Anthony Vitale, Tony to most, died February 1st peacefully surrounded by his family. Tony was born in Canton, Ohio, just as the depression settled on the country. He was the ninth of eleven children of Leone and Francesca (Pidala) Vitale, Italian immigrants from Longi, Sicily (Italy). He grew up on Henry Avenue, a bustling neighborhood of Italians, Slovaks, Polish, Spanish, and other ethnic groups. Back then, people lived, walked, worked, shopped and played in the neighborhood.

Tony's pleasures were simple growing up during the Depression and the scarcity of World War II; playing ball, walking with his dad to the store and getting one of his favorite candy bars, Mr. Goodbar, taking a bus sometimes instead of walking, eating a ripe tomato right out of the family garden, getting a hamburger after he finished his paper route or going to a movie theater on the weekend. Tony graduated from Lincoln High School in 1948. He was the first son to graduate high school in his family. He then joined his older brothers in their business, Vitale Brothers Concrete Contractors. Soon after he married Jeannette, Tony was drafted into the Army where he served in Germany.

Tony thought the world of his family and his extended family. He was happiest when he was with his family. You might hear him humming then, or cracking a joke and laughing about it. The holidays with their special foods traditional to his family, made being together even better: homemade pasta, fried chicken, Italian wedding soup, squid soup, fried smelt, meatballs, sausage, salads and fresh breads. And then there was dessert: so many kinds of homemade Italian cookies: ribbons, pizelles, La Scots, nut rolls, and so much more that bakeries would be envious.

But, that was a long time ago now. All of Tony's many brothers and sisters are gone: Rose, who lived in Longi, Sicily (Italy), Frances, Clara, Josephine, Jenny, Mary, Vicky, Leo, Joe and Jim. Tony was also preceded in death by his parents, Leone and Francesca, mother-in-law Emma Bender, his wife of 55 years, Jeannette, and his sons Leo, Tony Jr. and Steven. Tony is survived by his children, Greg (Flo), Francine, John, Lisa (Vince), Noelle, and Stacy (Mike) and his many grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Anthony/All Saints Parish, Crossroads Hospice or the charity of your choice. Private family services were held.

ROSSI (330) 492-5830

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