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Rich “Spanky” Vitek, age 79, died May 7, 2018 at VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach, FL.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois and later moved from Chicago to Vero Beach, FL in 1984.
Rich was an accomplished body and fender auto technician, working for over 50 years, for many dealerships throughout Chicago and Vero Beach. He was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus.
Rich was a loving husband and father who would always make people laugh. He was known for his meticulous auto body skills and was often wearing his “caputa” hat. His legacy is his beautiful family and his 1950 Dodge Wayfarer that he built from the ground up, starting in 2001. Rich enjoyed taking his “50” to car shows, listening to music, & laughing with his loving wife.
Survivors include wife Valerie Vitek; sons Richard (Margaret ) Vitek Jr., Andy (Jackie)Vitek , Wally Sokelewicz, Johnny Sokolewicz; daughters, Vicky (Gary) Gossett , Michelle Vitek (John) Devine, Julie Vitek (Michael) Riddle; sister, Virginia Ganz; brother, Frank (Ana) Vitek, III; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by mother, Veronica Priesser; father, Frank Vitek II; sister, Veronica Wagner; and grandson, Sean Sokolewicz.
A Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m., Friday, May 11, 2018 at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, 1655 27th St., Vero Beach, 32960.
A Funeral Mass will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 12, 2018 at St. Helen Catholic Church, 2000 20th St, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valerie Vitek, 520 37th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32968.
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James & Carol Griffin - Neighbors at 555
May 10, 2018, 10:55 am
So sorry to hear this news… what a sweet guy and a good neighbor. We will keep the family in our prayers for Gods blessing of peace and comfort at this time. We will miss seeing you walking with Val around the neighborhood. Jimmy will certainly miss getting car advice and sharing a loving helping hand with you Rich. With love and condolences’ your neighbors at 555.
Judith M. Donohoe - Andy's grandmother in law
May 11, 2018, 10:54 am
Dear Vitek Family, I am deeply saddened by your loss. Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory comfort you in the future. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time. Nana
Mary and Art Velez - Sister in law
May 11, 2018, 10:54 am
Sending our condolences to the entire Vitek Family at this difficult time. Rich was loved by many and will be truly missed, Mary and Art.