G. Louis Vitale

G. Louis Vitale, 95, formerly of Galesburg, IL, passed away October 2, 2008 in Scottsdale, AZ.  Louis was born to Frank and Carmella Vitale January 13, 1913, in Chicago, IL.  A successful businessman, he founded G & M Distributors, Inc., Galesburg, IL in 1946, and formerly owned Decatur Bottling Co, Decatur, IL, as well as businesses in Aurora, Quincy, Peoria, Rock Island, Rockford, IL and Madison, WI.  Louis attended Knox College where he met and, in 1936, married Marguerite Rinella.  She passed away in 1966.  He married Betty Wolff in 1969.  She survives.  He also is survived by his children:  Margot Rowe (Bruce), Cincinnati, OH; Michael Vitale (Susan), Decatur, IL; Guy Vitale (Andrea), Galesburg, IL; and Marcia Millar (Douglas), Decatur, IL and his stepchildren: Terri Quinlan (Richard), Chicago, IL; Joe Wolff (Robin), Novato, CA; and Lisanne Haney (Roger), Prospect Heights, IL.  Also surviving are 15 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Louis’ parents and sister, Lucille Vitale Putignano, preceded him in death. In 1934, he was captain of the Knox football team and was always proudly supportive of Knox.  He was especially pleased with receiving the Lincoln-Douglas Award recognizing his contribution to Knox.  He became an avid golfer and was a member of Soangetaha Country Club.  He was on the board of directors of Cottage Hospital and First Midwest Bank and participated in many beverage industry associations.  He was a founding member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church.  He enjoyed his family, friends and businesses.  He will be greatly missed.  His family is grateful for the timeless wisdom and life lessons he shared  A Funeral Mass will be held at Our Lady of Joy in Carefree, AZ on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 10 a.m.  Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, at Watson Funeral Home, Galesburg.  Funeral mass will be at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 11, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to Knox College, Development Office, Galesburg, or Costa Academy, Galesburg.