Catherine Ann Vitaletti

Catherine “Kay” Vitaletti passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026, at the age of 93. She lived a life marked by deep devotion to her family, kindness toward others, and a joyful, generous spirit. Known for her natural grace and striking beauty, she left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Kay was born on January 25, 1933, in Olyphant, Pennsylvania, to Mary and Thomas DiPietro. She spent her early years surrounded by a close-knit family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who helped shape the strong sense of family that guided her throughout her life.

Curious about the world from an early age, Kay discovered her lifelong love of flowers while working at a local florist. That curiosity stayed with her, carrying her through life with an openness to learning, growth, and new experiences.

As a young woman, she met William “Bill” Vitaletti at a community dance. Passing one another on a staircase, they locked eyes and soon shared their first dance—the beginning of a love story that would span a lifetime. They were married on October 11, 1953, and celebrated seventy years together.

Kay and Bill made their home in Binghamton, New York, where they raised six children and created a household filled with warmth, laughter, and an open door for family and friends. Kay had a gift for living in the moment and for making a house feel alive—whether tending her peonies in bloom, watching birds gather at her feeders, or simply being present with those she loved. She found joy in life’s simple rhythms.

She encouraged her children to pursue their passions and led by example, instilling in them the values of discipline, resilience, and wholehearted effort. That same spirit defined her own pursuits when she took up tennis, becoming Recreation Park’s Women’s Singles Champion for two consecutive years and later winning a mixed doubles title. Annual family vacations in Hilton Head were filled with tennis matches and rounds of golf—spirited, competitive, and full of laughter that became cherished family memories.

With that same determination, she learned to play mahjong and quickly became a formidable player. Her friends knew that a game with Kay would bring sharp strategy, good humor, and plenty of laughter.

Kay made friends easily and remained close with them throughout her life, often remembering birthdays and holidays with handwritten cards and notes—small gestures that meant a great deal to those who received them. She was also a wonderful cook—a true magician in the kitchen—effortlessly turning simple ingredients into meals that brought people together and made it hard to leave the table.

Deeply engaged in her community, Kay served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister at St. James Church in Binghamton. She also volunteered at Lourdes Hospital and worked as a teacher’s aide, where her warmth and genuine love of children made her especially cherished.

Resourceful and capable, Kay kept her own toolbox nearby and took quiet pride in fixing things herself. She followed current events with interest, spoke her mind with clarity and conviction, and possessed a natural intuition about people. A gifted storyteller, she entertained her family with animated tales that filled a room with laughter.

Kay will be remembered as a devoted wife, loving mother, proud grandmother and great-grandmother, and loyal friend. Her warmth, wisdom, humor, and strength shaped the lives around her in lasting ways. She is now reunited with Bill, the love of her life, and rests peacefully in the presence of God.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl Vitaletti (James Doherty) of Syracuse, NY, William Vitaletti (Catherine) of Fairfax, VA, Linda Koffman (Steven) of Franklin Lakes, NJ, Dr. Anne Vitaletti-Coughlin (George Coughlin) of Stowe, VT, Tom Vitaletti (Carolee) of Williamsburg, VA, and Cari Vitaletti of Ithaca, NY; her grandchildren, Dr. Leana Doherty (Dr. Philip Wasicek), Katie Doherty, George Coughlin (Lindsay Bramhall), Thomas Vitaletti (Rachel), Charles Fesquet (Sierra Stamey), Taylor Vitaletti, and Isabella Rose Koffman; and her great-grandchildren, Maxwell, Liam, Lola, Lilah, Charlotte, Luca, and Cameron.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, March 22 at 2:00 p.m. at The Williamsburg Community Chapel in 3899 John Tyler Hwy, Williamsburg, Virginia. A Funeral Mass, Burial, and Celebration of Life will be held in Binghamton, New York at a later date, where family and friends will come together to honor and celebrate Kay’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice in Kay’s memory. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.