Obituary of John R Vitale

Dr. John R. Vitale passed away suddenly on August 11, 2022.  He was 75.

He was born in New York City to John Vitale, Sr. and Carmella Aversano, and raised in the Bronx.  He later moved to New Jersey, eventually settling in Bernardsville and then Gladstone for the last 26 years. 

He was a 1969 graduate of Iona College and earned his dental degree at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey.

He opened his first practice on Old Bergen Road in Jersey City in 1973.  He later relocated to Port Liberte, where he practiced for the last 26 years.  He opened a satellite office in Peapack-Gladstone 15 years ago. He was known and beloved by his patients as the “Singing Dentist.”  

He loved sports, especially boxing, Formula 1 racing, his hometown Yankees, and the Giants.  He was also an exceptional baker, well known for his Parker House rolls, scones, and amazing breads. He loved traveling the world with his dear friends and family, always finding the best restaurants along the way.  He had a life-long love of cars and all things car-related.  Music was a passion, from classic rock to opera and everything in between.  And most of all, he enjoyed welcoming friends and family to his home for wood-fired pizza, pig roasts, gourmet meals, homemade wine, and endless laughs.  

He was a little league coach and served as President of the Bernardsville Little League; a hospice volunteer for the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills; and a volunteer dentist for Hearts for Honduras, Children of Panama, and various other charitable organizations.   

He is survived by Nina, his loving wife of 44 years; his three children, Jeralyn Wunderley (Andrew) of Charleston, South Carolina, John Francis Vitale (Alissa) of Park Ridge, and Christopher Vitale of Hoboken; his grandchildren, Aidan Rose Wunderley and Jack Wunderley; his mother, Carmela Vitale; his brother, Anthony Vitale; his two sisters, Linda Munafo and Camille Putignano; his many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins; and countless dear friends and devoted patients.   

Memorial Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 17, from 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm, at Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main Street, Peapack.  A private funeral liturgy will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Atlantic Visiting Nurse.