Vito Ruvolo

Vito Ruvolo, age 92, passed away on March 4, 2026. Vito Ruvolo was born in the small sea side town of Castellamare Del Golfo, Sicily in 1933. At the age of 20 he moved to Brooklyn, New York where he enjoyed a long and fruitful life surrounded by his family, and friends. At the age of 28 Vito married his best friend, care taker, and the love of his life, Marie DeFranco. Vito and Marie spent 63 adventurous years together raising 3 children, traveling the world and spending time with his extended family and friends-many of whom were also from his childhood town.

Vito is survived by his loving wife Marie; his sisters Vincenza Romano and Paulina Amato; his daughter Nicolina, son-in-law Michael Calabrese and their daughter Francesca; his son Vito, daughter-in-law Maia, and their daughter Elina; son-in-law Jim Bryan; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and grand-dogs Loki, Nina, Nico and Nunzio.

Vito was predeceased by his daughter Rosemarie Bryan, his brother Vincent Ruvolo, brothers-in-law Andrea Romano and Salvatore Amato and sister-in-law Roseanne Ruvolo.

Vito had apprenticed as a cabinet maker in Sicily and when he brought his skills to Brooklyn he became a successful businessman, owning his own workshop and employing dozens of talented people who heralded from all corners of the world. Vito took great pride in his craft and in the relationships he built through his work.

Outside of work, Vito cherished his time at the social club playing cards, talking with friends, and enjoying the simple pleasures of community. Vito’s grandchildren brought him immense joy and many of his happiest memories were traveling with them—especially trips to Disney and visits back to Sicily. Vito also relished spending long hours in lively conversation with his two sisters, Vincenza and Paulina.

Above all, Vito will be remembered for his devotion to family, his strong work ethic, and they joy he found in spending time with the people he loved most.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Vito's memory to St.Jude.

Visitation will be held at Cusimano & Russo Funeral Home, 2005 West 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11223, US, on March 11, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at Church of Sts. Simon & Jude, 185 Van Sicklen St, Brooklyn, NY 11223, on March 12, 2026, from 9:45 am to 10:30 am.

Entombment will follow at St. Charles / Resurrection Cemeteries, 2015 Wellwood Ave, Farmingdale, NY 11735, US, on March 12, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.