Frances Vitale

Frances Marie Vitale, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at the age of 101, with her devoted family by her side.

Born in 1923, in Paterson, NJ, Frances was the cherished youngest of James and Pauline LaPuzz’s eight children – four girls and four boys. She grew up spending countless good times with her cousins, who were instrumental in her encounter with a handsome young man, Alexander “Alex” Vitale. After Alex’s service overseas in the U.S. Army during World War II, the two married and made their first home together at 402 East 25th Street in Paterson.

Frances supported her husband, Alex, in their family business, "Al and Marie's Dry Cleaning," in Paterson, where she worked occasionally while primarily dedicating herself to her role of loving mother and homemaker. In 1968, Frances and Alex moved to 7 North Road in Wayne, NJ, where they continued to build a life filled with love, laughter, and hospitality. They made this house their home and Frances even remained there after Alex’s passing in 1995. In total, she lived there for more than five decades until she moved to Sunrise Assisted Living in Wayne just six months ago. Frances embraced her time at Sunrise, where she relished the company of fellow residents and participating in numerous enjoyable activities.

Frances’s life was marked by a legacy of caring for others, beginning at an early age when her parents passed away. She lovingly looked after her older brothers and sisters, later becoming the heart of her own family. Frances also endured the profound loss of her young son, Alex, who passed away at just seven years old—a sorrow she carried with quiet strength and resilience.

The quintessential homemaker, Frances created a welcoming home filled with laughter, the smell of good food, and an ever-brewing coffee pot. Her door was always open to family, friends, and neighbors alike. Known for her delicious Italian cooking, Frances had a knack for sharing her treasured recipes—though she’d always leave out a secret ingredient or two, ensuring hers was always the best! Her Christmas Italian “Stuffolis” cookies were a family favorite, and she delighted in seeing her loved ones enjoy the treats she made with love.

Frances hosted unforgettable gatherings. Every New Year's Eve, her basement would transform into a lively celebration, complete with gag gifts and a midnight game of charades that would signal to guests it was time to head home. Her backyard barbeques were legendary, bringing together family, friends, and neighbors who were all touched by her kindness and infectious spirit.

Known for her natural approach to life, Frances seldom wore makeup and had a wealth of home remedies to keep everyone well. She relied on “hot toddies” with whiskey, Tylenol, and rest instead of prescriptions and credited her long life to daily shots of apple cider vinegar, garlic, and onions. She loved a good Rolling Rock beer mixed with birch beer, adding her own twist to every tradition. With her skilled hands, she could sew anything—from clothes to household essentials made from old sheets and towels.

Frances loved simple pleasures: a walk with friends, reminiscing about “the good old days,” and quiet moments of prayer each day. She was the family’s Florence Nightingale, caring for others with an unwavering heart, ever faithful and devoted.

A remarkable woman, Frances remained active and sharp up until her last moments, leaving behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, and love.

Frances was the beloved wife of Alex Vitale, blessed in a loving and tender marriage until Alex’ passing in 1995. She was the loving mother of Marie Hess who predeceased her in 2023, Alexander Vitale who predeceased her in 1958, and Linda Romanyschyn and husband John of Bloomingdale, cherished grandmother of Carly Hess and Kristen Allemand and husband Scott; adored great-grandmother of Olivia and Maddison Allemand, dear sister of four brothers and four sisters who all predeceased her, and dear aunt of numerous nieces and nephews.