Doris Marie Vitali, a 66 year old vibrant woman, passed on May 21 after a brief illness. She was the devoted wife of 45 years to Ronald Vitali, and together they resided in Berlin. “Dodi”, as she was known, was born on September 30, 1947 in New Britain, Connecticut to Walter and Margaret Medvec-Radziewicz of New Britain. Dodi was pre-deceased by her mother. Dodi was a graduate of New Britain High School in 1965 and married Ronald Vitali in 1968. Together they raised three children and most recently enjoyed raising their newest adopted labradoodle, Munson. She is survived by her daughter, Lesley (David) Montano of North Haven, her son Peter (Gena) Vitali of Oklahoma City, and her son Richard (Tanya) Vitali of Hamden. Doris cherished every moment spent with her six grandchildren whom she adored, Michael and Mark Montano, Ella and Willem Vitali, and Noah and Aidan Vitali. Whether she baked cookies, saw the newest Disney movie, or cheered them on at one of their sporting events, she was always a strong, positive presence in their lives. Mama Dodi modeled for her grandchildren how to be a warm, loving and compassionate person. Dodi is also survived by her two loving sisters Janice (Daniel) Roberts of New Britain, and Gail (Timothy) Coppage of East Hartford. Throughout her life she cultivated incredible friendships. Remarkable connections were created and maintained with wonderful people she worked alongside with at American National Bank, Webster Bank, the Franciscan Life Center in Meriden, and The Connecticut Housing Authority. She attended Gateway Community College and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Also, she will forever be in the hearts of her girlfriends in her “Do Nothing Club”. Upon her retirement, she became a docent at the New Britain Museum of Art, providing group tours. She was a mentor to children in the Cheshire Public School System. She fabricated quilts for the homeless at the Church of the Ascension and crocheted prayer shawls for the patients at the Father McGiveny Center at Saint Raphael’s in New Haven. Dodi possessed a spiritual faith that was contagious to all she met, seeing the good in everyone. Doris graced this world with an amazing presence; she was a true angel right here on earth. Now she has earned her wings!
Her funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Ave., Wednesday morning at 10:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in St. Joan of Arc Church, Hamden. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The visiting hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 PM. Memorial contributions may be made to the Smilow Cancer Hospital, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, Connecticut 06508.
I am deeply saddened by Doris' passing.
We always had a great time especially at our Brownie meetings, my Mom was the scout leader.
Will miss you & have lots of great memories.
When someone you love becomes a memory….that memory becomes a treasure….Celebrate Dodi's life…..treasure the memories you have….my thoughts and prayers are with you all
My thoughts and prayers are with both of you and your family. Love, Aunty Joanne and Uncle Rick.
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful woman. May she now watch over her family from within the arms of her Savior.
I was blessed to be your friend. I will cherish the memories. Your earthly life may have ended, but, you are now one of God's heavenly angels. May you experience ever lasting peace. njf xx/oo
THE MEMORY OF YOUR VALUED LIFE LIVES ON IN YOUR BEAUTIFUL DAUGHTER LESLEY.
While only meeting Mrs Vitali briefly during my childhood, both of her sons, Peter and Rich played great roles for me growing up in Hamden, and there is no doubt that she instilled her spirit and love into both of them, as I am sure she had done for anyone else within her circle of love. I wish the entire family my deepest apologies and my prayers are with you all. God bless and may she rest in peace, Michael Marino
My prayers are with your family. May Dodi's .loving memories provide you peace in the days to come. You were all so cherished and deeply loved.
So very, very sorry to read of the passing of Dodi.
Very sorry for your loss. God bless you.
Rich, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Mother. Prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow. Love, Jeanette