Raphael Anthony Vitillo
May 17, 1936 - August 19, 2022
DELMAR - Raphael Anthony Vitillo, 86, a lifelong resident of Delmar, went to his heavenly reward on August 19. He graduated from Bethlehem Central High School, continued his studies in the field of architecture, and diligently occupied the stool behind a drafting board for 38 years. With great precision, he led many projects to restore the Capitol building, most notably the West Façade and Senate Chamber. In his youth, he served in the Army National Guard, standing tall for his country. To his credit, he learned to swim as an adult and became a W.S.I., assisting Red Cross aquatic programs for decades. Ralph was predeceased by his parents, Raphael and Josephine, his beloved daughter Dr. Josephine Anne Vitillo, and three siblings. He is survived by his wife, Marie, and daughters Maria (Joe) and Lisa (Jim), as well as two teenage grandsons, Tyler and Noah. Ralph enjoyed fixing small engines, tinkering with mechanical systems, drawing, gardening, rooting for the Yankees, sharing life’s precious moments with his beloved wife of 59 years, watching his grandsons hit home runs and make three pointers, and working on projects with his son-in-law, Jim. His girls, for whom he would do anything, meant the world to him, and he to them. To honor this strong, wonderful, humble, kind, courageous man, the family held a private service at St. Thomas the Apostle Church. Entombment followed in St. Agnes Cemetery.