Anthony "Tony" Michael Vitale

Anthony Michael "Tony" Vitale passed away peacefully June 29th. He was 93. Born in New Haven, Connecticut to Angelina and Pasquale Vitale, Tony taught middle school in Connecticut, married his beloved wife Marie and moved to Florida in 1955 to join their family’s tire business, Tire King. Tony went on to become a well-known, well-loved, and successful businessman in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale area, eventually owning multiple tire stores and becoming President of the Miami-Dade County 100 Club business organization. He retired at age 45, and he and Marie moved to Kentucky to enjoy their grandchildren. They immersed themselves in old-time music as members of the Louisville Dulcimer Society, for which Tony served as Treasurer for more than sixteen years. Known for his steady rhythm guitar, Tony (and Marie, who plays autoharp) enjoyed many years of making music together – with each other, and with their Dulcimer Society friends. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this month. Tony was first and foremost a dedicated family man, an outstanding and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.

He is survived by his wife Marie; children Gary (Melodie) Vitale, Rick (Dena) Vitale, and Patti (Jay) Beagle; grandchildren David Vitale (Liz), Emily Dixon (Ben), Rebecca Vitale (Stephen Feagin), Mark Vitale (Tara), and Jenna Beagle; great-grandchildren Caroline (deceased), Sam, Hayden, Fiona, and Serge.

Visitation will be held from 3-5PM on Saturday, July 2, 2022 at Arch L. Heady & Son at Westport Village, 7410 Westport Rd. Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Cherrywood Rd. with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Marian Center School and Services in Miami Gardens, Florida (www.mariancenterschool.org).

Please visit www.archlheadywestport.com to leave a condolence for the family.