Obituary of Robert Vitiello

Robert "Bob" Vitiello

With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of Robert “Bob” Vitiello. Bob left this world peacefully on February 23, 2024, surrounded by his beloved family; he was 68 years old. Bob, an avid New York Yankee fan and musician, was born in Brooklyn, NY on May 31, 1955; the cherished son of Mary and Bruno Vitiello. He spent his formative years in Linden, NJ, and graduated from Union Catholic Regional High School. Bob attended Union College, where he played baseball, a sport he continued playing well into his fifties. He earned a bachelor's degree in Psychology from Florida International University. Bob dedicated his professional life to IT consulting, working closely with various companies, notably contributing over 20 years to AT&T.

Bob loved the beach; it was there in Spring Lake, NJ that he met Maureen in 1979, they married in 1983, recently marking four decades of shared joys and cherished memories. Together they raised two children, Michael and Christine in Somerset, NJ.

Bob was a quiet and humble soul, known for his gentle demeanor and unwavering devotion to his loved ones. His family was the center of his universe. He treasured every moment spent with them, whether it was taking summer trips down the shore, holiday gatherings with the Vitiello and Joyce families, countless hours of coaching Michael’s little league teams and attending Christine’s gymnastics events. He loved spending time with his granddaughter, Victoria to whom he was “PopPop”.

Music was a lifelong love of Bob's. A talented pianist and keyboardist, he found fulfillment as a member of several bands, infusing his performances with a distinctive touch that left lasting impressions. Bob cherished the opportunity to share his passion with Victoria, teaching her to play the keyboard, creating a beautiful harmony that echoed the love and connection they shared.

Bob was preceded in death by his mother, Mary; his father, Bruno; and his stepmother, Frances. He is survived by his devoted wife, Maureen; their son, Michael, his wife Laura; his daughter, Christine, her husband Hector, his granddaughter, Victoria; his brother, Giosue, his wife Cissie, his brother, Frank, his wife Connie. He is also survived by Maureen’s siblings, Colleen DeCarlo and her husband Tony, Karen Joyce and her husband Scott Dillman, her brothers Martin Joyce and Thomas Joyce and his wife Tina. Bob also leaves behind 10 cherished nieces and nephews and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews. And not to be forgotten, his little feline companion of 16 years, Lil’ Girl who misses him dearly.

Bob will forever hold a special place in our hearts and will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. As we reflect on Bob's life, let us find gratitude, joy and love in the beautiful memories we shared with him. He will never be forgotten and his music will always play on in our hearts.

A viewing to celebrate Bob's life will take place on Friday, March 1, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Gallaway & Crane Funeral Home, 101 S Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920.
A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 2, at 12:00 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 111 Claremont Rd, Bernardsville, NJ 07924.


In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in Bob’s name to:
The MOG Project https://mogproject.org/
The Guthy Jackson Foundation https://guthyjacksonfoundation.org/
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://www.stjude.org/