Vito Lampariello

Vito A. Lampariello, age 84, of Wayne, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2019. His family was lovingly by his side at the time of his passing.

Vito was born and raised in Newark where, after graduating from Barringer High in the early 1950’s, he pursued higher education at Montclair State Teachers College, ultimately earning a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education and administration.

Vito’s vocational calling lead him to Lafayette Street School in Newark where he taught eighth grade with a concentration in social studies, ultimately transitioning into the role of vice principal before retiring in 1994 after 32 years of service. Post retirement allowed for new pursuits where several part-time jobs ultimately led to full-time work with the UFCW 464A United Food and Commercial Workers. In this role for the union, Vito was beloved by his workplace associates where he held several positions, serving for the past 25 years, even to the present time.  

In 1967, Vito moved to Wayne. After becoming widowed at an early age, he eventually found love again with a childhood friend. Her name was Claire Mignone, and she and Vito met again in their roles as teachers at Lafayette Street School where Vito was unanimously recognized at the time, as the school’s most eligible bachelor. Claire was a kindergarten teacher and their rekindled friendship blossomed into love which lead to marriage before God, family and friends on Saturday, November 3, 1968 at Immaculate Conception Church in Newark. They enjoyed 37 priceless years until Claire’s passing in 2005. During their life as husband and wife, Vito and Claire happily welcomed the birth of their son James and their daughter Mary.

An avid bowler during his younger years, Vito was involved in various leagues that competed at the former Rizzuto-Berra Lanes as well as Wayne’s own T-Bowl. He also enjoyed fishing, especially the salt water variety if his stomach would put up with the ocean waves, trips to the Borgata and going out for a night of harness racing at the Meadowlands. In more recent years, he always looked forward to being with his buddies for a night of friendly poker where gentleman bets were the traditional wager.

Next to his faith in God, Vito’s greatest love and devotion was for his wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom he considered to be gifts from God. For countless years, vacations to all beaches along the Jersey shore remained a highlight in Vito’s life, from the time his own son and daughter were growing up to many rich family times with his grandchildren, most recently spent together in Ocean City. Vito truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and attending all of their various and numerous sporting events, theatrical performances, academic successes, and graduation milestones. He was so very proud of them and, while he enjoyed a good natured joke at their expense, each of his grandchildren knew they could always count on “Pa”.  

Vito’s sincere devotion and love for God was central to his very being and an integral part of who he was as a man, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Possessing a dear devotion to Saint Anthony, he was a very active parishioner for over 50 years at Our Lady of the Valley Church in Wayne. Vito enjoyed serving as an usher and working at the annual fundraising festivals that took place at the church. He was a man who believed in the power of prayer and thus, made intercession with God a daily part of his life. Thankful for the overflow of blessings in his own life, he loved to give generously to numerous charitable endeavors with a special affinity toward supporting the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Vito was a beautiful example of a man who lived a humble life of love and service to his family and friends. Meticulous for all the right reasons, he carried himself with class and genuineness, giving generously of his time, talents and treasure to make this world a little bit better for all who had the privilege of having him in their life. Well done Vito! Rest in peace.

Vito was the beloved husband of the late Claire (nee Mignone). He was the loving father of Dr. James Lampariello and his wife Laura of Wayne, and Mary Dudek and her husband Paul of Wayne; cherished grandfather of Michelle and Nicole Lampariello and Michael and Kayla Dudek.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Vito’s name are asked to consider St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memorial Processing, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959 (www.stjude.org).