VITALE, GIUSTINA”TINA” SANTILLO

On Saturday July 14th, 2018 Tina, of Orange, passed away peacefully at Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven following a brief illness, surrounded by her loving family.

Tina was born Nov. 10, 1928 in Casapulla, Caserta Province Italy, the daughter of the late Luigi and Concetta Guida Santillo. She was the eldest of 7 children. Having grown up in the backdrop of WWII she learned lessons that would shape her outlook on life. She had tremendous physical and moral stamina whenever faced with adversity. Tina was always kind, loyal, and did whatever she could to help those around her. Tina met her late husband Frank Vitale in 1953 and immigrated to America though Ellis Island. She was a devoted wife but her proudest accomplishment in life was being a loving mother to her three children Elpidio “Al” (Lynn) Vitale, Louis (Tina) Vitale, and Anita (Frank) Melanson. Over the years Tina enjoyed countless trips visiting friends and family in Italy. She was an avid bingo player and enjoyed great luck whenever she made a trip to the casino. Tina loved to bake, cook, and share great meals with her family. She was a devoted Wife, Mother, Sister, Friend, but even more so an adoring Nonnie, and Great Nonna. She will be deeply missed. Tina was predeceased by her husband Frank Vitale and sister Anna Sanitllo. In addition to her children she is also survived by her siblings Maria, Louisa, Elpido (Giuseppina) and Mighele (Carmella) Santillo all in Italy and Giuseppe (Joanne) Santillo of Maine,a sister-in-law Catherina Santillo in Italy. Her loving grandchildren Elpido “Al” (Colleen) Vitale Jr., Elise (Logan) Reed, Melissa (Harry) Sibarium, Louis (Anna) Vitale Jr., Frank Vitale Jr., and Stephanie Giustina Melanson. Her great-grandchildren Gabriella , Matthew , Alex and Dominic Vitale, and Lia Giustina Reed.

Her family would like to invite friends to join them at MARESCA & SONS FUNERAL 592 Chapel St. for calling hours Tuesday July 17th from 4-7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday in St. Michael’s Church at 10 a.m. Entombment in St. Lawrence Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers contributions to St.Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (st.jude.org). Offer condolences at marescafuneralhome.com