Vito Capizzo

Vito Capizzo, 87, of Coloma, Michigan passed away on October 23, 2014.   Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 27, 2014 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church Street., St Joseph. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Friends may visit with the family on Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 2:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. with a prayer service recited at 5:00 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Lake Michigan Catholic Schools or Monsignor Sears Tuition Assistance Fund. Those wishing to sign Vito’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.   Originally from Chicago, Vito and his parents, Jasper and Frances Capizzo, and sister Lorraine, moved to the Southwest Michigan area at age 16. Working hard to provide for their family, Jasper developed a successful farm, and Frances managed the household while working at the former VM Corporation. Vito was a proud graduate of St. John’s High School in 1946 before serving his country in the armed forces, stationed in Asia.   Following his return from service, Vito was introduced to his wife Rosalie by Sal and Geri Crivellone.  A lifelong romance and partnership bloomed, producing four lovely daughters: Ferol, Mary Donna, Vicki and Nancie. Following the work ethic set by his parents, Vito honed his skills in advertising and built his own agency, Creative Advertising Corporation, from the ground up– a thriving small business located in St. Joseph Michigan. During his Twin Cities business career, Vito was very involved in promoting area charities including the United Way. For many years he helped design award winning Blossomtime floats, and organized events at the Grand Floral Ball. He was proud of his Italian heritage and was a longtime member of the Italian American Club of Chicago and local Sons of Italy.   Vito was a talented athlete including time spent with a semi-pro football team.  His love of football made him one of the area’s most ardent Notre Dame football fans. His passion for the game extended to his family who frequently joined him in South Bend to watch the game.  Those who know Vito best know that the most important focus of his life was always his family and friends. He always had time to support those in need and often helped them through challenging periods.  For his family he has always been the classic patriarch spotting needs and offering support and solutions as his family grew.  In later years and in particular in the summers no weekend was complete without a Saturday night gathering at Vito and Roe’s Lake Michigan home surrounded by great food, Jerry Vale music, laughter and typically 20 plus members of his extended family and friends.  He had a life well lived and well loved.  He will be missed by many, but his legacy will be the caring examples he set for those family and friends.   Vito is survived by his wife Rosalie, four daughters: Ferol (Douglas) Allen, Nancie (Paul) Oetter, Mary Donna Capizzo, Vicki (Mark) Matthews, and grandchildren: Michael (Michele) and Tom Matthews, Elizabeth, Kathryn, and Michael Allen, Jennifer and Teresa Oetter. He was preceded in death by his sister Lorraine (Phil) McDonald, area residents, and is survived by their children: Kristi, Philip, Joey, Michael, and their granddaughter Taylor.