Anna Vitale

Anna was born on April 29,1931 in New York City to Polish immigrants, the youngest of three brothers and one sister. She grew up on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in a proud Jewish family. On July 30, 1947, at age 16, she married the love of her life, Joseph Vitale. Joseph’s work in the textile industry moved them south, where they raised their four children and built a wonderful life in Charlotte, N.C.

Their early years in Charlotte were centered around family, friends, and Joseph’s 36 years at Perfect Fit Industries. In addition to her supportive role in Joseph’s business, Anna was also involved in the Jewish communities of Charlotte, Myrtle Beach and Fort Lauderdale. However, her greatest passion and joy in life was being a wife, mother and grandmother. Anna never missed a milestone and was present at every sporting event, performance and celebration. Together, Anna and Joseph hosted annual holiday parties where they celebrated and danced into the New Year. Anna and Joe took care of each other, loved each other and fiercely loved the family they built.

Anna had many life-long friends. She was known for her genuine personality, warmth, honesty, caring and supportive nature. She was a champion and protector to the people she loved. There was always an open seat at her kitchen table. Anna loved long conversations, she loved to listen and would always provide great advice. Famous recipes such as her iconic challah french toast and homemade meatballs have been passed down to children and grandchildren but family dinner tables will forever be missing the most important ingredient, nana’s love.

Anna was the proud matriarch of her loving family. She was pre-deceased by her husband of 48 years and her four siblings. She is survived by four children, Sandra Dolman, Laura Levine, Jody Vitale and Rory Vitale(Debbie), 9 grandchildren: Adina (Matias), Blake (Samantha), Blair (Margit), Baker, Wilson, Hollen, Jacob, Logan and Joseph and her 5 great-grandchildren: Juliet, Lulu, Gabriella, Louie & Diana with one more on the way.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, Anna will be laid to rest beside her husband at a family gravesite service on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at Star of David Memorial Gardens in North Lauderdale. As a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and dear friend, Anna’s love and spirit will never be forgotten.

Donations in Anna’s memory made me made to the Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO) Organization: www.jafco.org.