Obituary of Cosmo A. Vitale

Mr. Cosmo A. Vitale, 81, died Sunday, January 21, 2007 at his home. Born in Rockaway Beach, NY, he was raised and lived in Newark where he was President of the Bethlehem Evangelical Reform Church. In 1965, he moved to North Plainfield, relocating to Martinsville in 1975. Mr. Vitale served in the US Navy during WWII aboard the USS Chase DE 158 in the North African Campaign, was transferred to the Pacific Campaign in Okanawa, Japan aboard the USS Laning DE 159. The Laning was struck by a kamikaze plane and capsized. He joined the International Bricklayers Union, Local 18 in Elizabeth in 1950 where he organized their blood bank. He was a 57 year Gold Card Member of the International Bricklayers Union. He also served as an apprentice instructor for 18 years. After retirement, he remained active in union activities attending meetings and picketing. He enjoyed his hobby of working flea markets and was an auctioneer and owner of Cosmo's Tailgate Auctions. Surviving are his wife of 61 years, Doris (nee Van Harken), sons Bruce and his wife Anne of Piscataway and Brian and his wife Diane of Warren, grandchildren, Marjorie, Kyle, Douglas and Philip, a great granddaughter, Caitlyn Marie, sister-in-laws, Lucille and her husband Pat Chiocchi of Somerset and Marie Chiocchi of Piscataway. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at 7:00 pm at the Higgins Home for Funerals, 752 Mountain Blvd., Watchung with visitation from 5-9 pm Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 - 11:30 am. followed by interment at Bound Brook Cemetery.