Louis Vitale

Louis "Lou" Vitale, 78, of Macomb Township, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on January 11, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to Tony S. and Frances M. (Leone) Vitale. Lou was drafted into the United States Army in July 1967 and proudly served on active duty until July 1969.

On September 19, 1969, Lou married the love of his life, Cheryl Lynn Danneels, at St. Valerie of Ravenna Catholic Church in Clinton Township. Together they built a beautiful life for 56 years and raised three devoted children.

Lou enjoyed a long and respected career as a building official for several municipalities, including 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Clawson, from which he retired in 2003. Retirement, however, only marked the beginning of his most cherished role: "Papa's Daycare." He joyfully cared for his grandchildren whenever needed and never missed a single game, concert, recital, or school event. If his kids or grandkids were involved, Lou was there-front row, beaming with pride and, more often than not, with a video camera in hand capturing every moment to relive again and again.

A man of simple pleasures and infectious joy, Lou lit up every room with his great smile and quick sense of humor-always ready with a gentle joke or a playful tease that made everyone laugh. He loved editing his family videos, golfing with friends, listening to his favorite music, dancing with Cheryl, movie nights, and-of course-an ice-cold Snickers bar.

A lifelong and devout Catholic, Lou lived his faith through quiet devotion and unconditional love for his family. He was, above all else, an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be deeply missed every single day.

Lou is survived by his beloved wife, Cheryl; his loving children, Jeff (Lisa), Jennifer (Ray) Tuttle, and Jaclyn (Mario) Anetrini; his adored grandchildren, Vinnie (fiancée Ally Nash), Gina (Brandon) Fitch, Emmalyn Tuttle, Joe Tuttle, Louis Anetrini, Millie Anetrini, and Clara Anetrini; his dear siblings, Tom (Joanne) Vitale and Nina (Bob) Ostrosky; sister-in-law Gaylene Vitale; and many cherished nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Anthony Vitale.

Visitation will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a scripture service at 7:00 p.m., at Hauss-Modetz Funeral Home, 47477 Romeo Plank Road, Macomb. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. (instate 10:00 a.m.) at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 48115 Schoenherr Road, Shelby Township. Military honors will follow the Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Residential Hospice Foundation.