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Yiannos posted a condolence
Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Happy birthday ol' friend
I miss you dearly, i miss you immensely
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The family of Joseph L. Vitolo uploaded a photo
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
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The family of Joseph L. Vitolo uploaded a photo
Thursday, February 26, 2015
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Ioanna Tsakalakou posted a condolence
Monday, May 15, 2006
It’s been a month since Joe passed away. This has been the longest month of my life. Joe left this earth on the day that I left for Athens. I had SUCH a strong urge that morning to go to Christos’s and his apartment on Division Street in New Brunswick to say goodbye to both before my flight. I remember thinking that Christos probably wouldn’t be there but that at least I would get to say goodbye to Joe. I didn’t go to their apartment that day so as not to be “rude” dropping in uninvited and “disturb” them and their housemates, and now I wish that I had followed my gut instinct, not silly social etiquette. And I keep thinking that maybe the abrupt ringing of the doorbell or my piercing insistent calls from outside the bathroom beckoning, “Hey, Joe! Come out so I can say goodbye!” would’ve awoken Joe from his eternal slumber. But such “what if” thoughts bring no comfort… I guess we all wish that we could have somehow saved him from the clutches of death. At this point, we can only hope that our beloved Joe is resting in peace. Personally, I wanted to have been there for the service, but alas I am across the Atlantic Ocean. It’s been rough going through this from a distance, removed from everyone who knew and loved him. I have lit many candles for Joe’s unique soul at the church of Aghia Paraskevi in Athens. I offer my condolences to his family and friends…
I never made plans to hang out with Joe, and I only spoke with him twice over the telephone. I was lucky enough to have the universe always bless me with my Joe moments. I would actually have premonitions that I was going to see Joe on a specific day, and sure enough, I would have the fortune of bumping into him. He would treat me to a slice of pizza or a cup of tea (coffee for him!), and would sit down and talk to me, usually initiating the conversation with his trademark, “So how ARE you?” in his deep (in concern and acoustic pitch) voice. One time, panting, he ran after me, saying that I hadn’t heard him two blocks away when he was calling my name. He then took the time to walk me to my destination. Who does that? Nowadays, people don’t even greet you when you’re staring at them straight in the face! The last time that I saw Joe (at West End café in New Brunswick on Saturday, March 18, 2006), he was particularly sweet and conversational, and he was proudly yet humbly showing me his dissertation proposal; I feel so grateful for that moment. I considered him my friend not because he would call or visit me (he never did) but because he seemed to look deep within me. And his advice and thoughts were priceless.
Joe had an amazing capacity for loving people. He had the ability to discern an individual’s struggles without requiring hours of detailed conversation. He was also talented at finding something special in everybody. In fact, when he spoke to you, he always made you feel (for that brief, shining moment before he hurried back to his books and computers!) that you were the most important person on the face of this earth. I admired him for his humanitarian efforts in Palestine and his dedication to research (which I hope Rutgers values and continues), as well as for being vegetarian (something we shared in common). He had a passion for life, which I intend to carry with me forever. I’ll never forget the day that he leapt into a scummy, narrow ditch without a moment’s hesitation to save his companion and dog, the late Jake, whom he loved with all his heart.
Joe, wherever you are, I hope you’re hanging out with your buddy Jake and smiling… I miss fatefully bumping into you, my friend. With all these words, I don’t mean to idealize you. I’m sure that you had your millions of quirks like the rest of us. But I still think you were most special. You were a man who carried yourself with dignity—a rarity in this day and age.</b></font><br><br>
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Jennifer posted a condolence
Monday, April 24, 2006
Joe is a friend I never met, but we struggle together in solidarity. I hope you are now free from the struggle now, Joe.</b></font><br><br>
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Jenny Heinz posted a condolence
Saturday, April 22, 2006
I am so deeply sorry about the death of Joe. Although I had only met him twice , the context made clear his deeply held values and call to action.His death is a real loss.</b></font><br><br>
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Tamara Weiss(Tammy) posted a condolence
Friday, April 21, 2006
My thoughts and prayers go out to you,I am so sorry for your loss.</b></font><br><br>
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Rich posted a condolence
Friday, April 21, 2006
Joe,
Wasn't it just yesterday I ran away from home and slept in your treehouse?
Sleep well my brother.
Rich</b></font><br><br>
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lisa roberts posted a condolence
Friday, April 21, 2006
He was a real Van Gogh-Van Joe. There was an expressive nature to all he did and said. He was a great thinker and thoughtful in "every" way. I will treasure my memories and smile when thinking of him OFTEN. Will not let go of his words of wisdom... as he goes to God's kingdom. A true brother, buddy, and "boy" friend! Bye</b></font><br><br>
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Clifford Meth posted a condolence
Friday, April 21, 2006
On behalf of all Beta Upsilon and the Brotherhood of Rockaway, we grieve with the Vitolo family. Joe was our cherished friend, a unique example of rugged individualism and dedication. I was was richer for having known him.</b></font><br><br>
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Aquanette Burt posted a condolence
Thursday, April 20, 2006
Joe was a great guy and I feel truly blessed to have had him in my life. During some of my most trying times, Joe was there to lend an ear, to comfort, and to offer advice. His wonderful sense of humor provided many memorable gems as well. He was a true friend.</b></font><br><br>
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David M. Vnenchak posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Joe was my Friend.
He is one of the people in life that when you meet you are better for knowing him.
Joe was my Friend.
Joe was someone you could always count on, always there if you called, never too busy to help.
Joe was my Friend.
We "Darted" around White Meadow, swapped engines in his car, worked together and laughed together.
Joe was my Friend.
Go easy now Joe, and know that you are my Friend.</b></font><br><br>
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Thomas Roberts posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Rarely in doubt, and always a brother,Joe will be missed by all of those he touched in a very unique way.Joe was often seen giving and never seen taking.He grew to be one of the most considerate and generous persons one could imagine.Joe is survived by a long line of helpful good deeds and a string of solid, caring friends.There is noone like Joe anywhere and he will be missed by all.This is the least that anyone can say. Tom Roberts</b></font><br><br>
