Robert Ernest Vitale, SR., of Hamden, born on June 30, 1933 to the late Angelina D'Onofrio and the late Pasquale Vitale, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on August 4, 2019 in New Haven, Connecticut at age 86 after a valiant battle with cancer. Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Joan Daginella Vitale. He is the loving and devoted father of Cheryl (Anthony)Purificato of Coral Springs, Florida, Robert Ernest (Juliselena) Vitale, JR., of North Haven, and Laureen J. Vitale of Hamden. Loving brother to Anthony M. ( Marie Berardino)Vitale of Louisville, Kentucky and predeceased by brother Richard A. Vitale. Also survived by brother-in-law Gary Louis (Dorothy Lawton)Daginella of Boca Raton, Florida; Grandchildren: Marisa Purificato, Lindsey Purificato Harrington and Nadine Purificato; Brissena Vitale, Robert E. Vitale III, and Bryce Vitale; Great Grandchildren: Olivia, Brenna, Parker and Cooper Harrington; Nieces and Nephews: Gary(Melodie)Vitale; Richard( Dena)Vitale; Patricia(Jay)Beagle; Amanda Daginella; Courtney Daginella and Eric Daginella; and many loving cousins. Robert graduated from Hamden High School in 1951. He was an avid trumpet player and also performed in the high school jazz band where a select few were invited to perform and compete on the televised Nationally recognized Ted Mac Original Amateur Hour, where they placed 2nd out of many. Thereafter, Robert enlisted in the United States Army where he was invited to be a member of the distinguished Army Field Band of Washington D.C., a touring musical organization of the United States Army, playing under renowned Lt.-Col. Chester E. Whiting. In serving our Nation's Armed Forces, he continued to play Trumpet, French Horn and was a singer in the Army Field Band Chorus. Select notables include the band playing for President Harry Truman at the Truman Compound in Key West, Florida, in addition to playing for many Dignitaries and Heads of State in Washington, D.C. and other countries. After his Army career, Robert attended New Haven State Teacher's College which became Southern Connecticut State College ( now SCSU) where he graduated in 1958 with a Degree in Teaching. He also obtained a Masters Degree from Southern Connecticut State College and a 6th Year Degree from Fairfield University. Robert enjoyed a successful career of teaching within the North Haven school system where he was both a Teacher and Reading Consultant. During this time, Robert also enjoyed working part time as a Hardware Salesman at the former Sears Roebuck & Company. He received an award for being the longest tenured part time employee in the entire National Company. During summers, Robert managed Day Camps at The Northern Branch YMCA and the Orange Center Day Camp. Robert was an active Catholic parishioner at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and then Saint Joan of Arc Church. He was a lector and a member of the church choir. He was also a member of The Farms Country Club in Wallingford where he enjoyed playing Golf and Tennis with family and friends along with the dances and dinners that followed. Robert enjoyed his family, traveling with his wife and children, and the company of close friends. Robert also loved spending winters in Florida on the beach with his family. Robert's zest for life, gentle kindness and sense of humor leaves us all a legacy of love. Friends and family are welcome to attend the Viewing on Saturday August 10 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Peter H. Torello & Son Funeral Home, 1022 Dixwell Avenue, Hamden, Connecticut 06514. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday August 4 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 2819 Whitney Avenue, Hamden. Burial, with full military honors at Centerville cemetery. Donations may be made in Robert's honor to the Closer to Free foundation at Smilow Cancer Hospital, closertofree@ynhh.org.