Vito Joseph Morlino

1936 - 2025

Vito Joseph Morlino

September 22, 1936 - May 25, 2025

Vito Joseph Morlino, 88, met our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on May 25, 2025. Born in Portsmouth, Virginia, to Angelo and Marie Morlino, he grew up the second youngest of five siblings: Lucia, Grace, Marie, and his younger brother Salvatore. He was married for almost 65 years to the love of his life, Susan Mabry Morlino. He worked hard to provide for his family of five children: Angelo Morlino (Regina), Maria Gravely, Joe Morlino (Christine), Theresa diLustro (John), and Susan Wentzel (Jim). In addition to his wife, Susan, and his children, Vito was a grandfather to thirteen wonderful grandchildren: Vito, Vincent, Rose (Chris) and Tony Morlino; Hodges (Robin) and Holland (Stephanie) Gravely; Colette, Michael (deceased), and Andrew Morlino; Frank (Jessica) and Annabelle diLustro; and Jim and Joseph Wentzel; and great-granddaughter, Aurora Gravely, along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Upon graduating from Saint Paul's Catholic School, he went on to graduate from Fordham University. After working for the Atomic Energy Commission in New Jersey, he returned home to Virginia to pursue his true passion: teaching. He and his wife, Susan, taught at Cradock High School together and then left to attend the University of Virginia where Vito earned his PhD in Physical Chemistry. Upon graduation, he taught at Virginia Commonwealth University and the Medical College of Virginia before once again returning to Portsmouth to work in the public schools. He obtained his master's degree in education from the College of William and Mary and began his career in school administration, becoming Assistant Principal at IC Norcom and later Principal at Wilson High School during the peak of desegregation. Through those very challenging times, he was loved by students and faculty alike. Vito enjoyed his work in the Portsmouth schools from teacher through Director of Secondary Education, before becoming Superintendent of Isle of Wight County Schools, a post he held for 13 years.

Vito was a gifted athlete, known by many as "a heck of a ball player". He excelled in football, baseball and basketball in high school and in college intramurals. After college, if he wasn't playing in a softball league he was officiating at a football, baseball or basketball game.

In retirement, Vito enjoyed working on his farm: beekeeping, gardening, and raising chickens, rabbits, goats and caring for his beloved donkey, Giovanni.

A life-long Catholic, he was always active in his local parish, singing in the choir, playing the trumpet and serving as a leader and an advisor. His devotion to his family was unwavering, and his faith was a constant source of strength.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Bliley's Funeral Home on Augusta Ave., Richmond. A funeral mass will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 9505 Gayton Rd, Richmond, Va. 23229. A reception will follow in the church community area. A burial will be held at a later date at Saint Jude Catholic Church in Louisa.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to Portsmouth Catholic Regional School https://portsmouthcatholic.app.neoncrm.com/forms/care-campaign-2021-2022.