Ned Vitalis Obituary
Ned A. Vitalis March 8, 1939 – July 15, 2024
Jefferson, ME - Ned passed away, after a long decline in health with Parkinson's, in the care of his beloved wife.
Born to Kathryn E. Vitalis, (Booher), and Nelson T. Vitalis in Greenfield, Massachusetts. He was welcomed by Grandmother Eliza, Aunt Ethel, and big brother Neal.
Ned was a preemie, 5oz, and middle name, Arthur after the family Dr who helped with the delivery. A rare circumstance in 1939, that one so little would survive and live 85 years.
1957 Graduated Greenfield High School, Class President for four years, Class Valedictorian. Ned's friendships from growing up in Greenfield have been on going and so cherished for all these years. They and their extended families still in touch today.
1959 – 1961 Stationed in Base Herzdgenar, Germany with the U.S. Army National Security Agency, N.S.A. Ned was a spy, and a very good at what he did. Friendships continue to this day with other Base personnel.
1962 – 1966 Batchelder's Degree, Phi beta, Government Policy, from University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
1967 Graduated Master's Degree, Phi beta, Harvard Kennedy School of Government. This was a full Scholarship from the Consortium of New England Higher Education. Ned was one of only four recipients to receive this honor.
1968 – late 1970's Employed under Gov. John Volpe, working with Doris Fraser with the Developmental Disabilities Deinstitutionalization Project. This work resulted in creating Policy and Training Manuals to share in MA and also in NH & ME. Over time these and other States became successful in moving individuals out of institutions into communities with necessary supports in place.
A highlight in Ned's career was the work with the former Commissioner of NH, Health and Human Services, Don Shumway.
1976 – 2010 Employed through the State of Maine, working with Al Anderson PHD Director of serving those with Developmental Disabilities. This began 34 years of service often behind the scenes impacting many individuals, families with developmental disabilities at Pineland Center and Children's Mental Health Services. Ned was dedicated, committed, and detailed in his work writing policy, training manuals, grants and budgets. Those who knew him will remember him as genuine, honest, caring, and trustworthy.
Ned worked with Pine Tree Legal Society for a time and was welcomed and appreciated for his service to them.
1980 Ned put roots down in Whitefield Maine. He was Steward of the Preble Farm under Richard Preble. Ned's love of nature, gardening, tending to cutting, and splitting tree length oak wood, 14 cord on average per year. It was here he built lifelong friendships. This was home. He felt grounded, welcomed and this was a foundation that allowed Ned to serve Maine's families and individuals with developmental disabilities for 34 years. Thank you Whitefield and friends.
1998 – to the present. Ned connected with the love of his life and a moved her to the farm in 1999.
2009 The Preble Farm was sold and a move to Jefferson ME occurred. Here we are welcomed respected and supported by wonderful neighbors and friends. Ned always embraced the ebb and flow of life. A wish of Ned would be to have you call, email or text someone you know who hasn't heard from you in a while.
Ned is survived by his wife Brenda M. Vitalis, Brother Neal B. Vitalis formerly from Florence MA, currently Leeds MA. Nephews: Neal Vitalis Jr of Pensacola, Spain; Timothy Vitalis of Math's Vineyard and VT; Kevin Vitalis of Brattleboro VT; and Brian Vitalis of Holden MA.
A Memorial Service will take place on Ned's Birthday in Whitefield, Saturday, March 8, 2025. A reminder and notice of details will be made public early next year. Please come celebrate and share memories with those who knew and experienced a heartwarming, spirited man with a wonderful fun loving smile!
Published by The Recorder on Sep. 5, 2024.