Joseph Domenic Vitali

September 27, 1931 - October 26, 2020

Joseph Domenic Vitali passed away peacefully on October 26, 2020 at the age of 89. Loving husband and father, he is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mary Vitali, and children Nancy, Elaine, Joe jr., and Kristi. He has five grandchildren. He will be remembered as a gentle man of uncommon kindness. Joe was born on September 27, 1931 in Knobview (Fanning), Missouri to Serafino and Maria (Bacialli) Vitali where he lived with his mother and father, twin brother Jim, and sister Louise. He married Mary Jane Zink in March of 1952. Four months later he was drafted to serve with the U.S. Army in Korea and achieved the rank of Sergeant First Class. Upon returning home, he attended The Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla (Missouri University of Science and Technology) and received his B.S. Electrical Engineering degree in 1959. He practiced engineering for 40 years in Tulsa, OK. Joe had a passion for his chosen field and advised young people to "do what you love." He worked at McDonnell Douglas and North American Rockwell with the U.S. space program. Then, he worked at Amoco Research Center where he contributed to the early development of teleconferencing. One co-worker of 35 years said of Joe, "He was a rock, a quiet leader. He put people at ease." After retiring he continued as an active member and served as Tulsa chapter President of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Always willing to serve and teach, Joe was a mentor for Junior Achievement and coached Little League. At St. Pius X Catholic Church, he was an instructor in the CCD and RCIA programs, an usher, eucharistic minister, and served on the Parish Council. He was also Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 81. Joe loved the outdoors, especially fishing and a good campfire. At home he enjoyed audio equipment and classical music. Most of all, Joe loved being with his family and was happiest when everyone was "there." He kept in touch with extended family who were dear to him. He was delighted to find extended family while in northern Italy with Mary in 2001, and loved sending cards for any occasion, birthdays, Christmas, or Groundhog Day. Joe and Mary were encouraged with these words recently: "Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are worthy of praise...then the God of peace will be with you." Philippians 4:8-9 Joe will be dearly missed by his family & friends. Outdoor memorial service to celebrate Joe's life will be held Saturday, November 7th at 11:00am, Calvary Cemetery, 9101 S Harvard.