Colonel Thomas E. “Tom” Vitito, USAF-Ret. of McKinney, Texas passed away June 8, 2023 at the age of 85. He was born to Melvin Edward and Rachel Louise Vitito on September 27, 1937 in Princeton, Indiana. Tom married Elaine Carol Kanning on March 12, 1966 in Great Falls, Montana. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Air Force retiring, after 24 years, in 1985. A career missile maintenance officer, he commanded at squadron, group, and base levels. His final role was as Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment Commander and Professor of Aerospace Studies at South Dakota State University.
His greatest joy was spending time with his family. He was blessed to always have his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren close by. He also had a “2nd family” at Market Street in McKinney where, almost every morning, you could find “Mr. Tom” at his table fellowshipping with his many friends and enjoying a hot chocolate. He touched many lives over the years, and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife, Elaine Vitito of McKinney, Texas; daughter Tracy Jennings and husband, Kevin of McKinney, Texas; son, Tim Vitito of McKinney, Texas; grandchildren Austin Jennings and wife, Celine of Houston, Texas and Kate Mannis and husband, Jon of Van Alstyne, Texas; great-grandchildren, Judah, Isaac, Abbie, and Cara; sister, Nancy Gray and husband, Bert of The Villages, Florida; nephews, Scott Wilkey, David Vitito, Brian Wilkey, and Chris Vitito.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gary Vitito.
A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, June 16, 2023 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, June 17, 2023 at Christ Fellowship, 2801 Orchid Drive, McKinney, Texas 75072 with a reception to follow at the church.