Obituary of Philip Joseph Vitale

Philip Joseph Vitale, 97, of St George Island, FL, passed away December 7, 2017 in Morristown, NJ. Phil was born in Newark, NJ to Alfonso Vitale and Alberta nee Citella on March 20, 1920. He married Rosina Antico on November 27, 1946 in Elkton, Maryland. Phil worked as a millwright until he enlisted in the US Army on April 13, 1944. During his service during WWII he bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge, receiving the Victory Medal, a Silver Star, a Purple Heart, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with three Bronze Stars among other decorations and citations. At the conclusion of his service December 21, 1945, he opened Windsor Furniture, Inc. in Newark New Jersey. Phil was literally a one man show from salesman to deliveryman always meticulously detailing furniture for delivery to his customers. He was active with a small independent Italian American Veterans Association in the Ironbound section of Newark. He enjoyed tinkering with cars and could almost fix anything! Phil is preceded in death by parents Alfonso and Alberta Vitale, wife Rose, brothers and sisters Anna, Sam, Mary, Rose, Mario, Al, and Joseph. He is survived by children Diane (William) Lindsay, Phyllis (James) Lewis, Robert (Christy) Vitale, and Philip Vitale. Grandchildren include Dina (Barry) Fogleman, Michele Schirf, Michael (Lindsay) Lindsay, Christopher Vitale, Philip Vitale Jr., Victoria Vitale and Nicholas Vitale. Great grandchildren are Helen Schirf, Carly Fogleman, Edie Perzia and Shay Lindsay. Also surviving are brother John (Phyllis) Vitale of Cape Coral, FL and sister Viola Draude of Union, NJ. Phil also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. The family of Philip Vitale wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Dr. Cohen, Dr. Schalet, nurses, and the staff Rolling Hills Care Center