Richard "Dick" I. Vitale

Dick was born on May 1,1940 in Brooklyn, New York; he was the son of the late Giuseppe and Alfonsa (Ginex) Vitale. Dick lived in Brooklyn until his graduation from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1957. Shortly thereafter, he joined the United States Navy Reserve where he excelled in aviation and attended the Aviation Reserve Officer’s Candidate School. After graduating as a Naval Aviator at the top of his class, he became a flight instructor in Pensacola. He remained in the United States Navy until 1965 after serving as a carrier fighter pilot (as a plank owner on the USS America (CV-66)) and fuel officer.

In 1963, Dick met and married the love of his life, Suzanne “Sue” Guillotte and during their marriage became the proud father of three children. In 1965, he became a Flight Navigator for Pan American World Airways where he continued his successful 27-year career being promoted through the ranks of First Officer, Flight Instructor, Check Airman and Captain. He was one of the most experienced instructors at Pan Am and the only Instructor and Check Captain qualified and current to fly three wide body aircraft at the same time (Boeing 747, Lockheed L-1011 Tri-Star, Airbus A300).

Dick was an active member of the community and devoted member of his church serving as Eucharistic Minister, Marriage Encounter facilitator and member of the Knights of Columbus (Council 7575). He believed in public service and served throughout his lifetime as a town selectman, planning board member, volunteer ambulance driver, Rotary Club member, and member of the Military Officers Association of America. For a few years he enjoyed being a Coast Guard certified Captain of a sixty-foot tour boat on Lake Sunapee, New Hampshire.

Anyone who knew Dick knew that he loved to tell a good story, read military novels, tell bad jokes, and eat good food. He and Sue went on many adventures as he loved to travel, especially cruises, throughout the world. He was known for his sense of humor, infectious laugh and his Navy call sign “Chuckles”. He will be deeply missed by friends and family.

Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Suzanne “Sue” and his three children, Richard George, Christine and Stephen and his wife Cheryl Pazak Vitale. He was a loving “Papa” to his five grandsons: Zachary, Jacob, Kent, Benjamin and Matthew. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and his brothers, Onofrio “Fred” Vitale and Joseph S. Vitale. He had many loving nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staff of Arden Courts of Largo for the excellent care he received over several years, especially during the last few months of his life.

A viewing will be held Monday, April 13th from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Serenity Funeral Home, 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo Fl 33774. Funeral Services will be April 14th at 11:00am at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Boulevard, Largo, Fl. Interment will be at Bushnell National Cemetery on Wednesday, April 15th at 10:30am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the St. Jerome Parish Center Renovation Fund (address listed above).