Nancy Lou Vitato

Nancy was born on July 19, 1937, in Ojai, California, and moved to Merced with her parents and

sister, Sue, at the age of seven. A proud resident of Merced, she attended Weaver Elementary/Middle School and then graduated from Merced High School in 1955, where she was a dedicated member of the Merced Marching 100, playing the saxophone.

Throughout her life, Nancy enjoyed both her professional career and her passions. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Wilhelm and later as an interior designer at Saunder’s Furniture. However, it was her family that truly meant the world to her. Nancy was a devoted mother to three sons and played a vital role in the lives of her four grandsons. She rarely missed an athletic event or special moment in their lives.

Nancy’s faith and love for the Church were central to her being. She began playing the piano at the age of 12 and continued to share her musical talent with her church community throughout her life. She played the piano for countless weddings, choirs, special events, and funerals, leaving a lasting impact on those who heard her music.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Emmitt and Nora Pyle; her beloved husband, Terry Vitato; and her sons, Doug and Darryl Vitato. She is survived by her son, Dick Vitato, and his wife, Julie; daughter-in-law, Jan Vitato; grandsons, Kevin (Nicole), Kory (Dani), and Scott and Patrick Vitato; great-grandchildren, Skylar, Addison, Tatum, and Oliver; her sister, Sue Pyle Fitzgerald Ledbetter; sister-in-law, Mary Silva; nieces Aimee Mattos (Manuel), Janee Fitzgerald, and Shandy Dittman; great niece, Kate Mattos, and great nephew, Kohner Haniuk.

Nancy’s family and friends will remember her as a loving, selfless, and faithful woman whose life was filled with devotion to those she loved. As she now rests in peace, we are comforted by her lasting legacy and the joy she brought to everyone around her.

"Well done, good and faithful servant."

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B Street Merced, California 95341.