Vitarelli, also known as “Vit” or “Rubak,” died at his home with hospice care Jan. 19 at the age of 99 in Maui, Hawaii.
The resolution said that Vitarelli is honored for his devotion and services to Palau and other Micronesian Islands which spans more than 25 years.
“With a deep sense of respect for this honorable man , the joint resolution states that this Rubak, will always be remembered as a great friend of the people of Palau a dedicated supporter throughout Palau’s transition to a proud, independent and self- governing island nation and a generous, enthusiastic, intelligent man who will continue to inspire us.”
The Senate has referred the joint resolution to its appropriate committee after the House Joint Resolution was transmitted to them.
Vitarelli was born Oct. 21, 1910, in New York City and was of Italian ancestry. He received a doctorate degree from Columbia University in 1948.
He worked as an educational administrator and community development official in Micronesia for more than 25 years, mainly in Palau, but also in Guam, Saipan, Yap and the Marshall Islands.
The article stated that Vitarelli served as vice president for research and development at the University of Guam in the early 1970s and was the special adviser to the Belau Modekngei School.
Vtarelli moved to Maui in 1976 with his family and first wife, Henrietta. She died in 2003.
He is survived by his wife, Charlaine; five children, Sandy Vitarelli, Margo Vitarelli, David (Naoko) Vitarelli, Don Vitarelli and Janice (Hideaki “Santa”) Miyoshi; and 12 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Vitarelli’s service will be held at his home in Haiku, Maui on January 31.
