Joseph Vitale

Vitale- Joseph Anthony Vitale aged 31 passed away unexpectedly Thursday, October 4, 2018. He was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Serafina Vitale and Marian Lombardo. Joey is survived by his beloved wife, Christina; daughters Serafina, Luciana; parents, Frank and Wanda Vitale; brothers, Jonny and Frankie Vitale; sister, Serafina (Seth) Diekevers; grandfathers, Joseph Vitale, Joseph LomBardo; father-in-law, Robert and Mary Matthews; sisters-in-law, Nicole (Dr. Anthony) Falvo and Rachel Lamb; nieces and nephews, Sofia, Beau and Desmond Diekevers, Braden and Lilah Falvo; many dear aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Joey was a kind, gentle soul, always smiling. He was devoted to his family. He loved playing soccer with his brothers and cousins and was a dedicated sports fan. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11:00, Monday October 8, 2018 at Our Lady of Sorrows, 101 hall St. SE, Grand Rapids. Joey's family will greet relatives and friends Sunday from 2 to 4PM and 6 to 8PM at Stegenga Funeral Chapel - Wyoming, 3131 S. Division Ave., an hour prior to Mass at church on Monday. Prayers of the rosary will be recited 7:30 PM Sunday at the funeral chapel. Memorial contributions in Joey's memory can be left at the funeral chapel for a fund to be established for his daughters in care of Frank Vitale. To share a photo, memory and sign the family's online guestbook please visit www.stegengafuneralchapel.com Joey was a sweet and gentle soul who had a passion for food, family and friends. Coming from an Italian family, it makes complete sense. He was a third-generation pizza-maker/restaurant entrepreneur, with the long line of businesses coming from both his mother's and his father's side of the family. He grew up helping out at his parents' restaurant, Frankie V's. Continuing the family business, he ran Burton Heights Pizza. Joey loved to cook at home or at the restaurant and you could often catch him grilling and tossing pizza. Because of his kind and giving spirit Joey had an abundance of friends whom he kept in close contact with since his childhood. He had a calming demeanor and a level head that was magnetic. You would never catch him without a smile on his face and understood what it meant to be in the moment. His friends knew that Joey would always be there for them. Joey had a passion for family and loved his brother Jonny dearly. He treasured Thanksgiving, when family, including aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents gathered for the feast cooked by his mother. An amazing father and husband, he often boasted of having the best childhood and wanting to give the same to his girls. This showed daily as his little girl's eyes lit up, just as his did, when he walked through the door and wrestled before bed every night, they were his favorite blessings. Joey will forever be in the hearts of his wife Christina and girls and his gentle ways that made us all feel loved will never be forgotten. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Joseph Anthony Vitale please visit our Sympathy Store.