August 29th, 2023 – Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter paid a visit to Joseph Vitale on the occasion of his 99th birthday recently. Joseph is a true American hero, whose honor, courage and devotion to duty would lead him to serve at the Brooklyn Army Base prior to joining the United States Army during the Second World War, wherein he would serve with the 4th Cavalry Reconnaissance Squadron on the frontlines during the Battle of the Bulge in Ardennes, Central Europe and Rhineland.

Joseph was wounded in action and was awarded the Purple Heart, returning to the frontlines soon after, and continued to serve in combat until 1946 when he would be honorably discharged from service. Upon returning home, Joseph resumed work at the Brooklyn Army Base, serving as a Clerk Typist until 1969, thereafter taking on the role of Chief Administrator for the U.S. Attorney in the Southern District of New York. Semi-retiring in 1981 he began working as an administrator in the private sector, and would fully retire from his devoted career in 1991.

Joseph married his beloved Joan in 1950 and settled in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn. The couple welcomed their loving children, Susan and Paul, and in 1960, the family moved to Rosedale, Queens, where he and Joan would build a loving home filled with memories of their growing family. In 2004, Joseph would settle in the Town of Islip, first living in Greenview Village before moving to West Islip. Joseph is an adoring father, grandfather and esteemed great-grandfather.

“Joseph Vitale has led a remarkable life of dedication and service to his community and country, and in testament to his character continues to build upon such a robust legacy, carrying with him a heritage of values forged in our great Nation’s history, serving as a role model to his family, friends and our community,” said Islip Supervisor, Angie Carpenter.

While living at Greenview Village, he continued to bowl, a pastime he had for many years and was instrumental in starting billiards tournaments & weekly Texas Hold’em games for the residents at Greenview. In November of 2020 during Covid, Joe moved in with daughter, Susan & her husband, Jay in West Islip where he currently resides.

Joe has 5 grandchildren & 4 great-grandchildren. Joe enjoys spending time with family, reading and doing crossword puzzles.

"On behalf of the Islip Town Board, we wish Joseph enduring joy and happiness," said Supervisor Carpenter.