Mrs. Marie T. (Gatti) Vitullo

NEW HARTFORD - Mrs. Marie T. (Gatti) Vitullo, age 92, passed away on Thursday, January 26, 2017 at the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, Inc. Born in Utica on June 8, 1924, Marie was the daughter of the late Ernest and Lucia (Maltese) Gatti. She was a woman of her era who honored and carried on the traditional values of a first generation Italian American. She shared a close kinship with her cousins and extended family. She was raised and educated locally. She graduated from St. Francis De Sales High School and continued her education at Syracuse University. It was while in Syracuse that her roommate (Lillian Vitullo) introduced her to her brother Anthony who was to change the course of her life. On October 17, 1946, following Anthony’s military service, they were married and shared a blessed and joyful union of 56 years until Anthony’s passing on October 18, 2002. At one time, Marie was employed at the Oneida National Bank in the Bookkeeping Department. After rearing her children, she assisted her husband in the family business concern, the A. Vitullo Clothing Store. Marie went above and beyond as a nurturing wife and mother dedicated to caring for her home and family. She possessed a grace and elegance that allowed the Vitullo home to be open to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and special accomplishments with warmth, welcome, fantastic meals, and love. She was a good cook, and her cuisine pleased everyone’s palate. Marie loved her grandchildren and followed their sporting events. She cheered their victories and eased their losses. She looked forward to winters in Florida with her husband and their friends, and she enjoyed reading and listening to music, especially Broadway show tunes and Jerry Vale songs! There was always music in the house and Marie sang along. She had a rich and powerful voice, but since she was very shy, not many people were aware of her talent. For over 50 years, she was an active member of the Epsilon Tau Phi local chapter where she formed friendships that lasted a lifetime. Marie practiced her Catholic faith at the former Blessed Sacrament Church. She held an office in the “Mothers Club”, an accomplishment of which she was proud. She was devoted to the Lady of the Miraculous Medal and St. Jude, and prayed the Holy Rosary daily in their honor. Marie is survived by her daughter, Diana Vitullo-Grover and her husband Dr. Paul Grover of Baldwinsville NY; her son, Anthony J. Vitullo of New Hartford; and her daughter-in-law, Dorene M. Vitullo of Cassville. She held close to her heart the memories of her son, Ronald A. Vitullo, who passed on November 19, 2014; her twin sons, Michael and Anthony Vitullo, as well as her daughter, Ann Vitullo, all who passed in infancy. She also leaves her grandchildren, John E. and Mirtha (Fonte) Okunski; Jennifer E. (Okunski) and Bryan Geyer; Dr. Ronald A. Jr. and Maria (Gerace) Vitullo, John T. and Jacquelyn “Jackie” (Mungari) Vitullo, and Anthony J. and Kelly A. (Zangrilli) Vitullo; her great-grandchildren, Gabriella M., Amanda N., and Anthony J. Okunski; John A., and Tre Vitullo; John T. Jr., and Sophia G. Vitullo; Talia M., and Olivia A. Vitullo; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and sisters-in-law, Angela Alesandroni of Rome, Italy, and Lillian Mazzotta of Utica. She was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Lucia (Maltese) Gatti; her sister, Ada Gatti; and her brothers-in-law, Carmen Mazzotta, and Dr. Giovanni Alesandroni. The family extends their thanks to the staff of the Presbyterian Home for Central NY, Inc. for the exemplary care and affection they provided to Marie during her stay. A special thank you to cousins Carole and Jerry Rausch for their continuous support and love to Marie and her family. Visitation will be held Sunday from 2:00-4:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Expressions of sympathy in the form of donations may be made to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital online at https://www.stjude.org; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Marie’s funeral service and Celebration of Life will commence on Monday morning at 11:00 at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Joseph Salerno. Committal prayers and Entombment will be held at Calvary Mausoleum.

Mrs. Marie T. (Gatti) Vitullo

June 8, 1924 - January 26, 2017