Andrew "Doc" Vitiello

Andrea Stefano Vitiello passed away on July 24, 2020 in Grove Oklahoma. Andrea, more commonly known as Andrew, Andy, Doc, Dr. V, was born on December 27, 1922 on the small island of Ponza, Italy, to Frank Vitiello and Giovanna Mazzella Vitiello. Andrew was raised in Newark, NJ where he attended Eastside High School. He went on to attend Seton Hall University for his Undergrad in Teaching. While working on his Master's degree in Science, he was accepted into the University of Bologna and attained his Doctor of Medicine in Italy.

Andrew’s family were Italian immigrants looking for the American Dream. His parents opened a bakery in Newark, New Jersey where Andrew and his siblings learned the value of hard work; especially during the Great Depression. In his young adult life, Andrew helped his nonspeaking English parents organize and run the bakery business. He was the family advisor, helping his parents with important contracts and his siblings with their schoolwork. He purchased the family’s first refrigerator and television.

Before becoming a psychiatrist, Andrew always tried to be innovative and improve.  He opened up a paint business, coached basketball, belonged to the Young Republican party, member of the New York Academy of Science, worked for the telephone company during the war, and taught English, winning teacher of the year award in Atlantic City.

During medical school in Italy, Andrew met his first wife Filomena "Lia" Donati and had to two children Leonardo and Eugene. He always said positive comments about her, they were friends till the end. He returned to the United States to complete his training and finally accepted a position at the Veterans Center in Norman, Oklahoma as a staff Psychiatrist. Andrew moved to Vinita in 1989, after accepting a position at Eastern State Hospital (now Oklahoma Forensic Center), where he retired from the State of Oklahoma. He married his Second wife, Susan Hunter during his employment in Vinita. In his later years, they moved to Grove Oklahoma. Her family provided care during his declining years.

When Andrew was not working, he enjoyed growing tomatoes, cooking, interacting with his children and their friends, and playing with his grandchildren.  He continued to play the advisor role, encouraging others to work hard and to get an education. He was appreciative to work in Oklahoma and tried to treat people as fair as possible exemplified by stating "all state employees deserve similar honors," after receiving Employee of the Month at Eastern State Hospital in 1992.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife Susan Hunter of Grove, Oklahoma, the mother of his two sons Filomena Donati of Palermo, Sicily, three sons Leonardo Vitiello and wife Christina Ontjes of Waxahachie, Texas, Eugene Vitiello and wife Josie of Norman, Oklahoma, James Jackson and wife Kristy of Grove, Oklahoma, one daughter Julie Mathis and husband Lloyd of Grove Oklahoma, seven grandchildren, two brothers Joseph Vitiello of Elizabeth, New Jersey, Frank Vitiello of Nutley, New Jersey and two sisters Maria Mallozzi of Newton New Jersey and Jean Scarpati of Navarre, Florida.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 30, 2020 in the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Services will be 10:00 am Friday, July 31, 2020 in the Luginbuel Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemorie.com or on our Luginbuel Funeral Home Facebook page. Services are under the direction of Luginbuel Funeral Home Vinita, OK.