Joseph F. Vitale

COHOES Joseph F. Vitale, 96, a proud veteran of the US Navy passed away peacefully Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at Samaritan Hospital. He is once again reunited with his loving companion and wife of 47 years, Kathleen Shea Vitale who just passed on January 3, 2024. We believe that he died from a broken heart.
Born on June 19, 1927 in Brooklyn, he was the son of the late Pasquale and Neufa Mangaracina Vitale. Joe was raised on Long Island and moved to Upstate New York with his wife.
Joe is a WWII veteran having served in the US Navy from 1945-1947. He also was a volunteer fireman for 35 years with the Wantaugh Fire Department in Wantaugh, NY from Dec. 27, 1954 – July 31, 1989. He was assigned to H & L Engine 1 and Engine 8 and his badge number was #605. Joe was also a member of Local 7 Carpenter's Union in Long Island from 1965-1977.
Joe enjoyed cooking, baking, working, building things, traveling, casinos, bonsai plants, gardening and watching the grandchildren play sports. He loved his 2 dogs, Willie and Charlie who have also passed away.
Joe is survived by his children, Jeanne (Dave) McOmber and Carol (Paul) Hopkins as well as 7 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, January 17th at 11 a.m. in the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 105 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes. Interment will follow with military honors in the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.
Relatives and friends may visit at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service.