Rosa M. "Rose" (Pietropaolo) Vita

UTICA – Rosa M. “Rose” (Pietropaolo) Vita, age 82, was reunited with her adoring parents when she passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024. At the time she went home to paradise and peace, she was surrounded by her loving family, which was of great importance to her. Rose was born on July 7, 1941, to the late Domenico “Dominick” and Caterina “Catherine” (Pontoriero) Pietropaolo in the scenic town of Ricadi, part of the Vibo Valentia province of Calabria, Italy. She immigrated to the Utica area to be united with her Uncle Sabatino Pontoriero “Ponti,” but later returned to Italy to join in matrimony with her husband, Francesco “Frank” Vita. The couple came to the U.S. and called Utica their home. As many of that era did, they came to provide a better life and opportunities for their family. Rose never failed to welcome her own family, her in-laws, and other Italian immigrants looking to settle and be a united front. Rose began her working years at Mills Factory, where she found new friendships and brought with her a promising work ethic. She then turned her focus to her own family and had three sons, in whom she instilled honesty, a robust work ethic, and a strong family bond. She easily became the family matriarch and did so in good standing. She was selfless, tireless, had the great strength of passion, and her home became a sanctuary for all as well as many in need. She then engaged as well in accepting a position at the iconic Joseph and Feiss where she forged many close relationships that lasted a lifetime. If there were a symbol for Rose’s life, it would be a beautifully set and abundantly laden table of Italian delicacies. Her vast culinary expertise included creating a masterful meal out of whatever was on hand. Cooking for Rose was friendship, warmth, acceptance, enjoyment, family, life, and love. There is nothing Italian mothers like Rose could not do, and do well. To be raised by an Italian mother is to be showered in love, kindness, nourishment, and toughness. Italian mothers know how to delicately traipse the fine line between nurture and discipline – so much so, they’ve made an art of it. Italian mothers turn into Italian Nonnas, and a fiercer breed you could not find. There was no interfering with Nonna’s love, Nonna’s care, or Nonna’s loyalty. In her life, she made it all seem effortless. One of Rose’s happiest memories that she cherished throughout her life was when she returned to her hometown to be with her family and life-long friends. She rejoiced and loved reliving her childhood, seeing the land she played upon, grew up on, and how it had become cultivated. The memories of the time she spent there filled her heart with many vivid stories. She never missed an opportunity to share her customs and heritage, and sharing her soul was to share friendship. Her musical culture reminded her of her homeland, and she formed many wonderful memories while dancing and singing. Having a warm personality, Rose enjoyed the simple things in life. She was in tune to others’ needs and helped them whenever she could. She would often pray for her many friends and in turn, many people also prayed for her. As an immigrant, she came to love, respect, and help many in that network, and never failed to show them an example of the American way of life and hospitality. Rose was a good-hearted woman who lived her best life. She loved Christmas Eve and the famous Calabrese “Stocco Fish” - along with every other traditional dish. A member of St. Anthony and St. Agnes Church, she was devoted to her God, and relied on her faith to sustain her. She held a devotion to Saints Cosmas and Damian. Rose is survived by her beloved sons, Frank A. Vita, Jr., Dominick S. Vita and Karen Greco, and Anthony Vita, and their father, Frank A. Vita, Sr. She cherished the memory of her late daughter-in-law, Patricia A. “Patti” (Tresoline) Vita, who passed away on May 1, 2009. Her loss is also felt by her adored grandchildren, Franca and Anthony LaBarbera, twins Matthew, and Jessica Baye; Dominick P. Vita, and Gianna M. Vita. She was over the moon when she was in the company of her great-grandbabies, Giada Rose LaBarbera, and Anthony Francesco LaBarbera. She will also be deeply missed by her sister, Caterina “Catherine” Putruele, who was her best friend and confidant. The sisters were protective, supportive, and always there for each other. She was blessed to know, love, and connect with her nieces and nephews, Mary Rose and Charles “Chuck” Mitchell, Cathy and Josh Uttamsingh, Jerry and Bianca Putruele, and their children, Brendan, and Avery; Olivia, Blake, and Alexa; and Carissa, and Alec. She also held a brother-like relationship with her dearest friend, Deacon Bill Dischiavo. She will also be missed by her two special cousins, Lino, and Francisco Schiariti, who remembered Rose in conversation each day; her in-laws who reside in Italy, whom she loved and treasured; and her childhood friends, Vincenzina Pontoriero, and the late Damiana Panetta, who was her best friend. Throughout the years, Rose held a close bond with others who were family to her including members of the Dischiavo family, the Moses family, the Eannace family, the Catherine Caruso family, the Roy family, and her dear neighbors, Jill Harvey, and Susie & Kurt Freeman. The Vita family would like to thank the physicians at Wynn Hospital, especially Dr. Lisette Alfaro, Dr. Rashid Girshab, Dr. Emile Wassel, Dr. Anwar Wassel, Dr. Leo Sullivan, and the ICU staff, as well as the members of the Hospice and Palliative Care team, especially Lisa Altieri, and Irene Cherrick. The staff of Abraham House was exceptional, especially Gina Ciaccia and nurse Amanda Wheeler; the family extends their heartfelt gratitude for so much consolation and the gracious care given to Rose and her loved ones. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions in Rose’s honor may be made to the Abraham House online at www.theabrahamhouse.org/donate; envelopes will also be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Rose’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at St. Anthony St. Agnes Church, 422 Tilden Ave. Entombment will take place in Christ Our Savior Mausoleum at Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Rosa M. "Rose" (Pietropaolo) Vita

July 7, 1941 - March 15, 2024