Thomas Anthony Vitanza
Thomas Anthony Vitanza of Virginia Beach, Va, died on Sunday night, August 7, 2022. He was 89 years old. He was born on November 6, 1932, in a small house in Buffalo, NY. He went to Canisius High School, Lemoyne College, and Syracuse University, where he received his law degree in 1958.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 23 years, Patricia Kendall Vitanza.
He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Gene Vogel, as well as his niece Mary Rose Cameron, great nieces Brooke and Ashley Podgorski, and many cousins.
He is survived by his first wife Joan Paino, and 2nd wife Doreen Matzen.
He is also survived by 6 children; Thomas Mark Vitanza, Karen Ballard (Bradley), Michael Vitanza (Jeanne), Deborah Vitanza, Mary Bachar (Jay), and Justin Vitanza (Bethan Lemley); 4 stepchildren; Michael Mulligan, Douglas Kendall, David Kendall (Denise), and William Kendall (Stephanie); 24 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son Paul Joseph Vitanza, and granddaughter Deidra Marie Squires.
Mr. Vitanza almost dropped out of law school his final year, not having enough money to complete the program. With the help and encouragement from both his wife and mother, and initiative taken by one of his law professors, Mr. Vitanza was given a scholarship and able to complete law school. He moved to Norwich, NY in 1958 with nothing more than his wife of 3 years, 3 young children, and a bag of law books. His law career spanned over 50 years. The rule of law and practice thereof was his soul. His boundless energy was fueled by the belief that all people matter, regardless of race or religious belief, and that all people had a right to be heard for any and all grievances in a court of law if necessary. If any constituency could not afford counsel, he would often do the work pro bono. Mr. Vitanza would travel hundreds of miles, at his own expense, if he saw an injustice or failure of the law being upheld, resulting in a person’s rights being violated or restricted. A true officer of the court, he stood tall for the people he represented.
Regarding his family, Mr. Vitanza was an amazing and generous provider. He encouraged his family to pursue education, and be all they could be. As his family grew over the years, he embraced many as though they were his own. He was passionate about whatever he set his mind to, and would therefore expect nothing less from those he encountered. He was a good father, a good provider, a good teacher, a good companion, and a good friend. He will be deeply missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deidra Marie Squires Memorial Scholarship Fund, awarded to the graduating senior from Norwich High School interested in pursuing a degree in Language Arts, with an emphasis in Journalism, showing a strong desire to learn, superseding the ability to learn, and/or the Thomas A. Vitanza Scholarship Fund for the graduating senior showing leadership ability, and who demonstrates awareness of principles of individual liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, to wit, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press; or to Syracuse University, School of Law, to the Thomas Vitanza Endowed Scholarship which assists students with financial difficulty. (More detailed information below)
Services for Mr. Vitanza will be held in Virginia Beach, Va at St. John the Apostle Roman Catholic Church on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 2:00 pm. There will be a reception to follow immediately after the service at West Neck Community Center located at 2580 Signature Dr., Virginia Beach, Va 23456. Currently, the family is looking into posting the service on Facebook in some fashion, either live or by postings.
Donation can be sent to: Norwich City Schools-District Office, Attention Wendy Burdick, Treasurer, 89 Midland Dr., Norwich, NY, 13815, 607-334-1600-X5509, Indicate Scholarship of choice, or both; or to: Syracuse University, College of Law, Attention: Thomas A. Vitanza Endowed Scholarship, Suite 402, 950 Irving Ave. Syracuse, NY 13244,Ph-315-443-9534, mpcassid@syr.edu (contact person Melissa Cassidy)