Guy Wilson Vitale

Guy W. Vitale, 92, of Augusta, passed away February 18, 2010, at Borgess Medical Center, Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was born January 17, 1918 in Hillsdale, Michigan. He was a resident of Albion for 56 years. Guy and his wife Barbara moved to Augusta to be near their daughter Shirley Blakely in August of 2006. He graduated from Washington Gardner High School and then entered the Navy in 1943, serving in Australia and New Guinea. He was always proud that he served his country. Guy married Barbara L. Norris in Albion on December 1, 1945. They were married 64 years. They enjoyed the "great outdoors", hunting and fishing throughout the year. Guy loved hunting "big game" with Barbara in Idaho, Wyoming, Newfoundland and Michigan, especially the U.P. He belonged to the Bucks Club, making delicious homemade spaghetti to share with the other hunters. Guy was an inventive man, making his creative ideas come to life, at work and at home. In 1950 he invented and marketed "Task Force", a naval strategy game. As a machinist for 27 years at Corning Glass Works, he was instrumental in developing new ways to improve the quality and production of Corning's products. As a father he designed and made many toys and tools for his three children. For entertainment, Guy and his wife loved to dance. They were members of a square dancing club and could often be found at the V.F.W. listening and dancing to the big band sounds. He and Barbara also attended all of their children's various school activities. Guy is survived by his daughter Virginia J Sturgill of Sagle, Idaho and Shirley A Blakely and husband John of Augusta, Michigan, his 12 grandchildren; Barbara Taylor, Chris Sturgill, Zane Sturgill, LoriAnn Boatwright, Jeff Pickens, Kelly Ezbenko, Chad Blakely, Dave Blakely, Kara Rohrstaff, Bruce Vitale, Eve Vitale and Todd Sloan; his 18 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara; his son Roger Vitale and his grandson Wesley Guy Sturgill. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, promptly at 1:30 pm, Friday, February 26, 2010. Pastor Mark Jennings, First Presbyterian Church of Richland will be officiating. Visitation with the family immediately following the service at the home of grandson Jeff Pickens. Arrangements entrusted to Avink Funeral Home Cremation Society, Schoolcraft, Michigan. To leave a personal message for the family and/or sign the online guest registry, please visit www.avinkcremation.com. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the American Heart Association or the American Lung Association.