Vita, Joseph D.

ALBANY- Joseph D. Vita, 82, died Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at the Hospice Inn at St. Peter’s Hospital. Born and educated in Albany, he was son of the late Joseph and Nicolina (Cioppa) Vita.He was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Rosemary (Carlino) Vita. Joe worked for the NYS Education Department for 59 years 10 months.

Joe had a zest for life. He loved nothing more than being surrounded by family and friends. He was devoted to his faith in God and gave to many charities.

Joe coached for over 25 years at the Catholic League and Whitehall Little League. He made an impact on so many young baseball players, many of whom still call him "Coach". He came out of retirement many times to coach his grandkids at National Little League. Joe could also be found yelling at the TV whenever the NY Yankees were playing.

Joe had a passion for horse racing and he could frequently be found at OTB with his friend Kevin Hoagland. His family lovingly referred to it as his time "feeding the horses".

Joe attended every game, recital and concert his grandchildren participated in at Holy Names, Bethlehem Central, Bishop Maginn, Albany Academy, CBA and Albany High School. He could be found in the stands after his grandkids went to college at Hartwick, SCCC and Catholic University of America. He also loved UAlbany Basketball and his many conversations with Coach Will Brown.

Joe was usually with his many groups of friends. Whether it was coffee with his McDonald's crew or Colonie Center group, lunch with other SED retirees, cards at the Senior Center, Friday breakfast group, dinner with "the guys", Friday nights with the IBS crew, going to lunch and the movies, or Tuesday/Thursday dinners, he was always having a great time.

Survivors include his children Nancy Maloney, Joseph (Susan) Kevin (Michelle) Vita; Grandchildren Keeley Maloney, Nicholas, Michael, and Joseph Vita, Jr.; his sister Rosemary Nevins, brother-in-law Donald (Carol) Carlino; sisters-in-law Patricia (Edward) Evans and Ellen Vita; his”grand” dogs and cat Daisy, Sophie, Rosie and Clooney; his oldest friends, Tootsie, Joe and Nickie, Ronnie and Mary, Joe and Angie, Janet, Ruthie, Sarah and many other wonderful friends, many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his wife Rosemary, and her parents Nicholas and Agnes Carlino, he was predeceased by his brother Louis Vita, and brothers-in-law John Nevins and Anthony (Marilyn) Carlino.

Special thanks to Dr. Garbo and his staff, St. Peters 2 MC and the Hospice Inn for the care and comfort extended to Joe. Thanks also to special neighbors Auggie, Peggy, Judy, Tom, Les and Maryann; to Barb Bailey and Patty Carmel and thanks to Joe's extended families, the McCoy's and the Shields'.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 10:00 am in The Parish of Mater Christi, 40 Hopewell St. Relatives and friends are invited and may also visit with the family at the Church on Monday, August 17, 2015 from 3-7 pm. Entombment will follow the Mass in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to The Community Hospice, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144 or St. Jude Children's research Hospital, Memorial and Honor Program, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105