Obituary of Joseph E. Vitale

VITALE, Joseph E. "Mr. V" of Saginaw, Michigan, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away at his home on Wednesday, February 2, 2011 at age 83. Joe was born on November 10, 1927 in Montague, Texas to the late Peter and Effie (Rotta) Vitale. He married the love of his life Lydia Dolfi, wife of 61 years, on January 14, 1950 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Saginaw. She survives him. Joe served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He was employed at McDonald Dairy Company as General Manager from 1951-1985. In 1979, Joe and Lydia purchased their first Texan Restaurant in Saginaw and later branched out to other Tri City locations. He was a member of the Exchange Club and a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council 593. He was also a long-standing member of the Saginaw Country Club and served on the Board of Governors from 1990-1992. He loved golf, running his family business, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren. Surviving are three daughters, Carol (Edward) Moszyk of Bay City, MI., Barbara (Joseph) Kelly of Fleming Island, FL., and Deborah (Frederick) Lutz Jr. of Saginaw, MI.; Seven grandchildren, Bill (Erica) Kelly, Adam Lutz, Caitlin (Phillip) Horne, Jonathan Lutz, Amanda Moszyk, Kevin Lutz, and Joshua Moszyk; and one great granddaughter, Adelyn Horne. Also surviving are a loving sister and brother-in-law, Mary Lou and James Fritzler and several nieces, nephews and cousins. FUNERAL- Joseph's Funeral Liturgy will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 1310 Malzahn. Rev. James G. Heller will officiate. Rite of Committal will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION-Friends are welcome to visit with Joe's family at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd (off State) on Wednesday, February 9, 2011 from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Vigil Service honoring Joe will take place at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening. Joe will lie in state at St. Stephen Catholic Church on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of Mass. MEMORIALS-Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider memorials to Michigan Parkinson's Foundation or St. Stephen Catholic Church. Please share your thoughts and memories with Joseph's family at the funeral home, church, or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.