Vincent Amalfitano, 85, of Traverse City, passed away Friday, June 2, 2017 at Munson Medical Center.
Vince was born on Monday, October 12, 1931 in Ponza, Italy, the son of Frederick and Ortensia (Aprea) Amalfitano and came to this country at the age of 15 to join his parents who had preceded him to America. The family settled in the Detroit area where Vince would eventually open his own restaurant. He had hired a young lady as a waitress at that restaurant and she would become his wife of 58 years. He and the former Marjorie Janice Lee were married in Detroit on Tuesday, January 27, 1959. They were blessed with two sons, Fred and Mike.

Vince, or Vinnie to some of his family and friends, felt the need to move his family to another area of the state. He and Marge chose Traverse City as their new home and after arriving here continued in the restaurant industry, owning The Italian Villa and Roma. Vince loved being a chef and enjoyed the opportunity to not only cook for his customers, but also for his friends and family. He made large quantities of wine every year to share with friends and to enjoy through the year. He enjoyed working with his hands, especially repairing homes and, in fact, had built his own home where he and Marge have lived for many years and where they raised their sons. Together they enjoyed traveling, especially their yearly trips to Italy. He and Marge are members of St. Francis Parish.

Vince is survived by his wife, Marjorie; his sons, Fred (Elizabeth) of Orlando, FL, Mike of Virginia Beach VA; his grandchildren, Dominic, Andrea and Michael, all of Orlando and his sisters Marie (Gene) Mazella of Trenton and Carmela (Ennio) Iadeluca of Traverse City, as well as nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation for Vince will take place from 7 until 9 p.m. Wednesday, June 7 at The Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 8 at St. Francis Catholic Church with The Rev. Fr. Ben Rexroat presiding. Burial will be in Oakwood Catholic Diocesan Cemetery. The family has asked that memorial contributions in Vince's memory be directed to The St. Francis Catholic Church Food Pantry.