Tribute Wall
Loading...
R
Rich Lee lit a candle
Monday, March 15, 2021
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle3.png
Brian Vitale's death came as a real shock to me. I didnt learn of his death until february of this year. Brian was my boss at Green Valley Medical for many years. He was a caring and great person to work for and to talk to. He even helped me resolve a problem that I had with the IRS. His whole family was awesome and I was glad to have been associated with the Vitale family.....
D
Donna Holland posted a condolence
Sunday, November 15, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with Diane and the entire Vitale family. Brian was a no nonsense spark of life. He will be missed. Thank you Brian for your caring and advice over the years.
M
Mary Anne Meyer-Kochut posted a condolence
Sunday, November 15, 2020
I knew Brian from High School and was very happy to reconnect after many years. I was impressed with his success and the great family man he became. A true, kind and caring soul and I will truly miss him.
J
Jackie Lue Raia posted a condolence
Saturday, November 14, 2020
Dearest Diane and family. This news comes as such a shock to me, because if anyone had drive to live, it was Brian. I will forever remember him saying, “No transplant...no Brian.” It is hard to believe he is gone. His contributions and kindness to so many will never be forgotten. Rest now, Brian...the world was lucky to have you. With heartfelt condolences, Jackie Lue Raia
M
Mark Bruno posted a condolence
Friday, November 13, 2020
To Dianne and the entire Vitale family so very sorry for the loss of Brian. He was a very special person to many people and made everyone's life much better just by association. I have known Brian just about my entire life if not for him I would not be where I am today He's meant so much to me and my family over the years as a mentor a friend and a big brother we will never forget him and love him always. Heaven got a good one. You will be dearly missed. Love you ❤️ Mark Bruno.
R
Rebecca Goldberg posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
My dad, Don Goldberg, was close and longtime friends with Brian after meeting and working together at Phoenix. They were such good friends that Brian was almost like an uncle to me. While they were kind of opposites personality-wise, I loved how Brian pushed my dad to take risks and got him out of his comfort zone. The mutual respect they had for one another was special. I’ll always remember and admire Brian for his generosity as seen through his support for other families going through transplants but also when he hosted our family on the boat in Newport and took us out for lavish and delicious dinners. I have such fond memories of that trip! My deepest condolences to Diane and the whole family. Brian’s life reminds me to enjoy every day and live life to the fullest just as he did. Much love, Rebecca Goldberg
C
Christine Farber posted a condolence
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
I only knew Brian Vitale through his daughter’s love for and reflection of him. Based on Marji’s friendship, love of life, and generous spirit, I feel like I knew a part of her father and can appreciate how much he will be missed.
My thoughts, prayers, and condolences are with the family and friends of Mr. Vitale.
Philip Vitale lit a candle
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle4.png
Hello Everyone,
In my mind, this man was the greatest of all uncle’s a nephew can have. Brian in my mind was like the patriarch of the family. He took care of everyone he loved. He was the one who was responsible for the majority of the family gatherings, especially when I was young. He was very family oriented and full of life.
One of my earliest memories of him was when he took me to the Big Apple Circus when I was a little boy. I remember he took me to the circus, had my face painted, and had me dressed up as a little clown. Another early memory that I had was that he took the family out to a handful of baseball games during the 80’s. During the holidays, he used to take the family out to New York City to see the Christmas Spectacular at the Rockefeller Center and he used to also treat the family out to nice restaurants in the city where we’d always have a good time. One year, I remember he took the whole family through the diamond district in the city and that was a pretty amazing time in my life. Never have I seen such sparkly diamonds before.
Back then my father Bruce used to bring both my brother and I to Ocean City, Maryland for vacation. My father would invite his brother to come down to join us and both him and his wife Diane would stay with us for a couple days each year. I always looked forward to spending time with them both. My uncle used to take me to the beach, he used to take me to the arcades to play games and win prizes, he would treat me out to eat, he would go on the rides with me, and sometimes I would go fishing with him and my dad. To me, Brian was the cool dude and always had a sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with me and the family. He was very optimistic. One year, I remember he sent my father, brother, and I on vacation down in Florida where we got to see Disney World in Orlando.
For many years, while I was a teen, my uncle paid for my Tae Kwan Do lessons. With his help, I almost managed becoming a 2nd degree black belt. When I earned my first black belt, I remember he was so proud of me. When I became an adult, there was an occasion when I went with him and Aunt Diane down to Atlantic City. We stayed at The Trump Marina (which is now the Golden Nugget) and I helped him win some money playing craps games. He later took me to another casino called the Tropicana where I won my first jackpot playing a Pink Panther slot machine. I won the both of us $625.00 and I believe that was my beginner’s luck. We also got to see Alice Cooper in concert together.
During the year of 2015 I graduated from Kean University and for a graduation gift, my uncle bought me an 18K gold graduation ring. He was very proud of me. Within the last four year my uncle has invited me up to Newport, Rhode Island and I would spend my vacation time with him. I remember one year we both went to Boston, MA together and it was my suggestion that we go see the Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Stadium. I remember he was kind of reluctant of going, but I later made him glad that he went because he played a raffle during the game and won. The money he won; he gave it to The Cleveland Transplant House charity (Which he was very passionate about because it was the there where he got his liver transplant. His experience with the surgery inspired him to come up with a charity which allows patients free rooming while they wait for surgery).
In my mind, even though Brian was my uncle, he is many ways was like a father to me. He loved and cared for me very much and I always loved and cared for him. Over the years, him and I would sometimes text each other, and now it feels so strange that I can’t text him anymore. I feel an important family member in my life is now missing and life for me will never be the same. He was my guardian, my protector, and my benefactor. I know he’s with all of us in spirit now and I can never thank him enough for all he’s done for me. All he’s ever done for me; I can never pay him back. I miss him very much and love him. Thank you.
Cathy Mitzen Savage Creteau posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Condolences to the Vitale family. Brian was a friend since 1968 when he and Roger attended Somerset County Vocational school and then carpooled to Trenton State together. We will keep Diane and the rest of the family in our prayers.
Rest in peace, Brian.
Roger and Cathy Creteau
K
Kate Engelhardt posted a condolence
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Whether it’s going on a cruise, spending time in Newport or hoping we win big at a casino, Brian will live on in so many traditions that started because of him. He was one of a kind and my family will cherish him forever.
C
Carmen Taylor posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
My condolences to Diane and the rest of the family. Brian was a wonderful man I am thankful I had the pleasure of meeting. We meet when he was recovering from his transplant at grace hospital in Fairview. His generosity and love for life is one of a kind! He will be deeply missed by all!
Carmen Taylor
A
Angie Stefan uploaded photo(s)
Monday, November 9, 2020
/public-file/1994/Ultra/08acc2a6-3b6d-47d3-a0a3-230b06524cf4.png
/public-file/1995/Ultra/2b00484f-4358-472e-99d3-a3a141d1b879.png
Brian was an exceptionally special man. His passion for helping others was beyond incredible. I met Brian at the Cleveland Clinic. I worked in the liver transplant dept. He and I connected after he learned that I lost my brother in 2001, and that he was an organ donor and saved 4 lives. Brian treated me like family. This world could learn from the way Brian lived his life. He lived with so much love and so much passion. His smile exuded happiness and I will always remember the many memories I was blessed with. Brian, you will be greatly missed. Lots of love, Ang
P
Patty Chapek posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
I met Brian and Diane September 2013, I was his transplant coordinator. Within a few weeks we became friends sharing stories about traveling through Italy. I was so excited the night I called Brian to tell him “ we have a liver for you.” The surgery went well but it took a long time for his lungs to heal. We remained friends and 2015 Brian helped me plan my retirement. I could have never done it and felt so confident if it were not for Brian reassuring me a long the way. Brian I will miss but I know you are in heaven breathing with ease without any O2. Patty Chapek
J
Jeri Napolitano posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
Diane, our deepest sympathies to and your family on the loss of Brian. He was one in a million. He always had a smile on his face and a story to make you laugh. May all of your wonderful memories bring you strength in the days ahead.
With Love,
Jean & Jeri Napolitano
B
Bob posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
Brian was my big brother we grew up together in Newark/Irvington in the early 1960’s. As a special friend to the Bruno family his charm Witt and funny nature was delightful. He was always there for me and my brother mark and sister Connie. Brian made us all better people I will miss him but never forget how he touched us. You will live on in our hearts forever my brother love you always
Bobby Bruno
D
Don Goldberg posted a condolence
Monday, November 9, 2020
I first met Brian in 1976 when I was a new insurance agent with Phoenix Mutual. He was the first one at that agency to "take me under his wing" to show me the ropes and we became close friends ever since. Brian was always ready to help with advice on business or even personal matters and his desire to excel was a thing to behold! I will miss him greatly. I wish Diane, Marjorie, Kyle and their family peace of mind and the faith to get through these trying times .All of the clients Brian helped and the loving family ties he created are a testament to who he was!
Don & Barbara Goldberg
B
Bill & Terry Malthaner lit a candle
Sunday, November 8, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/v2/candles/candle_peace.png
Brian, our dear Friend, and an amazing person, we will miss you so very much.
One day we will meet again, Rest In Peace my Friend
Bill & Terry
C
Corwin Miller uploaded photo(s)
Sunday, November 8, 2020
/public-file/1987/Ultra/aad0fb18-d35d-40b0-8b8e-3e267fc39df8.jpeg
/public-file/1988/Ultra/825fc169-9a2e-47e0-8d31-faa90cfd56b0.jpeg
/public-file/1989/Ultra/2235b391-86cd-43bb-8c57-8f3fd4f19be5.jpeg
/public-file/1990/Ultra/9c555db7-f41e-4f9b-b012-e7577dd4f112.jpeg
Brian was my dearest friend. I am going to miss so much. He was the lifeline that saved me on the day I needed the most. I will miss him so much. I am certain that Melanie met to say high and thank you. God’s blessing on your family.
2
The family of Brian Vitale uploaded a photo
Saturday, November 7, 2020
/tribute-images/3656/Ultra/Brian-Vitale.jpg
Please wait
About Us
We, the Higgins family, for over 135 years and four generations, have been privileged to serve the families and the community as a whole with professional service and personal attention.
WATCHUNG Location
752 Mountain Blvd
Watchung, NJ 07069
Steve Szczubelek, Manager