Vito John Altieri

Vito John Altieri, 92, born in Herkimer, New York, on February 13,1933, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2025 surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Shirley, whom he married on September 8, 1953, their five children Vern, Fred, Steven (Sheri), Vito (Melanie) and Sonia, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

In 1951 Vito enlisted in the United States Air Force and served as a flight technician. His military career took him from Samson Air Force Base, Seneca, New York to Sheppard AFB, Wichita Falls, Texas in 1951. He then served in the Korean War at Taegu Base in 1952. He was then stationed at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, Texas from 1953 to 1955, McGuire AFB, New Jersey from 1955 to 1962, Aviano AFB, Italy from 1962 to 1966, and Andrews AFB, Maryland from 1966 to 1968. At Andrews, he was a flight engineer for the Presidential Aircraft Fleet.

He served in the Vietnam War at Tan Son Nhut Air Base from 1968 to 1969. He then returned to Del Rio, Texas from 1969 to 1972. Subsequently, he served at NATO Headquarters in Naples, Italy from 1972 to 1975, retiring after 24 years of service. Vito was decorated with multiple service medals and commendations.

Following his military service Vito worked for Lockheed Corporation in Tehran, Iran, from 1977 to 1979. He was evacuated under threat during the Iranian Revolution. In 1979 he joined Cubic Corporation where he worked in Sardinia, Korea, Thailand, Egypt, and San Diego, California. He worked with the manufacture and installation of Top Gun systems as a logistics engineer and configuration manager. Vito graduated from National University in San Diego with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He retired from Cubic Corp. in 1998.

Vito lived in Poway, California from 1981 to 2003. He then moved to Little Italy, downtown San Diego, where he served for seventeen years on the Board of Directors for the Little Italy Association. His hobbies included bowling, watching sports, bocce, and volunteer work. He served as a manager, umpire and referee for multiple youth sport leagues for decades. He enjoyed his time volunteering at the San Diego Air and Space Museum helping to rebuild aircraft. He also volunteered many times to cook breakfast in support of Wounded Warriors.

Vito and Shirley moved from San Diego to Santa Monica, California in 2021 to be closer to their family. They enjoyed walking along the beach and discovering their favorite restaurant and coffee spot. They also loved participating in the Palisades Bocce Club. Vito was a member of the American Legion Palisades Post 283 and their local Church, St. Clement Catholic Church.

Vito’s final resting place will be at the Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, California. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was the patriarch of the family, leaving behind a lasting legacy with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Veterans Foundation.