Wayne Mahood As a supervisor of SUNY Geneseo student teachers at Greece Athena I worked with George and appreciated his common sense and no-nonsense demeanor. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Virginia Walker Maier Relation to Deceased: Former Student I just found out about Mr. Vito’s death. As a former student at Greece Arcadia H.S. (class of 1967), I remember Mr. Vito as a man in charge., full of vitality, walking the halls of the school making sure that things were running smoothly. I can still hear his shoes clipping along the floor as he walked. He was someone a student knew was in charge but who also was looking out for your safety. You could tell that he enjoyed his job and he was well-respected by students and staff, as well. I am saddened by his death but know that he is in a much greater place. I will keep him forever young in my memories. The celebration of life, shared in the beginning, and again, in the end. Yet we forget to celebrate it, in every moment we live. Time, days, years, go on, but are we alive? Alive and do not know it, sleeping in the world and dead to the life we are to live. To celebrate all life, the sparrow who sang in the morning, and died in the night, why do we not celebrate its life? To know thyself is to know you are alive – to give, to love, to seek truth, beauty, and suffer pain. In life as it is meant to be, pain is forgotten, and strength is all that’s left to be gained in the moment by moment celebration of life. By Deborah Peabody
Theresa A Luther Relation to Deceased: friend … thought of him as family George Vito – a bold, honest, determined man of character. This man was my 9th grade Vice Principal at Arcadia HS, the advisor of a Greece Youth Leadership group that I was invited to attend and years later my boss at Athena HS. To put it all very simply and to give George the honor he deserves; George, like my own dad was one of the most important teachers in my life. It is George’s courage to stand up and be counted, to hold fast to one’s own beliefs and to not give up the fight merely to please for the sake of whatever is popular (and often false) in the moment that laid the foundation for me to become a reliable, learned and dedicated teacher worthy of my students’ trust and respect. I felt honored to be hired by this man. I was always proud and excited to welcome him into my classroom. And I knew that if George offered either criticisms or compliments that they were 100% honest and 100% intended for my growth as an educator. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Skip O’Brien Relation to Deceased: Student at Greece Arcadia 1964-1968 Mr. Vito was a good man, honest and straight forward. He got me my first job working at Pettis Pools while I was going to school. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few more times after high school and always enjoyed his conversations.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Sally C Boddery Relation to Deceased: Work with George for years at Athena Sorry to hearthatGeorgeis no longerwithus. I have wonderful memories of his laughter and being so full of life and fun. I think of those time even though I am far away. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Robin (Kirk) Heizyk Relation to Deceased: former student Prayers to the family of Mr. Vito. I remember him as a good man. I believe he came in and left Olympia with my class (’77). The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Officer Michael McMillan Relation to Deceased: Old friend of Dr.George Vito I met Mr.Vito during a visit with his son Dr. George Vito some years ago at a cook out on Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville Ga. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Kimberly A Lane Relation to Deceased: Our Nephes Grandfather Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future Our deepest sympathies to the loss of our nephew’s grandfather The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Judy A. Schaller (Fullerton) Relation to Deceased: past student I remember George as one of my favorite teachers. I graduated from Greece Olympia in 1962 (2nd graduating class) and was impressed as a young student with his no nonsense but caring way of teaching. You are all in my prayers, Judy Schaller (Fullerton) As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ….. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgement, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.
GREGORY D. LITZ Relation to Deceased: FORMER COLLEAGUE MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. GEORGE AND I WERE COLLEAGUES AT THE GREECE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. HE WAS A MAN OF CONVICTION AND DEEP FEELINGS FOR STUDENTS AS WELL AS HIS PEERS. HE WAS A CARING MAN WITH STRONG VISCERAL FEELINGS FOR HIS ITALIAN HERITAGE, HIS COUNTRY AND JUSTICE. I WILL ALSO REMEMBER HIM AS AN OLD FRIEND WHO TAUGHT ME THAT LIFE GOES ON IN SPITE OF ITS HARDSHIPS. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Erma Pettis Relation to Deceased: friend George and my husband Larry Pettis became friends through competition in track meets held when both were attending different high schools in Rochester, NY. This friendship continued as they both entered Brockport college to pursue a degree in education. Larry and I became engaged in our sophomore year and were married in December of our senior year. George was our best man and remained a friend throughout and beyond Larry’s lifetime. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ed Cloos Relation to Deceased: no relation I met George Vito as a young reporter for The Times-Union in the early 1960’s. He was a young administrator. I can’t remember the details after so long, I just remember that he clearly was a special person whom I’ve never forgotten. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Diane M Keeley Relation to Deceased: Student at Athena. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Diane M Keeley Relation to Deceased: Student at Athena. Graduated in 1978. :] I remember Mr. Vito well. He was my principle from 1977 until 1978 when I graduated. He also knew my dad. I will never forget the day I graduated and as I walked across my stage I remember Mr. Vito pointing at my dad (John Sheehan) and saying, “Smile for your dad, Diane!” I was mortified. LOL! :] I am very sorry for the loss of Mr. Vito. I have fond memories of him from a long time ago. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. An Old Irish Blessing
Debbi A Reeves Relation to Deceased: past teacher I remember Mr. Vito as being a firm but a very kind man. Bless his soul and may his family find some comfort in knowing that he was well liked! The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
David Nacca Relation to Deceased: graduated from Athena in 1979 from what I can remember, Mr. Vito pretty much rescued Athena back then from a relatively young high school that had yet to find it’s way! He brought organization, cooperation, spirit, discipline, energy and most importantly he brought leadership that was so badly needed at the time. My sincerest sympathy goes out to his family. He is remembered by me as one of the most respected and admired persons I had the pleasure of knowing in my life while at the same time no matter how busy he was, he was a gentleman who always made me feel important. He certainly had a positive effect in in so many people’s lives.
Bud Spaulding Relation to Deceased: Student Graduated from Arcadia in ’68. I think I knew, or knew of Mr. Vito since I was in elementary school. I will NEVER FORGET the morning he walked into my homeroom just as the guy next to me popped a wad of bubble gum in his mouth. Mr. Vito just stared at him for about five min. Guy’s face was turning red as a beet, and he was salivating like crazy. Mr. Vito just grinned, turned, and walked out. Lesson learned, a real prince of a guy. May God Bless The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bud Spaulding Graduated from Arcadia in ’68. I think I knew, or knew of Mr. Vito since I was in elementary school. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bud Spaulding Graduated from Arcadia in ’68. I think I knew, or knew of Mr. Vito since I was in elementary school. I will NEVER FORGET the morning he walked into my homeroom just as the guy next to me popped a wad of bubble gum in his mouth. Mr. Vito just stared at him for about five min. Guy’s face was turning red as a beet, and he was salivating like crazy. Mr. Vito just grinned, turned, and walked out. Lesson learned, a real prince of a guy. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bill Veenis Relation to Deceased: Colleague Please accept my condolences during this time of your deep loss. I worked with George in the Greece Central School District. I found him to be a highly principled and fully committed member of the district, who always had the interests of his students, parents, and staff at the center of everything he did or planned. He taught me many valuable things about managing a school and being always fair in making decisions involving those people who would be affected by these decisions. He will be sorely missed by all of us who had the opportunity to interact with him.
Additional Tribute Link: http://youtu.be/X9PWDhS8LvA
Wayne Mahood As a supervisor of SUNY Geneseo student teachers at Greece Athena I worked with George and appreciated his common sense and no-nonsense demeanor. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Virginia Walker Maier Relation to Deceased: Former Student I just found out about Mr. Vito’s death. As a former student at Greece Arcadia H.S. (class of 1967), I remember Mr. Vito as a man in charge., full of vitality, walking the halls of the school making sure that things were running smoothly. I can still hear his shoes clipping along the floor as he walked. He was someone a student knew was in charge but who also was looking out for your safety. You could tell that he enjoyed his job and he was well-respected by students and staff, as well. I am saddened by his death but know that he is in a much greater place. I will keep him forever young in my memories. The celebration of life, shared in the beginning, and again, in the end. Yet we forget to celebrate it, in every moment we live. Time, days, years, go on, but are we alive? Alive and do not know it, sleeping in the world and dead to the life we are to live. To celebrate all life, the sparrow who sang in the morning, and died in the night, why do we not celebrate its life? To know thyself is to know you are alive – to give, to love, to seek truth, beauty, and suffer pain. In life as it is meant to be, pain is forgotten, and strength is all that’s left to be gained in the moment by moment celebration of life. By Deborah Peabody
Theresa A Luther Relation to Deceased: friend … thought of him as family George Vito – a bold, honest, determined man of character. This man was my 9th grade Vice Principal at Arcadia HS, the advisor of a Greece Youth Leadership group that I was invited to attend and years later my boss at Athena HS. To put it all very simply and to give George the honor he deserves; George, like my own dad was one of the most important teachers in my life. It is George’s courage to stand up and be counted, to hold fast to one’s own beliefs and to not give up the fight merely to please for the sake of whatever is popular (and often false) in the moment that laid the foundation for me to become a reliable, learned and dedicated teacher worthy of my students’ trust and respect. I felt honored to be hired by this man. I was always proud and excited to welcome him into my classroom. And I knew that if George offered either criticisms or compliments that they were 100% honest and 100% intended for my growth as an educator. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Skip O’Brien Relation to Deceased: Student at Greece Arcadia 1964-1968 Mr. Vito was a good man, honest and straight forward. He got me my first job working at Pettis Pools while I was going to school. I had the pleasure of meeting him a few more times after high school and always enjoyed his conversations.My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Sally C Boddery Relation to Deceased: Work with George for years at Athena Sorry to hearthatGeorgeis no longerwithus. I have wonderful memories of his laughter and being so full of life and fun. I think of those time even though I am far away. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Robin (Kirk) Heizyk Relation to Deceased: former student Prayers to the family of Mr. Vito. I remember him as a good man. I believe he came in and left Olympia with my class (’77). The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Officer Michael McMillan Relation to Deceased: Old friend of Dr.George Vito I met Mr.Vito during a visit with his son Dr. George Vito some years ago at a cook out on Lake Sinclair in Milledgeville Ga. My condolences and prayers to the family.
Kimberly A Lane Relation to Deceased: Our Nephes Grandfather Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future Our deepest sympathies to the loss of our nephew’s grandfather The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Judy A. Schaller (Fullerton) Relation to Deceased: past student I remember George as one of my favorite teachers. I graduated from Greece Olympia in 1962 (2nd graduating class) and was impressed as a young student with his no nonsense but caring way of teaching. You are all in my prayers, Judy Schaller (Fullerton) As we look back over time We find ourselves wondering ….. Did we remember to thank you enough For all you have done for us? For all the times you were by our sides To help and support us ….. To celebrate our successes To understand our problems And accept our defeats? Or for teaching us by your example, The value of hard work, good judgement, Courage and integrity? We wonder if we ever thanked you For the sacrifices you made. To let us have the very best? And for the simple things Like laughter, smiles and times we shared? If we have forgotten to show our Gratitude enough for all the things you did, We’re thanking you now. And we are hoping you knew all along, How much you meant to us.
GREGORY D. LITZ Relation to Deceased: FORMER COLLEAGUE MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. GEORGE AND I WERE COLLEAGUES AT THE GREECE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. HE WAS A MAN OF CONVICTION AND DEEP FEELINGS FOR STUDENTS AS WELL AS HIS PEERS. HE WAS A CARING MAN WITH STRONG VISCERAL FEELINGS FOR HIS ITALIAN HERITAGE, HIS COUNTRY AND JUSTICE. I WILL ALSO REMEMBER HIM AS AN OLD FRIEND WHO TAUGHT ME THAT LIFE GOES ON IN SPITE OF ITS HARDSHIPS. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Erma Pettis Relation to Deceased: friend George and my husband Larry Pettis became friends through competition in track meets held when both were attending different high schools in Rochester, NY. This friendship continued as they both entered Brockport college to pursue a degree in education. Larry and I became engaged in our sophomore year and were married in December of our senior year. George was our best man and remained a friend throughout and beyond Larry’s lifetime. My heartfelt condolences to his family.
Ed Cloos Relation to Deceased: no relation I met George Vito as a young reporter for The Times-Union in the early 1960’s. He was a young administrator. I can’t remember the details after so long, I just remember that he clearly was a special person whom I’ve never forgotten. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Diane M Keeley Relation to Deceased: Student at Athena. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Diane M Keeley Relation to Deceased: Student at Athena. Graduated in 1978. :] I remember Mr. Vito well. He was my principle from 1977 until 1978 when I graduated. He also knew my dad. I will never forget the day I graduated and as I walked across my stage I remember Mr. Vito pointing at my dad (John Sheehan) and saying, “Smile for your dad, Diane!” I was mortified. LOL! :] I am very sorry for the loss of Mr. Vito. I have fond memories of him from a long time ago. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand. An Old Irish Blessing
Debbi A Reeves Relation to Deceased: past teacher I remember Mr. Vito as being a firm but a very kind man. Bless his soul and may his family find some comfort in knowing that he was well liked! The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
David Nacca Relation to Deceased: graduated from Athena in 1979 from what I can remember, Mr. Vito pretty much rescued Athena back then from a relatively young high school that had yet to find it’s way! He brought organization, cooperation, spirit, discipline, energy and most importantly he brought leadership that was so badly needed at the time. My sincerest sympathy goes out to his family. He is remembered by me as one of the most respected and admired persons I had the pleasure of knowing in my life while at the same time no matter how busy he was, he was a gentleman who always made me feel important. He certainly had a positive effect in in so many people’s lives.
Bud Spaulding Relation to Deceased: Student Graduated from Arcadia in ’68. I think I knew, or knew of Mr. Vito since I was in elementary school. I will NEVER FORGET the morning he walked into my homeroom just as the guy next to me popped a wad of bubble gum in his mouth. Mr. Vito just stared at him for about five min. Guy’s face was turning red as a beet, and he was salivating like crazy. Mr. Vito just grinned, turned, and walked out. Lesson learned, a real prince of a guy. May God Bless The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bud Spaulding Graduated from Arcadia in ’68. I think I knew, or knew of Mr. Vito since I was in elementary school. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bud Spaulding Graduated from Arcadia in ’68. I think I knew, or knew of Mr. Vito since I was in elementary school. I will NEVER FORGET the morning he walked into my homeroom just as the guy next to me popped a wad of bubble gum in his mouth. Mr. Vito just stared at him for about five min. Guy’s face was turning red as a beet, and he was salivating like crazy. Mr. Vito just grinned, turned, and walked out. Lesson learned, a real prince of a guy. The butterfly emerges from its silken shell- Reborn, it arises, no longer bound to earth. Free at last, the butterfly glides to heights unknown before. So do our loved ones find a beautiful release as, earthbound no more, they leave our sight and joyfully rise to a garden of matchless beauty, a place of light and peace. -Evelyn Phillips
Bill Veenis Relation to Deceased: Colleague Please accept my condolences during this time of your deep loss. I worked with George in the Greece Central School District. I found him to be a highly principled and fully committed member of the district, who always had the interests of his students, parents, and staff at the center of everything he did or planned. He taught me many valuable things about managing a school and being always fair in making decisions involving those people who would be affected by these decisions. He will be sorely missed by all of us who had the opportunity to interact with him.