Richard L. Vita

Richard Louis Vita, Felton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at the Delaware Hospice Center-Milford, he was 86. Mr. Vita was born in Philadelphia, PA to the late Louis and Anna Vita.

Mr. Vita worked as a custodial engineer for the Pennsylvania School District for over 36 years. He was a hard worker and excellent provider, who always made sure his wife and family were well taken care of. Upon his retirement, he and his wife Joanne moved to the Pot Nets Community where they enjoyed their retirement. They made many new friends there and enjoyed socializing together. They also enjoyed taking out their pontoon boat with family and grandchildren, catching crabs and enjoying the water. After many years in Pot Nets, they bought a home in the Felton area where they spent the last 20 years.

Mr. Vita was an Eagles fan and liked to watch football. He also liked to shop and was always looking for the next great bargain whether it was electronics, televisions, cars, you name it. He was also an avid listener of Elvis Presley. Mr. Vita was always a large person in stature and presence, but was a total teddy bear when it came to his children and grandchildren. The grandchildren and great grandchildren were the apple of his eye. Family was everything to him, his wife especially, and they truly took care of each other. Ever the strong willed person, even through illness the last few years, he fought to the bitter end and never gave in to his illness. His strong determination and love of family will forever be missed.

Mr. Vita is survived by his wife of 65 years, Joanne Marie Vita: daughters, Donna Sperduto, Diane Arter; grandchildren, Brian and Marley Sperduto, Nicholas and Ashley Sperduto, Alicia Arter, Rachel Arter; great grandchildren, Vincent, Marco, Aiden, Sloane, and Emma.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Tuesday, December 23, at 10 AM, at the St. Bernadette Catholic Church, 109 Dixon Street, Harrington, DE 19952. A visitation will be held prior to the Funeral Mass at the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, 15522 S. DuPont Hwy., Harrington, DE, starting at 9 AM to 9:45 AM. Interment will follow the Funeral Mass immediately after the service at Camden Odd Fellows Cemetery, 35 Rising Sun Road, Camden Wyoming, DE 19934.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Delaware Hospice Center, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Thomas E. Melvin & Son Funeral Home, please visit us at www.melvinfuneralhome.com to express or send condolences.