Giuseppe Vitale, 91, of Rochester, NY, formerly of Throop Ave., Auburn, NY, passed away peacefully February 10, 2026, at Highland Hospital in Rochester, NY.
Born in Cinisi, Sicily, he was the son of the late Antonino and Angela (Chirco) Vitale. He was a proud veteran serving in the Italian Army. Giuseppe retired from Chrysler (New Process Gear) in Syracuse, NY, where he was employed as an inspector. Giuseppe was a man who found great joy in everyday pleasures, especially when they were shared with his family and friends. He had a deep love for gardening and one of his greatest passions was cheese making, most especially ricotta, which he perfected over the years and was always proud to share with others. He was an avid bocce player and a fierce but good-natured competitor, winning many league tournaments over the years. He was a devoted member of several Italian clubs in Auburn, where he cherished his heritage and the strong sense of community they provided. Giuseppe was a family man and a wonderful friend who loved to share stories of his earlier life in Italy. He would often weave his words of wisdom through the use of proverbs to the younger generations. Above all, he was a peacemaker who valued harmony, understanding, and bringing people together.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Carmela (Alessio) Vitale; a devoted son, Antonino “Nino” (Ronald Pawelczak) Vitale; siblings, Luisa Palazzolo, Francesca (Vincenzo) Vitale, Salvatore “Sam” (Linda) Vitale; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Faro Vitale, Giuseppina Vitale, and Giovanna “Jenny” Daddabbo, and brother-in-law, Vincenzo Palazzolo.
Friends are invited to visit the family on Friday, February 13, from 4-7 PM at Langham Funeral Home, LLC, 48 South St., Auburn, NY 13021. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 14, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 299 Clark St., Auburn at 10:30 AM. Entombment will be in St. Joseph’s Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Highland Hospital Foundation Attn: Palliative Care Fund, 1000 South Ave., Rochester, NY 14620 (Urmc.Rochester.edu). Please visit www.Langhamfuneralhomellc.com to share a condolence with the family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Giuseppe Vitale, please visit our floral store.