Obituary of Margaret Vitale

Margaret (Archer) Blake Weir Vitale, age 88, of East Haven died peacefully on May 5, 2017 at The Connecticut Hospice surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Derby, CT on March 20, 1929, daughter of the late Walter R. and Evelyn (Peterson) Archer. She is survived by her three children Carl C. Blake, Jr. (Dottie) of Fountain Valley, CA; Reverend Kathleen Thompson (Rev. Ray Kostulias) of Madison, CT; and Karen Blake of East Haven, CT; grandchildren Michelle Todd, James Blake, Carl Blake III, Lauren Bilello, Rahsaan Thompson, and Tricia Mignosa; nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; and brother Walter R. Archer, Jr. of Oxford, CT. She was predeceased by late husbands, Carl Blake Sr., East Haven Fire Chief Howard Weir, and Joseph Vitale; and her two sisters Helen McManus and Anna Prendergast. Margaret retired from the First New Haven National Bank as the Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager in East Haven. She volunteered for the American Red Cross for many years, serving as Chairman of the East Haven Branch and Secretary of the Executive Committee. Margaret was a member of the East Haven Board of Finance and was Town Treasurer for many years. Margaret was an active member of Old Stone Church since 1950, serving as Treasurer, Moderator, Senior Deacon, Board of Trustees, Sunday School Teacher, and Auditor. She also served as Supervisor of the church thrift shop for many years. She was on the Board of Directors of East Lawn Cemetery, serving as Secretary of the Corporation and liaison to the cemetery office. She was also President of the East Lawn Perpetual Trust Fund and Financial Advisor to the organization. Margaret was a friend to all who knew her, helping countless people through her work, her church, and all of her volunteer activities. She enjoyed gardening, baking, and spending time with her many friends and beloved children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She will be forever remembered for her vibrancy, kindness, and generosity of spirit. Family will receive friends from 4 to 8 PM on Monday, May 8, 2017 at the Clancy-Palumbo Funeral Home (Clancy Funeral Home) 43 Kirkham Ave., East Haven. Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 9 at 10:30 AM in the Old Stone Church, 251 Main Street with burial to follow at East Lawn Cemetery.