Edward Vittorio

DEFIANCE - Edward Vittorio, 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on April 10, 2019 at CHP Defiance Area  Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born on February 4, 1942, a son of the late Edward Rosario Vittorio and Donalda (Jones) Vittorio in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He graduated from  Emmerich Manual High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1960, after which time he proudly served his country in the United States Navy until 1964 as a Machinist Mate 2nd class. 

 He worked at General Motors in Defiance for 37 years as an electrician and was an  alternate member of the Health & Safety Committee until his retirement in 2004.  He was passionately  devoted to his family and friends who called him by the nickname Ginge.  Although short in stature, his heart made him a giant.  He was a proud father and mentor to 10 foreign exchange students from various countries including Germany, Venezuela, France, Australia, Finland, Greece and Japan.   Raised in the Catholic faith, he continued his walk with God throughout his adult life in a private manner.

Over the years,  he enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing and attending his grandchildrens' sporting and musical events.

Ginge will be sadly missed  by his childhood friend and loving wife of 56 years, Carol Vittorio of Defiance, son, Mark (Heather) of Defiance,  daughter, Denien (Patrick) Wilde of Bryan, five grandchildren, Katelyn (Barry) Wyatt of Chicago, Illinois, Gabe (Kendra) Vittorio of Defiance, Nic Vittorio (friend Livy Anders) of Bloomington, Indiana, Sofia Wilde of Bryan,  Griffin Wilde of Bryan, and two  great grandchildren, Laila Wyatt of Chicago, Illinois  and Camden Wyatt of Chicago, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by his parents, devoted aunt and uncle,  sister, brothers, daughter Annette Susan Vittorio and grandson Quinn Vittorio Wilde.

A burial service with military honors will take place at Riverside Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2019, followed by a Celebration of Life at the Elks Lodge #147 in Defiance. Schaffer Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his honor to The Hench Autism Studies Program at  Defiance College, 701 N. Clinton Street, Defiance, Ohio 43512. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.

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