Obituary of Fara Vitale

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Dr. Fara Vitale (Fiorella or “Sciuridda”, meaning beautiful little flower, to her Sicilian family), aged 52 years old, beloved wife of 19 years to David Milazzo, mother to 17 year-old twins, Joseph and Gianluca Milazzo, daughter of Giuseppe and Rosalia Vitale, and awesome big sister to Salvatore and Anthony Vitale, passed away early Saturday morning, September 9, 2023, after a long and arduous battle with appendiceal cancer. At the moment of her premature death, she looked serene and at peace. Fara ascended to heaven in the loving care of her brother Anthony and his girlfriend Joanna, who held her hand in her final moments. Fiorella’s courage and selflessness were remarkable throughout her tribulations. She was more concerned with how her elderly parents would handle her illness and death than she was with herself.

Towards the end of her struggle, when it was clear that the end was near, Fara’s cheerfulness was an inspiration to us all. She would ask Dave every morning, “Who is coming to visit today?” The quantity of friends and family that came to visit Fiorella every day was a testament to the blessing her existence was to all who knew her.

In addition to her immediate family, Fiorella leaves behind several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and countless cherished cousins and dear friends. Her sister-in-law, Francesca Vitale, Salvatore’s wife, was especially close to Fara. Francesca always remarked that during the 30 years she knew Fara, that they never had an argument; she considered Fara the sister she never had. Also especially close to Fara was her first cousin Francesca Bartolotta, Fara’s original Brooklyn “partner in crime”, and Fara’s childhood neighbors and schoolmates, Maria Artista and Margaret Pesce. It’s a testament to Fara’s quality as a friend that she remained close to them until her last days; friends Maria and Margaret, and cousin Francesca were a fixture at the hospital along with Fara’s immediate and extended family. Fara was so loved that she was asked to stand as godmother to five children. Also among her close friends were her neighbors on Plandome Court in Manhasset, who essentially became “part of the family” during the time that Fara and Dave lived in Manhasset. Her neighbors repeatedly said that they felt fortunate to have been blessed with Fara as a neighbor. Fara brought joy and happiness to all the people she encountered in her shortened life: family, friends, patients, and colleagues alike.

Born on May 5, 1971, to immigrant parents in Gravesend, Brooklyn, Fara was the first in her family to attend college and the first doctor in the family. Her mom Rosalia says Fara was always a very gregarious child; on her first day of Kindergarten, she would introduce herself to every child in the class, “Hi, my name is Fara. Do you want to be my friend?” Fara was an academically gifted and devoted student; always at the top of her class and always willing to help fellow students in need of help. Fara always knew that she wanted to be a pediatrician to help kids. At parent-teacher conferences, her teachers were always surprised that Fara was such a top student despite her parents speaking limited English.

Fara graduated from Bishop Kearny High School in Brooklyn, before attending New York University. Fara became a physician in 1998 and practiced pediatrics for over 20 years at the same practice, where she touched countless lives and was affectionately known as Dr. V. Her infectious kindness left an indelible mark on all who crossed her path. Her affection and humor created a bond that will forever be cherished by those who were fortunate enough to be a part of her life.

Fara enjoyed myriad activities, including skiing, traveling, cooking, and entertaining at her home in Manhasset. But anyone who really knew Fara knows that she was happiest when passionately cheering on her boys at their soccer and lacrosse games. She would never miss a game and spoke endlessly about the boys’ exploits on the field. Her boys were everything to Fara; as late as a week before her untimely passing, she was reviewing the boys’ schedule for the upcoming year with them and ensuring that Dave was taking them to their SAT prep classes.

Fiorella may be physically gone, but her love and her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all those she touched, and she will forever remain a cherished part of the lives of her family and friends. Rest in peace, Fiorella, knowing that you will be eternally embraced by the love and devotion you gave so selflessly.

Riposa in pace, Fiorella, sai che sarai eternamenti abbrazzata di l’amuri e devozzioni che hai datu generosamante.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to:

Appendix Cancer Research Foundation

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