Obituary of Albert J. Vitarelli

Albert J. Vitarelli, 86, of Manhattan, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on August 1, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Sharon Vitarelli, and the loving father of Lori Lima, Gia Alonso and her husband Ralph, Alicia Pantaleno and her husband Matthew, and Albert Vitarelli and his wife Jennifer. He was also the very proud grandfather of Francesca Lima, Victoria Lima, Alexandra Campbell and her husband Jimmy, Isabella Lima, Olivia Alonso, Logan Vitarelli, Priscilla Pantaleno and Walker Vitarelli. He is the cherished son of the late Umberto and Marie Vitarelli, and brother of the late Doris Placente. Mr. Vitarelli was born and raised in Brooklyn and attended New Utrecht High School. He was an avid competitor and self-made man who became a leader in the auto industry, rising in the ranks as President of Manhattan Ford Lincoln Mercury. Mr. Vitarelli would later help in the acquisition of Jaguar, Mazda and Range Rover. "JR" was a decorated pool and snooker player, who won awards for both the New York Friars Club and the New York Athletic Club. He was a tennis champion and major fan of Major League Baseball, especially his NY Mets. Mr. Vitarelli was charismatic, street smart and business savvy, with vision and fortitude. He gave great advice and was always ready with a joke or an inspirational mantra. He loved a good Italian restaurant, Sunday dinner, travel, spending time at the family home in "the country" (the Poconos) and most of all, standing tall as the loving Patriarch of his family. His loss is enormous, but so is his legacy. Viewing and visitation for Mr. Vitarelli will be Thursday, August 4th at Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard from 2-5 pm and 7-9 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Teresa of the Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church, 1634 Victory Blvd., on Friday, August 5th at 10:45 am. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, NY. We hope you join us to celebrate a life well lived and a man much loved.