Todd Louis Vitale, 60, a professional vocalist and Realtor who lived in Chicago's Sheridan Park neighborhood, passed away peacefully Nov. 15, after a long battle with ALS-Lou Gehrig's disease.
Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, Todd graduated early from Belleville-West High School in 1981 to sing at Opryland, along with the Melody Top Theatre in Milwaukee, before embarking on international and regional tours of Pirates of Penzance, King and I, Evita and Jesus Christ Superstar.
After settling in Chicago, Todd performed frequently around the city. He produced and starred in his own one-man show Night and Day - A Tribute to Cole Porter at the Royal George Cabaret Theater, and regularly performed with Tuxedo Junction. Todd also annually sang for the High Holy Days at Anshe Emet and Bnai Torah congregations. He truly loved all kinds of music and learning about the history and culture the music represented.
His love for food, wine and cuisine led him to become a captain at the Spiaggia restaurant for many years before pursuing a new career as a licensed Realtor. Todd loved surrounding himself with beauty, art, music and creating the perfect environment. His creativity knew no bounds; he worked in both painting and calligraphy as well as interior and graphic design. The World was his oyster until ALS took it all away.
He is survived by his beloved partner and best friend of nearly 34 years, Christopher Michael Sterling, who was Todd's devoted primary caregiver. Loving son of the late Rev. John Lee Vitale and Betty Jean Vitale (nee Walter); brother of Mark Vitale of Newburgh, New York, and Lynn (Randy) Pantano of Columbia, Illinois. Adored brother-in-law of Karen (Mark) Moritz; uncle of Brandon and Nathan Moritz; and great-uncle of Hayden Moritz. Faithful companion of Luce, Harry and Winston, the Cattens.
Todd is also survived by many supportive friends including Judith Sherwin, Kristin Milles, Shawn-Laree O'Neil, Sue Carrel, Sonia Arroyave, Nina Fernandez and Mary Beth Gierlinger. A celebration of life is being planned to coincide with Todd and Chris' 34th anniversary in early February of 2024.
Donations may be made in Todd's name to Article Link Here or Website Link Here , two non-profit support driven ALS Foundations. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, (773) 318-1305 or Article Link Here .
