Paul Phillip Vitale's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Paul P. Vitale (79) on December 12th, 2025. Paul was surrounded by his loved ones when he passed at the VA Medical Center in Tucson, AZ.
Paul was born in Boston, MA on September 27th, 1946 to John J. Vitale and Concetta Feola Vitale. He attended Christopher Columbus High School, Massosoit Community College, and East Coast Aerotech. Paul’s mechanical expertise was utilized at various employers. Paul was an entrepreneur and owner of Crossroads Auto Center and other businesses. Most recently Paul was a Professor at Pima Community College where he shared his knowledge and passion of aviation mechanics with a new generation.
Paul was proud of his military service in Vietnam where he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Thirty-six Air Metals and Two Purple Hearts. Paul loved serving with the 191st and looked forward to their annual reunion.
Paul was passionate about aviation, his aviation students, BAJA softball, volunteering and karaoke.
Family was everything to Paul. He is survived by his first wife Faye Vitale and his second wife Sandra Edwards, his children Renee Vitale and her husband Steven Lombardi, Sherie Edwards and her husband Scott Ewing, and David Edwards; his brother Anthony Vitale and his sister-in-law Joan Vitale; his grandson Paul M. Vitale, his nephews Anthony and John Vitale and niece Maria Harrington, his many cousins and his friends that were like family to him. Paul was predeceased by his parents and his beloved daughter Michelle Vitale, and his special companions Slider and Bogie. After losing his daughter, Michelle, he pursued his private pilots license, which he held for over 50 years. Flying made him feel closer to his daughter and gave him peace from his loss and his PTSD from Vietnam.
There will be two services to honor Paul. A Celebration of Life will be held at the American Legion Post 66 in Green Valley, AZ on Monday, January 19th from 2-4pm. Please bring stories and memories of Paul to share. An Interment at Fern Hill Cemetery in Hanson MA will be held at a future date to be decided.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the Fisher House at the VA Hospital at 3601 South 6th Avenue, 9-135 FH Building, Tucson, AZ 85723 or the Friends in Deed at 301 West Camino Casa Verde in Green Valley, AZ 85614.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Paul’s entire care team in the ICU at the VA Medical Center for the exceptional care they provided and the compassion they extended to his family, as well as the Honor Walk they led.
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