Timothy Vitali

Timothy “Tim” Vitali, known affectionately by many as “Gopher” or “Mr. Perfect,” passed away on September 27, 2026, due to complications from pneumonia. He was born on May 29, 1963, in Southbend, Indiana, to Larry Vitali Sr. and Gloria Vitali. Tim was a beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, Brother, and Friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Tim spent his early years in Topeka, Indiana, and graduated from Westview High School in 1981. Driven by a passion for craftsmanship, he earned his journeyman plumber’s license in 1986. Throughout his career, Tim’s work ethic saw him transition from factory jobs to plumbing, and finally to truck driving, from which he retired in December 2025 from Starfleet Trucking Inc . In 1985, Tim married the love of his life, Marci Dana Clark, with whom he shared 41 wonderful years. Together, they raised 3 sons: Anthony (Tiffany), Curtis (Brittany), and Marcus (Ashley), fostering Dale Greensides for a family life full of love and adventure. Tim was a man of diverse interests. He was a devoted fan of NASCAR, particularly admiring the legendary Dale Earnhardt Sr., and cheered passionately for the Notre Dame football team. Music played a significant role in his life; he was a Karaoke DJ for 16 years, also was a sound man in his brother Larrys' band for a time and delighting many with his love for singing. His zest for life extended to stock car racing, which he participated in from 1985 until 2016, and riding his Harley with friends and family and he cherished the simple joys of Sweet Tea and Country Time Lemonade, Fishing, Camping, Cruising, and spending time around bon fires with his family. The Vitali family was always at the heart of Tim’s life, and he was a Proud and Devoted grandfather to 15 grandchildren, Trey, Levi, Cole, Grace, Tara, Kain, Trenton, Haiden, Destani, Brooklyn, Drayven, Bryan, Mason, Delilah and Damian. and Great-Grandfather to four. Tim was preceded in death by his Maternal Grandparents, Kenneth Sr & Ilene Wright. Paternal Grandparents-Lincoln Vitali, Dorothy (Gregg) Osborne. Parents-Larry Lincoln Vitali Sr. and Gloria Jean (Wright) Vitali, , Step mother Kathleen (Watts) (Vitali) Shrock and sister-in-law Rebecca Vitali, and Many Aunts, Uncles , 3 Nephews and foster Son Dale Greensides Jr. as well as several cherished family members. He is survived by his devoted wife Marci, his children, and his siblings: Larry (Judy) Vitali, Donald (Kim) Vitali, Ann Vitali Drew, Teri (Todd) Vitali Anderson, Michael (Tia) Vitali, Debbie (Mike) Vitali Lambert, Greg (Melissa) Vitali, April (Gus) Vitali Pros, Paul Vitali, and Amber (Shane) Vitali Galbreath, along with their children. Also Surviving, his Step-Mother, Dawn (Michael Beckman) Vitali. And many more sisters and brothers as well as neices and nephews and great neices and nephews on the marital side. While his Wings were ready, Our Hearts were not. His legacy of Love, Kindness&Compassion for others will forever be remembered. He never met a Stranger. The family would like to Invite Family and Friends to both Celebrations of Life Dates as follows November 7, 2026 in Florida and also on May 29th 2027 in Indiana TBD so that all who loved Tim can celebrate his remarkable life.