
October 25, 2014
Joe, you were such a wonderful kid and always put a smile on everyone's face. It was so great to have met you and you were one of the friendliest, happiest kid I've met! You will be greatly missed and forever loved. My prayers go out to Mr and Mrs. Vitarelli Rest In Peace Buddy
Dana Burke
October 25, 2014
Joe was so happy. He made me smile everyday when he said Hi Dana in school. RIP Joe we will miss u. Im so sorry about Joe
Nancy Junay
October 25, 2014
I was one of the lucky ones who got to work with Joey many years ago. No matter how bad a day you thought you were having, all you had to do was look at Joey, see his smile and you were loving life. He was so proud of his job at the preschool and so very happy to be back when I saw him Wednesday. I remember Roxanne saying to me once, "If everyone was like Joe this world would be such a better place." How true.
Cassie Grant
October 25, 2014
We are sending preyers for joes friends and family. Joe was a sweet boy that I ever met. He always go to school with a smile on his face. We will miss him so much :(
Jack Anderson and parents, Mike and Susi
October 25, 2014
Sending our payers to Joe's family for strength and peace. Joe was such a light to everyone around him. Jack loved Joe, and especially loved being a Jersey Boy with Joe at CNHS Talent Show. Joe's bright smile and enthusiasm for life will be missed by his many friends and loving family. God's angels are blessed to have Joe with them -- we are blessed to have known Joe here...
love and prayers,
Cassie Grant
October 25, 2014
Joe,
I'm going to miss you so much.
Emily Vitale
October 25, 2014
Joe, we were blessed to have known you. We will miss the smile and sparkle in your eyes that brought joy to everyone around you. We were and will always be so proud of you.
Susan Palmer
October 25, 2014
My prayers are for those hurting from his absence.
October 25, 2014
There are very few people in this world that are genuinely happy. Only a handful of us will ever understand the importance of positivity and what it means to live a fulfilling life. But I think I can speak for not only myself but also everyone that ever knew Joe when I say he is beyond special. His unique charisma, luminous smile, and gentle soul demonstrated a truly meaningful life, a life where he has touched everyone around him. When I grow up, I want to be more like Joe. My heart goes out to the Vitarelli family in this difficult time. Joe will be in our prayers forever.
Kaylie Forker
October 25, 2014
Joe was such a good person loved seeing his smile everyday in school everyone loved him even me rest in peace my friend love you forever and always kisses and hugs
Dave Irvine
October 25, 2014
I was fortunate to have had Joe as a student. He was a caring young man that always wanted to assist others whenever possible. His smile and infectious personality will remain with me forever. My deepest condolences to the entire Vitarelli family.
Kim Keller
October 25, 2014
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe while he was a student at CRPS and CRES and more recently while he was working with the preschool students at CRPS. His smile always brightened my day. My heart goes out to Roxanne and the rest of Joe's family.
October 25, 2014
My thoughts and prayers are sent to the beautiful Vitarelli family at this difficult time. Joe was a treasured part of the "Cougar Family" and positively impacted the lives of everyone he met. I will cherish the memories Joe created forever.
Smiles for Joe!
Debra Kozar and family
Bob Jack
October 25, 2014
Joe brought sunshine and a smile to everyone that he had touched. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family.
Coach Jack
Ryan Tavis
October 25, 2014
I am sorry for your loss. He was one of my classmates during summer school long time ago.
Carmela Haggan
October 25, 2014
Joey, we will miss your beautiful smile, and warm personality. Heaven gained an angel! May your loving soul rest in peace. Sending prayers and hugs to the wonderful family you left behind.
Justin Haggan
October 25, 2014
You are good friend and we will mis you.
Ryan White
October 25, 2014
Joey defined the human spirit. I am honored to have worked with him during his middle school years. By chance, I met up with him coming out of the preschool room on Wednesday, where he was all smiles. Heaven just received a true gentleman. God Bless you and your family Joey V!
Phil, Michele, and Ryan Tsakiris
October 25, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Ryan really enjoyed being friends with Joe. He definitely lit up the room when he was there. He will be missed.
The Tsakiris Family
Katie Hulse
October 24, 2014
I am terribly sorry for your loss. When I heard the news it broke my heart. I remember when I first met Joe in my preschool class when we both were little. Even as we grew up he was in many of my classes together, always having the biggest smile on his face. He well be deeply missed. My condolences to the Vitarelli family.
From,
Katelin Hulse and the Hulse family
Megan Boszko
October 24, 2014
My heart is broken. Joe lit up my classroom and my life with his contagious smile, vibrant laugh and piercing blue eyes. CNHS was truly blessed to have Joe as an integral part our family. My sincere sympathies to Mr. & Mrs. Vitarelli and the entire Vitarelli family.
"SMILES TO JOE!"
October 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Joseph was such a wonderful young man and was loved by everyone who was honored to know him. Praying for your family at this difficult time. God Bless.
The Saeger's
Marc, Andrea, Adam & Katelyn
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