He was born in Cleveland, OH, the son of John and Marie (Rini) Vitale. Gary attended Oberlin College, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Northwestern University, and then his Master of Arts from the University of Illinois at Springfield.
Gary was a professional actor, professor, and published author. After college, Gary performed and directed at theaters across the Midwest, including the Cleveland Playhouse. It was while he was performing at Timberlake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, IL, which Gary helped build, that Gary met Jean Carol McNutt and fell hopelessly in love.
Gary later followed Jean to Springfield where they were married on Thanksgiving Day, 1966. Jean preceded him in death January 11, 2011. He was also preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Judith Cabot, a daughter, Mary Ellen Clark, and a granddaughter.
Gary taught for many years at Springfield College in Illinois. His published works include his own textbook on Speech, the book “Letters to Molly,” that that chronicles the history of his wife Jean’s family heritage, and a collection of his own poetry “Untold Rainbows.” He loved researching history, including that of Vachel Lindsay, Ulysses S. Grant, and Abraham Lincoln about whom he published numerous articles. Gary would share his findings with presentations throughout the area, namely the Lincoln Presidential Library and the State of Illinois Historical Society. Gary’s final acting performance was as Norman Thayer in “On Golden Pond” at the age of 76.
Gary was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church. He and Jean loved fine arts and had a special appreciation for music, in part due to Jean’s talent as an accomplished pianist and piano teacher.
Surviving are his two daughters: Julie (John) Eggold of Springfield, and Elizabeth (Paul) Gantner of Campton Hills, IL, his brother Dale Vitale of Columbus, OH, nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews and nineteen great-nieces and nephews.
Family and friends are invited to a time of visitation on Sunday, March 16, 2025, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm at Bisch Funeral Home West, 2931 S. Koke Mill Rd. Springfield, IL. Additional visitation will be on Monday, March 17, 2025, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 2645 Old Jacksonville Rd. Springfield, IL beginning at 10:00 am until the time of the funeral service at 11:00 am. Pastor Joel Springer will officiate. Family graveside services will be held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at 11:00 am in the Greenmount Cemetery, Quincy, IL.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may direct memorial contributions to the Lincoln Memorial Gardens, 2301 E. Lake Shore Dr. Springfield, IL 62712 or Lincoln’s New Salem Historical Site, 15588 History Lane Petersburg, IL 62675.
Please visit the online “Life Remembered Story” at www.bischfuneralhomewest.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.
Arrangements are in the care of Bisch Funeral Home West. 217-544-5424
