Eugene Julius Vitale

Eugene Julius Vitale, a Tucson resident for over 65 years, joined the Lord on December 1, 2020 while visiting family in Tulsa, OK. “ Honey are you with me?” whistled Lyda Rita. “ Honey, I am with you” whistled Eugene as he slipped into heaven reuniting with his love.

Born of Italian immigrants in 1930, sandwiched between two World Wars, Eugene excelled academically and played football at Fenger High School in Roseland, South Chicago, IL. A true believer in self-determination and hard work, he was a paper boy at age 10, and a bakery apprentice by 11 years, rising early to work before school. His high school years and college summers were spent in roofing and construction work, in order to pay for his future. Eugene was accepted to Purdue University in Lafayette, Indiana. Gene worked at his beloved Pike Kappa Alpha Fraternity and as an assistant to a local disabled attorney all through college. He joined ROTC and earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue in 1952.

Whenever he could, Gene “thumbed” his way to Florida or Chicago to visit Lyda Rita. They were married at the beginning of their Senior year, and Gene applied for the Naval Officer Training Program. Right after graduation, Gene and Lyda Rita were stationed in Quonset Point, RI, where their first daughter, Alicia, was born. Upon receiving his commission, he became part of the Seabees as a Lieutenant JG, and bought his first car, a 1953 Chevy. Eugene was committed to his military career, continuing to serve in the Naval Reserve for 25 years. He achieved the rank of Commander and assumed leadership off the Southern Arizona Seabees unit. Under his command, the Unit received much recognition for their contributions to the community. After a brief stint at Standard Oil in Chicago, Gene was offered a position at Hughes Aircraft Company in Tucson.

Ree and Gene vivaciously embraced their new life in Tucson. Eugene rose through the ranks of management at Hughes. They became loyal supporters of the University of Arizona. Their second daughter, Alison, was born in Tucson in 1958. Ree and Gene truly enjoyed everything the “Old Pueblo” had to offer, including building their own home in the valley, where he lived for over 40 years. After 36 productive years at Hughes, Gene and Ree retired to enjoy many years traveling and making beautiful memories with family.

He was an extraordinary man who worked tirelessly to support his family. Being a natural encourager, Gene was quick to share his extensive knowledge in engineering and design with all, never failing to extend a helping hand. There never was a problem Gene couldn’t solve, either with hard work or sheer perseverance. He was proud of his second generation Italian heritage and instilled that pride in his children, leaving a tremendous legacy. That combination of work ethic, humble beginnings, generosity and a strong moral compass made him a wonderful role model. He wanted to enjoy life “forever” and proved he was a survivor over and over again.

Gene’s beloved wife of 57 years passed away in 2008. Eugene is survived by his two daughters, Alicia (Richard) Ranne of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Alison Crompton of Seattle, Washington; along with their children Jessica ( Michael) Keller, Jason (Katie) Ranne and Jocelyn ( Yusong) Ranne; and Ryan (Becky) Crompton and Adam Crompton; and his great grandchildren, Andrew and Luke Ranne, and Madelynn and Michelle Keller.

Visitation will be 5~6pm January 4 with a graveside service 10am January 5, both at East Lawn Palms Mortuary 5801 E. Grant Rd., Tucson, AZ 85712