Obituary of Ludwig P.A. Vita, Sr.

Ludwig P. Vita, 89, passed away peacefully on May 13th, with his wife Teresa by his side under nursing care at Bishop Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Ludwig was a second-generation Syracusan, living all of his life in Syracuse. Born February 2, 1931, Ludwig grew up in Eastwood with his mother Lena and father Samuel, two siblings, Angeline and John. Ludwig attended Blessed Sacrament School, Christian Brothers Academy, and LeMoyne College. He served our country in the US Army and was a member of the Chaplin Section, Headquarters X Corps, during the Korean War. As a Corporal stationed in Korea, he performed outstandingly in any position assigned to him during military service earning a Bronze Service Star, US, and National Defense service medals and commemorative ribbon w/ pendant. He married Teresa Engel in 1955 and joined his family’s business, Samuel Vita Furniture Co., well known for custom-built furniture, antique restoration, and upholstery work. His father Sam, a fine wood-working craftsman from Italy, started the company in 1934. Ludwig and Sam worked along-side each for many years and he continued to run the company for an additional 23 years after the passing of his father. Ludwig learned from his father and always spoke about striving for perfection in their work. There were no short cuts for quality, as his dad would always say, “Craftmanship is a labor of love.” Ludwig was devoted to his wife Teresa, of 65 years, their eight children, fourteen grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He enjoyed all the many activities and family gatherings including summers with the family at the Oneida Lake cottage. He inspired music in his family and loved participating musically, playing the violin and piano. The orchestra and singing in the glee club along with various theatrical skits throughout his high school and college years were passions he enjoyed. Ludwig was also an athlete enjoying; basketball, scuba diving, skiing, and running, finishing first in a 25-mile run. Ludwig’s faith was important to him as he loved serving the church by chairing his parish annual bizarre, attending daily mass, lecturing, and alter serving well into his retirement years. His emphasis on faith is a gift he has passed onto his family. He is survived by his wife, Teresa (Engel) Vita; his eight children: Margaret (Rex) Ward, Sharon Vita, Sheila (Ernest) Sposato, Teresa (George) Koulouris, William (Robyn) Vita, Ludwig Jr.(Kathy) Vita, Marianne (Robert) Harnig, Charles (Kimberly) Vita; 14 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; and many nieces and nephews. Ludwig was predeceased by his parents: Lena Bartholomew Vita and Samuel Vita, a sister Angeline Splaine and a brother John B. Vita. A Catholic burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Dewitt. A future memorial mass will be announced and held at Holy Cross Church in Dewitt, 4112 East Genesee Street. Memorial Contributions may be made to Holy Cross Church or Christian Brothers Academy.