Jean Ruth Vitelli (née Brunstrum), age 77, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on May 4, 2024, at Largo Medical Center due to complications from surgery related to colon cancer and multifocal pneumonia.
Jean was born on June 15, 1946, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Lawrence and Ruth Brunstrum (née Brynildssen). On April 2, 1966, she married Thomas Vitelli in Chicago Heights, Illinois, and they enjoyed 58 wonderful years of marriage.
Jean is survived by her devoted husband, Thomas; her loving daughters, Patricia Michonski (the late James) and Tracy Stabile (Joseph); and her son, Thomas Joseph (TJ). She cherished her grandchildren, Jack LaHaie (Tyler), Nicole Stevens (Clayton), Joseph Michonski, Jacob Michonski, Ava Vitelli, Luca Vitelli, and Leo Vitelli, and her great-grandson, Wyatt Stevens. She is also survived by her nieces, Robin Benatti (Charlie) and Hilary Brunstrum, and great-nieces, Elenor and Sylvie Benatti.
She joins in heaven her parents, Lawrence and Ruth; her brother, Roger Brunstrum; sister-in-law, Constance Brunstrum; niece, Diana Brunstrum; father-in-law, Anthony Vitelli; mother-in-law, Agnes Vitelli; and sister-in-law, Nina Vitelli. Jean was immensely proud of being named Citizen of the Year in Richton Park, Illinois. She had a fulfilling career as a children’s librarian, director of Area 20 Illinois Special Olympics, and retired from accounts payable with Bloom Township. Jean was a passionate Chicago Cubs fan, a dedicated member of American Legion Post 7 Auxiliary, and loved traveling, playing board games, and giving gifts. She was known for her generosity and volunteer work, touching many lives and beloved by countless friends.
A Celebration of Life gathering will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at American Legion Post 7, 1760 Turner Street, Clearwater, FL 33756.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Jean’s memory can be made to the Illinois Special Olympics, Region E, at Special Olympics Illinois.
https://support.specialolympics.org/a/illinois?ms=IDMP_DB&utm_source=donatebtn&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=IDMP
