Obituary of Joseph Vitalone

Joseph F. Vitalone Canandaigua, NY Joseph F. Vitalone, 98, passed away quietly in his Canandaigua home on January 25, 2011. He was born on October 1, 1912 in San Procopio, a village in the Italian province of Calabria. His family immigrated to the United States in 1921 and first settled in Utica, NY, where his father, Rocco Vitalone, had a position as a tailor in a clothing factory. Later, the family moved to Canandaigua, where Joe attended St. Mary’s School. He completed the sixth grade, after which he had to remain at home to help support his family. In 1953 he passed an examination to obtain his high school equivalency diploma. Joe received his barber license when he was 18 and carried out this occupation until 1966. Although he maintained a steady work ethic, he was able to find time to spend winters in warmer climates, most often in South Florida. Eventually, he became a regular “snow bird”. Joe was a veteran of World War II, having served in the Army, and was a member of the American Legion for 65 years. Whether in Canandaigua or South Florida, he enjoyed being with family and friends and especially enjoyed his morning get-togethers for coffee with his friends. Over the past several months, he was fortunate in having some very capable women to provide him with home care. They not only took good care of all his needs, but also grew very fond of him. As a result they took a personal interest in him. The nurses and home care personnel of Ontario County Hospice also rendered effective and timely care for him. These services were much appreciated by family members. Joe is survived by his nephews, John Polimeni, of Canandaigua, Joseph (Mary) Polimeni, of Bristol, Russell (Margaret) Polimeni, of Boynton Beach, Fl., Albert Polimeni, of Canandaigua, and several grandnephews, grandnieces, great-grandnephews, and great-grandnieces. He was predeceased by his sisters, Josephine Polimeni, Domenica Marafioti, and Carmella Vitalone. There will be no calling hours. An 11:00 am funeral mass will be held Friday January 28, at St. Mary’s church, 95 North Main Street, Canandaigua. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Fuller Funeral Home, Inc.