Phillip Vincent Vitale

Phillip Vincent Vitale passed away on Monday, June 21, 2021, in the presence of loved ones. Born September 18, 1935, Phil was the youngest of four children of Anna (Pellerito) Vitale and Vincenzo Vitale. He grew up in a small Italian neighborhood - once near St. Andrew's Cathedral in Grand Rapids - and attended Catholic schools. He was a lifelong Democrat and proud Italian American. At age 18, Phil met the love of his life, Phyllis (Alexander) Vitale, while both were working at Herpolsheimer's department store in downtown Grand Rapids. Soon after, he served as a radio operator in the U.S. Air Force, and Phyllis took the train to his base at Biloxi, Mississippi, to marry him on May 25, 1954. Phil was also stationed in Labrador, Canada and Minot, North Dakota. After completing his service, Phil returned to the Grand Rapids area where he worked at the Walter Hagen sporting goods plant and later at Kent Skills Center. In the prime of life, Phil's favorite hobbies were golfing, gardening, and cooking for his family. After losing his beloved Phyllis to PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy) in 2002, he rarely missed a day in conversation with her at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

He is remembered by his sister, Josephine (Vitale) Dubart; children Dawn (Vitale) Young, Anthony Vitale, and Sally Vitale; grandchildren Jeremy Vitale, Shane Vitale, Heather Salter, Amber Young, Holly Young Zamudio, Joel Vitale, and Abbey Galloway; and great-grandchildren Sophia Vitale, Nick Vitale, Lia Vitale, Elliott Salter, and Phillip (Felix) Salter.

In honor of Phil and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to CurePSP or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Interment will be at Resurrection Cemetery. The family welcomes memories and messages in their guest book online at www.cookcaresgrandville.com.