Benjamin Vitale, a Former Harlem Resident, Dies at 92

Benjamin Vitale, 92, an area resident for 24 years and formerly of Harlem, died on Father’s Day, June 18, 2017 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center.

Born in Sicily, Italy on December 17, 1924, he was the son of the late Giuseppi and Mary (Verdi) Vitale. Mr. Vitale was a proud Mason Tender who was employed by the Mason Tenders Union, Local #59. He enjoyed reading books, making puzzles, and collecting items such as baseball cards and stamps.

Mr. Vitale survived by his wife, Anna (Vaccaro); his children and their spouses, Ann Marie and Michael Yankosky of Fishkill, Joseph and Arlene Vitale of Sarasota, FL, and Anthony and Dena Vitale of Danbury, CT; his grandchildren, Margaret and Chris Thorne, Joseph Vitale, Gina and Mike Martucci; his great-grandchildren, Christopher Thorne, Kaitlyn Thorne, Anthony Vitale, Milania Martucci, and Mia Martucci; his brother, Anthony Vitale of NJ; and several nieces. He was predeceased by his sisters, Nancy DeGesu, Josie Yankowski, and Annie Bifaro.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Wednesday at 10am at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 103 Jackson Street, Fishkill followed by inurnment at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.