Martin Joseph Vitale

Martin Joseph Vitale, 73, passed away in Sandpoint, Idaho on Thursday, June 4, 2015. Memorial services will be announced later. Martin was born in Warsaw, New York on March 25, 1942, the son of Martin and Jane Vitale. For many years he lived in Brentwood, California and had a cherry orchard in southern California. He semi-retired and moved to the Sagle area in 2003. He was a member of the Schweitzer Prime Time Ski Club. He enjoyed skiing, riding his BMW motorcycle and his bicycle. He is survived by two brothers; John Vitale in Sagle, Idaho; Charles Vitale in Florida; his sister Carmella Campora in Florida; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife Janice in 2000. The closing poem was written by a close friend --- I lost a real good friend today I struggle with mixed feelings of his death Sad he’s gone from us forever But freedom from pain with his last breath. He battled bravely to the very end He knew another devastating strife When he endured another painful loss When cancer took his sweet and lovely wife. His humor and his honest friendship Touched all who knew him best His inner courage conquered all Until his final rest. I lost a real good friend today I will forever feel the loss I’ll miss the great times we shared But time they say will heal the cost. I’ll cherish our good times in college And jobs we shared in our younger days All these years he was there for me In ways I could never begin to repay. But time will take us all we know We’ll depart this world someday But it makes life’s trip most enjoyable By the Marty’s we meet along the way. So a fond goodbye my dear friend It was my pleasure knowing you I’ll never forget our lasting friendship Not until my time is through. I lost a real good friend today Cancer took its dark grim toll It may have consumed his body But couldn’t take his sole. From Ron and Evelyn Hover and Family.