Joseph "Big Joe" Vitale III

1963 - 2025

Joseph "Big Joe" Vitale III, 61, formerly of West Nanticoke, Pa., and Honeybrook, Pa., passed away surrounded by family on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital.

Joe lived a life defined by hard work, generosity and unwavering love and support of family, nature, and craftsmanship.

Born July 20, 1963, in Wilkes-Barre, Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Ann Marie (Barberio) Vitale. He was a 1982 graduate of John S. Fine High School in Nanticoke, Pa., where he wrestled and played football. Joe spent nearly 20 years working alongside the Amish in the Pennsylvania Dutch country, sharing his farming techniques and deepening his connection to the land.

Joe was a skilled and hardworking mason, dedicating his life to his craft. From small family projects to masonry work on celebrity homes, his craftsmanship and work ethic were second to none. But as much as Joe loved his trade, his true passion was farming. He found joy in working his land in the Plymouth flats, growing vegetables and raising pigs, chickens and rabbits. He was truly one with the land — hunting, fishing and simply enjoying the outdoors every chance he got.

Joe never asked for much for himself but gave endlessly to others. He spent his teen years helping raise and watch over his nine younger siblings, serving as the built-in babysitter and keeping everyone in line. He was the first to show up at your door with freshly grown vegetables or meat from his farm, never expecting anything in return. He took care of everyone in his own quiet way, always giving more than he received.

Joe was a brother, an uncle, a mason, a farmer and a man whose hands shaped both stone and soil. He was a steady presence in the lives of those who knew him — strong, hardworking and with a heart of gold.

As Joe would often say, "You take care of the land, and the land takes care of you." His life was a testament to that belief — he nurtured everything he touched, whether it was his family, his farm, or his craft.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ann Marie Vitale. He is survived by his loving brothers and sisters: Steven, Dallas, Pa.; Ray and Beth, Sebastian, Fla.; Tom and Christine, Mountain Top, Pa.; Rose Ann and Tim Wesson, Clarksville, Tenn.; Paul and Lynn, Wapwallopen, Pa.; Robert and Tandynn, Allentown, Pa.; David and Josie, Hershey, Pa.; Mary and Eric Pinote, Columbia, Tenn.; and Esther and John Krupa, Hanover Township, Pa.

Left to cherish his memory are 15 nieces and nephews: Thomas, Samantha, Vincent, Victoria, Dominic, Anthony, Shawn, Afton, Aiden, Giada, Luciana, Ava, Colton, Ethan and Ruby.

Family and friends may call at a viewing from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. A blessing service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday from Stegura Funeral Home, 614 S. Hanover St., Nanticoke. Joseph will be laid to rest in the family plot at St. Mary's Cemetery, Hanover Township.