Frank D. VITALE

VITALE, ANDERSON

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 10/5/2006 at 01:47:22

Frank D. Vitale, 85, a World War II veteran who worked on the development of catalytic converters in the late 1950s, died Wednesday, July 26, in MacNeal Hospital in Berwyn of complications from pneumonia. Mr. Vitale worked for Universal Oil Products in McCook for 33 years, said his son, Frank L. He was a welder and helped with research on catalytic converters, a component in vehicle exhaust systems that breaks down harmful gases. "The engineers used to come down and ask him questions,"his son said. He moved to Brookfield with his wife, the late Lauretta M., in 1949 and, a few years later, joined the Masonic Lodge in Riverside, becoming the lodge's master before his death. He also served as president of the Brookfield Historical Society. An outgoing man who loved to walk his dog and talk to people he met along the way, Mr. Vitale was sometimes called, "The unofficial mayor of Hollywood," his son said. "He was the kind of guy, if you knew him 10 minutes, you were friends," he said. Mr.Vitale also served in Hawaii in the Army's ordnance division during World War II. He also is survived by his daughter, Linda K. Vitale. Services will be held Tuesday in Dows, Iowa.

Chicago Tribune (IL)
July 29, 2000

Frank D. Vitale, age 85, of Brookfield, WWII Army Veteran, "Unofficial Mayor of Hollywood", beloved husband of the late Lauretta M. Vitale, nee Anderson; fond father of Frank L. Vitale and Linda K. Vitale. Resting Friday, July 28, 2000, 2 p.m. to time of Masonic Service 8 p.m. at the Masonic Lodge #862, A.F. & A.M., 40 Forest Ave., Riverside, IL. Interment Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2000 at Fairview Cemetery, Dows, Iowa. Master of Riverside Lodge #862 A.F. & A.M. Member of Lodge #862 for 50 years, pastPresident of Brookfield Historical Society and Chaplin for Over the Gang. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Masonic Children's Home appreciated. Arrangements made by Hitzeman Funeral Home, Ltd., 9445 W. 31st St., Brookfield.

Chicago Tribune (IL)
July 27, 2000