Bob Vitale Obituary

March 1953 - September 2025
After a brief but valiant fight against a rare form of liposarcoma, Bob Vitale passed peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, while in hospice in Wasilla, Alaska.
He is survived by his brother, Jerry and family; his sister, Gina and family; his nieces, Ina and Dawn; and his beloved black cat, Houdi.
Hailing from Key Biscayne, Florida, a place he kept dear to his heart even as he landed in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he lived, worked and ran for over 50 years, beginning with Bob's service in the Air Force. From Island to Eielson, a 4,000 mile divide across North America, was remarkably and seamlessly bridged, commencing his lifelong dedication to Alaska and its undeniable independent spirit and beauty.
A calm almost aloof demeanor belied a singular wicked sense of humor that snuck up on family and friends who endlessly recount stories that recall the memory of an ironic unmistakeable half grin when it landed just right.
Integrity, a strong sense of justice and a profound love of nature and animals mark his character and make it so very hard to say goodbye.
Following strong entrepreneurial DNA, Bob developed and used his considerable business acumen to start a car rental agency which continued to grow over a span of 40 years before he retired and took up woodworking, following in the footsteps of grandfathers on both Italian and Danish sides of the family.
Coaching and urging fellow athletes to dig deep and persevere, Bob was the one runners emulated when they needed inspiration if they were struggling on a trail run or hitting a wall on mile 20 of a marathon.
Possibly never happier than when running the trails of Interior Alaska, especially downhill, the more scraped up the better, alongside dear and beloved friends from RCN (Running Club North) in Fairbanks.
Remembered fondly and forever in our hearts, see you out there, we love you.