Tito Vergilii

Tito Vergilii, age 88, passed away peacefully on Monday, Sept. 5, 2016, at Northwestern Healthcare Center. He was born on Oct. 2, 1927 in Cervaro, Italy, to Domenica (nee Ridolfi) and Agostino Vergilii. He was the second of four brothers: Patrick (deceased)( Virginia), Franklin (Anita) and August (deceased)(Donna)

At age 9, Tito immigrated to the United States aboard the MS Vulcania with his mother and older brother Patrick. He was reunited with his father who had come to the US to establish a better life for his young family. In December 1945, Tito enlisted in the US Army. He was deployed to the Philippines as a Specialty Radio Operator in the 9 th Detachment 2 nd Signal Service Battalion. In 1947, he was honorably discharged.

It is fitting that Tito passed away on Labor Day, as he took pride in his work. He enjoyed working as a head custodian for the Cleveland Public School System for 39 years. He worked hard to make the buildings safe for the students. In 1986, he retired at age 58. Upon retiring as a custodian, he worked part time as a stationary engineer at NASA Glenn Research Center steam plant in Brook Park.

Tito was a longtime member of Duca Degli Abruzzi Lodge 217. His favorite hobbies were going to dances with his wife, playing cards, small game hunting, bowling and travelling. He was also an avid reader of current events and history. His generous heart meant he took a personal interest in everyone he encountered. Tito returned to Italy for the first time in 1994. He toured the country and reconnected with extended family, and was happily surprised by the modernization of his home village.

He was the beloved husband of the late Maria (Bruno) Vergilii, and is survived by his four children Phillip Vergilii; Laura Speck (Eric); Linda Weimer (Keith); and John Vergilii (Cynthia). He had six grandchildren; Wendi Fowler (Chris), Angela Cirone (Adam), Nick Weimer, Kelsey Morse, Lauren Conacchio, and Ricky Conacchio. He was a great-grandfather to two, Godfather to four, and a beloved uncle and great-uncle. His proudest accomplishment was making a beautiful life in the United States with his wife and family.  The family suggests contributions to Cypress Hospice, 2 Berea Commons, Ste 1, Berea, OH 44017.

Mass of Christian burial at St. Bartholomew Church 14875 Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts. Friday September 9 at 9:30 AM, Interment Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends received at RIPEPI FUNERAL HOME 5762 PEARL RD (AT SNOW RD) THURSDAY 2-4 AND 6-8 PM.