John Vitelli

John Joseph Vitelli, age 74, went to his eternal home on Friday, April 17, 2020.  He died at home surrounded by his loving family.

John was born on November 1, 1945, in New Castle where he lived for many years playing football for the local high school and eventually moving to Meadville.  He worked for the Cooper Jarrett Company, an over the road motor freight line as a truck driver until their closure in 1981.  John eventually found his niche and was employed by the Catholic Community of Meadville as the Director of Maintenance, overseeing the care of St. Mary's, St. Bridget's and St. Agatha's along with taking care of Seton Catholic School and 3 cemeteries.

John was a strong part of the spiritual community as a Fourth Degree Knight of the Knights of Columbus, Dr. Harry C. Winslow, Assembly 1927.  He was involved with the ICC in Meadville as a past President and was their current President at the time of his passing.  He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks, Lodge 219, Meadville.

Not only was John deeply involved with his family, he thoroughly enjoyed the grandchildren as he attended many of their games and recitals.  Watching them grow up brought on that ever present "Papa V" smile.  He was very happy in the kitchen and could be found behind a big pot of spaghetti sauce which he made for family gatherings and church functions.  He and Nancy enjoyed traveling as much as possible especially to warmer climates and on warm and sunny days could be found as the captain of their pontoon boat on Conneaut Lake.  As an avid Pittsburgh Steeler and an avid Pittsburgh Pirate fan, game days were spent rooting his teams on to victory.

John was preceded in death by his father John, his mother and one brother.  He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Nancy; his daughter Caprice Powell (Matthew) of Meadville and 4 step children: Michelle Schamber, Boston, MA, John Buckman (Carol), Erie, PA Michael Buckman (Sarah), Erie, PA and Lynnette Lendick (Kyle), Fort Lauderdale, FL and 12 wonderful grandchildren.

There will be a private family funeral on Monday April 20th at 11 AM and a Celebration of Life scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in John's honor to the Hospice of Crawford County, Inc. 766 Liberty Street, Meadville, PA  16335.

Please sign John’s online guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Hatheway-Tedesco Funeral Home and Crematory, 614 Baldwin St., Meadville, PA 16335.