Vito Demonte

After a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Vito Demonte passed away on January 31,2018 at Verrazano Nursing Home in Staten Island, NY, at the age of 72. Vito was born on May 24, 1945, in Mola di Bari, Italy, to Maria Fanizza and Vitantonio Demonte. He grew up with three sisters, Nina (Anna), Maria, and Rosa, in a traditional Italian home at Via Beccaria 166 (an address he was still able to recall until Alzheimer's robbed him of his ability to speak). He served in the Marina Militare Italiana as a young man, where he discovered his talent for cooking. After his service, he began his career as a chef, first on merchant ships and then for a passenger cruise company. On August 19, 1974, he married Antonia Capozzi, the true love of his life, in their home town. Together, they had three towering sons, Anthony, Emanuele, and Damiano, and one daughter, Mariarosaria, who he affectionately called, ''Pupa di Papa.'' In the late eighties, they permanently immigrated to the U.S., settling in the quiet hamlet of Tappan, NY. Vito was a talented and celebrated chef, working in high-end restaurants in New York City, then for Il Portico in Tappan for five years. In 1994, he opened his own restaurant, Demonte Ristorante, in Orangeburg, NY, realizing his life-long dream. His cooking was loved by his community, and acclaimed by newspapers, including The New York Times. He was known for greeting guests with a big smile, welcoming them as if they were in his home. The only things bigger than the portion sizes he served were his wit, generosity of spirit, and good humor. His final years were spent in the Verrazano Nursing Home in Staten Island, NY. His family will be forever grateful for the wonderful care provided by the staff there. Vito is survived by his wife, Antonia; his four children, Anthony (Claudia), Emanuele (Beata), Damiano (Jonathan Fischer), and Mariarosaria (Giovanni) Sciannameo; four adoring grandchildren, Jessica, Vanessa, Ethan, and Julian; his sisters, Maria (in Di Trani) and Rosa (in Vavallo); his brother-in-law, Giovanni Cespe; and nieces and nephews in both the U.S. and Italy. Vito will be profoundly missed by many family and friends, near and far. A Funeral Mass will be held on February 3, 2018, 11:00 a.m. at Holy Child Church 4747 Amboy Road, Staten Island NY 10312 with burial to follow at Resurrection Cemetery located at 361 Sharrott Ave, Staten Island, NY 10309. Visiting hours will be Friday, February 2, 2018 from 2-4 & 6-9 p.m. at the John Vincent Scalia Home for Funerals, 28 Eltingville Blvd Staten Island NY 10312. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to: Hilarity for Charity at https://hilarityforcharity.org/take-action/donate/

Vito Demonte

May 24, 1945 - January 31, 2018