Fred Allen Vite

Fred Allen Vite, 88, passed away at his home in Centennial, Colorado, on May 2, 2024. Fred was born to Frank and Julia (Laahso) Vite on January 28, 1936. Fred was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and spent his formative years and early working career there on the shores of Lake Michigan. He graduated from the Milwaukee School of Engineering with a degree in Metallurgy, and Fred later earned his business degree at Carthage College. He started his career at American Motors in Kenosha as an Industrial Engineer before moving to Johns-Manville as Manager of Health and Safety. His position at Johns-Manville led him, his wife Jean, and two young sons to move to Denver, Colorado, to help establish the company's World Headquarters in 1973. In 1982, with Johns-Manville filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, Fred and Jean started their wonderful adventure into the exciting world of being antique dealers by starting Fred and Jean Vite Antiques. The pair traveled the states doing antique and jewelry shows year-round. Within a few years, Fred, with his eldest son Jim, opened Aspen Jewelry, and together, Fred and Jim successfully ran the business for 29 years until October of 2022. Additionally, Fred and Jean were also among the first and most prominent dealers at the Colorado Antique Gallery, and their sons now continue to operate the booth to honor their memory. Fred is survived by his eldest son Jim, his wife Marsha, and his youngest son Bob. Fred was married to his beloved wife Jean for 37 years before her passing on June 30, 20002. Fred was more than just a successful professional and entrepreneur. He was the epitome of a people person, with a unique charisma and engaging personality that endeared him to all who knew him. Fred touched so many lives in such a positive way that he will always be remembered.