Rudolph "Rudy" Vitullo

Cincinnatian Rudolph "Rudy" William Vitullo, who lived life to its utmost, with enthusiasm, humor, grace, and integrity, left us quietly on February 1, 2021, at the age of 106 years. Rudy passed away shortly after contracting COVID, in Silver Spring, Maryland, with his son Rick by his side. He is survived by his two daughters, Susan (Douglass Rohrman) and Anita (Saman Khoury); his younger son and caregiver, Richard (Margaret Vitullo); his stepdaughter Linda (Ernest Mannerino); his stepson Greg (Judy Maurer); eleven granddaughters, Kate, Rasha, Kristen, Elizabeth, Lauren, Jumana, Alessandra, Samantha, Siba, Jazmin and Christina; four grandsons, Lee, Matthew, Scott, and Lucas; and 7 great-grandchildren. His cherished first wife, Clelia Rapisardi, mother of his children, died in 1962. In 1978, he married his beloved second wife, Martha Maurer, who died in 2017. His eldest son, Thomas (Julia Vitullo-Martin), died in New York City in 2014. He was also predeceased by his sisters Norma, Marie, and Nunci, and his brother Angelo "Babe."

Rudy was a memorable presence for all those who knew him whether as a family member, Purcell '32 classmate, WWII Engineer Corps army buddy, friend, neighbor, GE jet engine department coworker, or patient, and who valued his courage in confronting life's adversities, and his effervescent attitude. His appreciation of the wonders of foreign travel, Italian food, chocolate-covered cherries, and companionship in daily adventures stays with all of us. We may have groaned at his jokes but he knew how to love, without condition, strongly, and with hope.

Interment was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Cincinnati, OH on February 10, 2021 at 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Aloysius Gonzaga Tuition-Aid Fund, 4366 Bridgetown Road, Cincinnati, OH 45248 or to your local association of the blind.