We have been invited by the family of Albert J. Vita to be present as he receives his military honors. We are privileged to do so.
Al graduated from Madison High School 1938. Al worked several jobs as a machinist and a shipping clerk before he joined the Army in July 1942. He was assigned to the 88th Infantry Division, 337 Field Artillery Battalion.
In July 1942, the 88th Infantry Division received it’s training at Camp Gruber, Oklahoma. It went overseas in December 1943, and fought gallantly in the North Apennines, Po Valley and Rome-Arno campaigns in Italy. From the date of its landing in Naples until the end of hostilities, the 88th Infantry Division was one of the most battle-tested divisions, earning the nickname "Blue Devils" from the German Army. He achieved the rank TEC 5 at the end of his honorable service.
In 1959, Al married Josephine Rose Lentine, also affectionately known to all as “Babe.” They had three beautiful children, Kathy, Joe, and Robert - a nurse, a policeman, and a fireman. For parent’s, it does not get much better than that. They lost Babe in 2012. She is buried at Riverside National Cemetery.
Al loved to fish, BBQ and spend time flippin’ burgers for the family and set up camp in his younger days. He coached little league baseball and was a Boy Scout Leader. He had seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. He loved each and every one of them. He and mom raised their children with love and respect and in return, his three children would all have careers as a police officer, a nurse, and a firefighter. In later years dad learned to play poker and play billiards. He won tournaments in both.
Preceded in death by his wife Josephine Rose Vita, aka "Babe;" older brother Louis, and sister Ann. Al will be deeply missed by his children Kathy, Joe, and Robert and forever remembered by his seven grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren.
NOTE: This mission posting is to facilitate your voluntary participation in honoring this Military Veteran. For those interested, and all PGR members are welcome, this is a flag line only mission at Riverside National Cemetery. For those who would like to participate, please see the timetable and we will meet you there.
NOTE: Some Covid protocols are still in effect at Riverside National Cemetery. Bring a face covering/mask should the need arise.
WEATHER IS EXPECTED TO BE WARM. PLEASE KEEP HYDRATED.TIMETABLE FOR WED, 14 JULY 20211245 – Stage: Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd., Riverside, CA 92518 (PGR Staging on E. Normandy, near the first roundabout)
https://goo.gl/maps/NkYYNvyWRdV7atim71300 – Mission briefing.
1330 – KSU uo shelter for Military honors.
Clint "Smurf" Martin
SoCal PGR Ride Captain
lltk@sbcglobal.net951-505-6362
Do not follow where the path may lead...Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.-CourageYou do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the Ride Captain (RC). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
Please remember that our mission is to stand tall and silent, and with honor and respect for our Heroes. No talking, smoking, or cell phone use during the flag line or service. Please keep radios off and engine noise to a minimum. Observe the 15 MPH speed limit. Remember, cemeteries are hallowed ground. Show respect to all who are there, not just the ones we are honoring.
