Obituary of Robert Eugene Vitullo, Sr.

ALBANY –

Robert Eugene Vitullo, Sr. passed into the eternal arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on May 9, 2025. 

Bob was born on July 14, 1934, in Cranston Rhode Island to Rose Vitullo, and was orphaned at birth.  Bob was first raised by John and Anna Abbenati until age 7.  He then lived with several sponsor families until the age of 11.  Finally, Bob was raised by Thomas and Corrine McKenzie, who he called his mother and father, until he entered the Air Force at age 17. 

He became a “pen pal” with the eventual love of his life Catherine Messercola (IBLYE) of Schenectady, NY while he was serving in the Philippines and Korea. They later met in Schenectady while he was on leave, and he proposed to her on their second date.  Cathy and Bob raised three children Gene (Lisa) Vitullo, Darlene (Scott) Williams and Robert (Alison) Vitullo.  Cathy and Bob were actively involved in youth and street ministries and many prayer groups; always serving the lord and delivering his message throughout the Catholic community.  He attended Hudson Valley Community College and worked as a buyer for General Electric.  Bob was a master craftsman and gadget collector.  Bob made and donated over 750 custom engraved Rosaries to local priests, constructed intricate 3D models for his great grandchildren and had every gadget imaginable. 

Bob was predeceased by his wife Catherine.  He is survived by his children and six grandchildren, who knew him as Papa, Jason (Ginger) Vitullo, Julie (Pieter) Burhans, David Vitullo, Erica (Jamie) Gagnon, Danielle (Dan) DeJordy and Amanda Vitullo.  He is also survived by five great grandchildren Oliver, Josie, Isla, Zoey and Logan. 

A Private Military Ceremony and Internment will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.   A separate Catholic Mass, and celebration of Bob’s life, for friends and family will be held at St. Luke’s Church, 1241 State St, Schenectady, NY 12304 at 11 am on Friday May 30, 2025, followed by refreshments in the Church Hall.

The family extends their immense thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at the Stratton Veterans Administration Hospital for their compassion, care, love and support provided to Bob and his family.  The family has also requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be given in Bob's name to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the Vitullo Family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com