Louis Vitale, age 87, of Russellville, died, October 11, 2024, at Stella Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation in Russellville. He was born October 18, 1936, in Clairton, Pennsylvania to Frank and Mary Curinga Vitale.

He was a member of St. John Catholic Church.  He was a graduate of California University in California, Pennsylvania.  He was a VISTA volunteer from 1967-1968 in Centerville, Arkansas.  He retired from ARVAC after 41 years as the economic development director and was a grants coordinator for the Freedom House. Louis was inducted into the Arkansas Tourism Hall of Fame in 2001 and was President of the Arkansas Travel Council from 1994-1995. He enjoyed football and was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Paul Andrew Vitale; a brother, Anthony Vitale; and two sisters, Anna Borgesi and Isabelle Astorino.

Survivors include his wife, of 56 years, Carole Vitale; a son and daughter-in-law, Matt and Vicki Vitale of Mandeville, Louisiana; daughter-in-law, Mitzi Vitale of St. Paul, Minnesota; and seven grandchildren: Nicholas, Nathan, Sammy, Sophia and Louis Vitale and Owen and Abby Welk.

The funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, October 17, 2024, at St. John Catholic Church with Father Dan Ramos officiating.  Burial will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends from 5:00-6:00 p.m., Wednesday with Rosary to start at 6:00 p.m., at St. John Catholic Church.

Pallbearers will be Nick Vitale, Nathan Vitale, Sammy Vitale, Dale Harpenau, Chad Johnson and Graham Streett.

Memorials may be made to St. John Catholic School, 1900 West Main Street, Russellville, Arkansas 72801 or to Dementia Society of America, P.O. Box 600, Doylestown, Pennsylvania 18901.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.