Vic Iannitti

Born Vittorio Iannitti in Providence, he was a long-time resident of North Providence. He was son of the late Vittore Iannitti and Nicolina (Callei) Gentile; beloved husband of Barbara (Barone) Iannitti; loving father of Victor Iannitti, Lori Iannitti, David Iannitti and his wife Lauren, Robert Iannitti and his longtime companion Kris Ranieri; brother of Marie Iannitti and the late Thomas Iannitti, Charles Iannitti, and Bernadette Parente; and grandfather of Michael Burke, Victor Martelle, David “DJ”, Jaime and Giuliana Iannitti, and the late Ashley Iannitti.

Vic was born and raised on Federal Hill in Providence, Rhode Island. At the age of 21 he joined the US Army and served for two years in the Korean War, primarily above the 38th parallel. Vic earned two Bronze Star Medals for meritorious and heroic service in combat during his service. Upon his return to Rhode Island, he met and became the cherished husband of 65 years to Barbara (Barone) Iannitti.

Vic owned a small market in DePasquale Plaza on Federal Hill then found a new location for his business on Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence and opened a second location on Smithfield Avenue in Providence. The business rapidly grew into the Rhode Island icon, Vic’s Fruit Stand, established in 1961. Vic’s was a legendary market but, most importantly, was the training site for innumerable young men and women, many of whom went on to become successful in this and other fields. Vic had a larger-than-life personality with a passionate demeanor and an easy smile. He loved his employees, vendors, customers, and the community. Everyone was family at Vic’s.

Following the closure of Vic’s Fruit Stand, Vic stayed in the business that he loved. He sold from a fruit truck seasonally, enjoying the comradery of other the sellers and, of course, his customers. Throughout the years he summered in Newport, Block Island and Martha’s Vineyard on the “Ocean’s Pride” with family and friends. Vic had a zest for travel and adventure and travelled for years to South America, Mexico and the Caribbean, but his favorite place after his home in Rhode Island was Italy. He travelled to Italy and connected with his family in their hometown of Minturno. He truly enjoyed the sun and waters of southern Italy and Sicily.

Vic and Barbara moved to North Providence to raise their family just before the opening of Vic’s Fruit Stand. Together they raised Victor, Lori, David and Robert Iannitti. Vic was a devoted husband and loving father who cared deeply for his children. They all worked together at Vic’s, but he always made time with them for travel, boating, fishing and of course quahoging. During his final days he wished to be surrounded by his loving wife and adoring children so he could further express his love for them and bestow his parting wisdom to love each other, show compassion, give to others and make the world a better place.

Visitation will be held Saturday 8:30-10:00 a.m. followed by a funeral service in the Pontarelli-Marino Home, 971 Branch Ave, Providence.

Burial with military honors will follow in the Rhode Island Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, Exeter.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank (https://rifoodbank.org/give-now/).