Marco Island - Vito Michael Pastore, 80, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the Naples Community Hospital, following a brief illness. Born in Mt. Vernon, New York, on July 31, 1931 with his twin brother Frank, he was the son of the late Pietro Antonio and Marie (Settembre) Pastore. Vito grew up in Auburn, New York and graduated from Auburn East High School. He graduated from Auburn Community College and Syracuse University, and was Class Marshall of the Syracuse Law School Class of 1962. Vito was admitted to the State of New York Bar in 1963. He paid his way through law school by working in the masonry and plaster trades,...
Marco Island - Vito Michael Pastore, 80, passed away Thursday, April 19, 2012, at the Naples Community Hospital, following a brief illness.
Born in Mt. Vernon, New York, on July 31, 1931 with his twin brother Frank, he was the son of the late Pietro Antonio and Marie (Settembre) Pastore. Vito grew up in Auburn, New York and graduated from Auburn East High School. He graduated from Auburn Community College and Syracuse University, and was Class Marshall of the Syracuse Law School Class of 1962. Vito was admitted to the State of New York Bar in 1963. He paid his way through law school by working in the masonry and plaster trades, learning from his father. Vito was most proud of his restorations of Holy Family Church in Auburn and the Elizabeth Cady Stanton House in Seneca Falls, NY.
Before law school, Vito proudly served his country as part of the Voice of America in the Coast Guard in 1954. He often recalled the many lifelong friendships he made while aboard the USCGC Courier, stationed off the coast of Greece. He returned to Greece in his later years, with his wife Joyce, to reminisce with his old Voice of America buddies. After law school, he and his partner, the late John Pettigrass, practiced law on Genesee Street in Auburn for many years. He had a facile memory and remembered all his big cases. During those years, he enjoyed golfing with his friends at Auburn Country Club and other courses in the upstate NY area.
In 1978, he moved with his family to Marco Island, Florida, where he built a home on Marco and began to work again in the masonry and plaster trades. He also helped establish La Scarpa in 1985, Joyce's boutique on Marco. He could often be found sitting on the bench outside of La Scarpa with friends and family holding forth on the topics of the day. When he wasn't fishing for dinner, he was a fixture at the meat counter at the Marco Publix.
Vito was passionate about Italy and its heritage. In particular, he enjoyed several trips to Sammichele Di Bari, his father's hometown. He also enjoyed travelling throughout Italy on buying trips for the boutique.
Vito will be remembered for his deep love of family, his uncommon loyalty and his sense of humor. He was a member of the San Marco Catholic Church.
Vito is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Joyce (Maywalt) Pastore of Marco Island; his three loving daughters, Mary Kathryn (Pastore) Cryan and her husband Terence, Jeanine Settembre Pastore and her partner William Kirk, and Pietra (Pastore) Sylvester and her husband David; four grandchildren, Jeanine Marie and Annabel Francesca Cryan, Harlan Peter and Marisa Cathleen Sylvester and Dakota Kirk; his twin brother Frank; his sister, Dr. Lucia Pastore; and his nephews, Peter Pastore, Nicholas Pastore, Paul Pastore and Christopher Pearson; and many close friends.
Visiting hours will be between 3 and 4 p.m. and 6 and 8 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2012 at Hodges-Josberger Funeral Home, 577 Elkcam Circle, Marco Island. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23, 2012, at San Marco Catholic Church on Marco Island. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America (www.pva.org).