Loving Husband and Father

Thomas R. Vitello, Sr., 63, of Niagara Falls, NY passed away in the comfort of his home on Wednesday, November 5, 2014 after a brief illness. Born in Niagara Falls, NY he was the son of the late Frank D. and Anna T. (Gabrielli) Vitello.

Thomas was a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, NY. He attended local schools and graduated from Niagara Falls High School in 1969. He then attended Niagara University and graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with a concentration in Physical Education for all grade levels. Following that he went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in Education in 1974 from Azusa Pacific University.

During the 1970's and 1980's Tom was a substitute teacher for the Niagara Falls School District and also worked in the Public Works Department and Recreation Department for the City of Niagara Falls, the Carborundum Company and the former Nabisco Shredded Wheat Co. all in Niagara Falls, NY. In the mid 1980's he became a Supervisor of Maintenance at the Waste Water Treatment Facility for the City of Niagara Falls Water Department which he continued when it became Niagara Falls Water Board in 2003 until his retirement in 2007.

Tom was a very proud member of the United Steel Workers Union Local 9434 for many years of which he held various offices prior to being elected their president for eight years. His union membership was extremely important to him and he fought hard representing other members. Among his responsibilities included contract negotiations and health care contracts for union workers.

Throughout his lifetime Tom was an outstanding athlete and while in high school he was a member of the junior varsity and varsity football and baseball teams. He went on to play semi pro football in Detroit, MI. In the early 1970's Thomas also volunteered as an assistant coach for football with his good friends Joseph Rizzo and Frank Scaletta and as an assistant varsity baseball coach with Joseph Rizzo in the 1970's and 1980's. Many people affectionately knew Tom as "Coach" as a result of his dedicated coaching. He also played catcher for the Premier Honey's Traveling Softball Team in the 1970-80's. More recently, especially following his retirement, he became an avid golfer participating in various leagues and local tournaments with many of his friends and families. In addition to golfing several times a week, he was skilled in carpentry and enjoyed doing many projects from small to large construction including remodeling and was always there ready to lend a hand and help family and friends. Tom was known for his sarcasm and wit and his many "Tomisms" will be missed by all who knew him.

Thomas is survived by his wife Pamela A. (Aswad) Vitello, three sons Frank A. (Temokro "Moka") Vitello of Alexandria, VA; Thomas R. Vitello, Jr. of Niagara Falls, NY and Nicholas C. Vitello of Buffalo, NY; his former wife Debra A. (Paonessa) Tramontano and several aunts, many cousins and a niece Taramarie Mitravitch of Niagara Falls, NY.

Visitation will be on Sunday from 2 – 7 p.m. at the
M.J. COLUCCI & SON NIAGARA FUNERAL CHAPEL, 2730 MILITARY ROAD, NIAGARA FALLS, NY, where funeral services will be held on Monday November 10th at 9:15 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. in Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 27th Street and Independence Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY. Entombment in St. Joseph Cemetery, Niagara Falls, NY. If desired, memorial donations may be made to Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 1413 Pine Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY 14301. Visit www.mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online guest register.