Obituary

John R. "Johnny" Vitale, 43, of Minonk, passed away at 11:54 p.m. Wednesday (July 5, 2017) at OSF HealthCare Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac.

He was born Oct. 23, 1973, in Mesa, Ariz., to John D. and Roberta "Bertie" Stuart Vitale. He first married Allyson McCollum. Later, he married Shannon Halloran on Sept. 29, 2012, in Wenona. She survives.

Also surviving are his son, Brodi Vitale, Atlanta; stepdaughter, Hailey Higbie, Minonk; mother, Bertie (Bob Bielby) Soeder, Lake Wildwood; father, John Vitale, Dana; three sisters, Jennifer (Daryl) Rinaldo and Renee (Bill) Baum, both of Varna; and Robin (Beau) Hawkins, East Peoria; grandparents, John (Micky) Vitale, Peru; and Ollie Stuart, LaSalle; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Wayne Soeder in 2005; two nieces, Katelyn and Ruby; and his grandfather, Robert Stuart, in 1993.

Johnny worked as the body work man for several area auto shops. He was currently working for Uftring Automotive, Minonk. He did his apprenticeship at Heller Ford, El Paso, and went on to work for Sons of Color, Wenona, and Minonk Autobody. He had a passion for cars and was one of the best known autobody guys in the business.

Johnny was a jokester and always liked to have fun. He enjoyed camping and racing. He touched the lives of many and will be missed.

Visitation will be 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, Minonk. There will be no formal service. Cremation rites will be accorded. Memorials may be made to his family.