Angela J. Vitale

Angela Josephine Vitale, 85 of Rockford, IL passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by her children on Saturday August 22nd. Daughter of Gabriel "Ray" and Palma (Paluzzi) Gianquinto. Graduated West High School in 1952. Graduate of Rockford Memorial Hospital School of Radiology. Married Vincent J Vitale December 18, 1954. Both Angie and Vince were each saying a Novena to St. Jude to help them find their soulmate when they met.

Angie worked for a short time as a Radiologic Technologist before starting a family. She worked as Lab Secretary at Rockford Clinic for 19 years and went on to work 17 years as Receptionist at Edgebrook Dermatology where she retired.

A music lover, she enjoyed concerts in the park, big band music and dancing. Angie and Vince would draw a crowd of onlookers at wedding receptions with their dancing; often referred to as "Fred and Ginger".

Angie loved her children and grandchildren. She always said that one of her favorite things was to hear them laughing and cooking in the kitchen when they visited. She enjoyed making Italian cookies and rice balls at Christmas and always made big pots of her homemade sugo for pasta dinners. These are traditions that she learned from her mother and taught her family to carry on.

She enjoyed being entertained by her backyard birds, especially cardinals. There were many feeders in the yard to attract a variety of birds. She also loved going antiquing, playing cards with her friends in card club and going on bus trips to casinos. Her card club would often go on trips with the Golden Agers. When she could no longer attend mass, she so appreciated her friend Joan Riportella bringing communion to her on Sundays.

She also had a close group of girlfriends she had known from grade school and South Rockford. They would get together for lunch every month and until recently they took annual trips to Vegas together. They called themselves the Buzzin' Dozen and were quite a sight to see, all of the Italian beauties, when they entered a restaurant or shop.

She was one of seven "Angies" in the family. The Italian tradition was to name your first daughter after the matriarch of the family. She loved to tell the story of when the cousins all got together, when one of the mothers would call for "Angie", all seven would come running. She loved all of her cousins and enjoyed getting together to share memories and make new ones. She was a wonderful cook, it was therapy to her. She loved entertaining and it was not unusual for her to host large dinner parties. She always made everyone feel welcome in her home.

Despite losing her beloved husband when she was just 45, she raised 5 young children on her own. Never losing her faith in God or her positive outlook on life, she influenced all who were blessed to know her. A wonderful friend with a wicked sense of humor, a loving mother and beautiful soul, she will be so greatly missed by all who were lucky enough to have her in their life.

She was a member of St Anthony Catholic Church, the St Anthony Altar and Rosary Society and a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.

Survived by her loving children: Linda Vitale-Elkind, Michael Vitale, Lisa Vitale (caregiver), Maria (Jens) McKellips, and Monica Vitale. Grandchildren: Ben Elkind, Sam Elkind, Sarah McKellips-Andrews, Samantha McKellips and Michaela Vitale. Brother Joseph (Lani) Gianquinto, nephews Jason (LeAnn) Gianquinto, Jared (Sarah) Gianquinto and Larry (Linda) Johnson.

Pre-deceased by parents and husband.

Special thanks to the caring staff at Mercy Hospice and nephew Larry Johnson, her "garden angel". The family would like to acknowledge the late Jim Maragi for his many years of companionship and friendship.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church with the Franciscan Friars officiating. Please wear a mask and observe social distancing. Due to the pandemic, a private burial for immediate family will be held at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the family.

A very special celebration with all of her friends and family to honor Angie's wonderful life will be held at a later date to honor the lovely person as she should be honored. Heaven is getting a good one.

Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel assisted the family. Extend condolences and share memories at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.