"Mikey" Vitelli of Westmont was with the fire company for nearly a half-century
HADDON TWP. -- Family, friends and a community of firefighters are mourning Michael A. "Mikey" Vitelli, assistant chief of the Westmont Fire Co. No. 1, who died suddenly last week.
Vitelli, 67, of Westmont, volunteered for the fire company for 44 years, according to a statement from the company.
"While his experience, passion and dedication to the fire service was above and beyond, it was his portrayal of Santa for the residents of Westmont for which he will be remembered," the company said in a statement.
It was Vitelli who would wave and entertain spectators atop a fire engine in holiday parades and in rounds around Westmont.
"For two weeks each December over the course of 35 years, Mikey danced his way through snow, rain and cold weather to entertain kids, young and old, of Westmont," the company said.
As the news spread of his passing Jan. 18, local fire company's expressed their condolences to his family and former colleagues.
According to his obituary, Vitelli previously worked in law enforcement for 28 years, reaching the rank of sergeant for the Delaware River Port Authority.
He loved traveling and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, but his "world" was his family, the obituary said. He leaves his wife, Susan, and his three daughters, Tracy Heckers, Kathleen Hartshaw, and Michelle Schmidt, as well as his grandchildren.
"His leadership and presence at the firehouse will be missed and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this very difficult time," the Westmont Fire Co. said.
Viewing will be held Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Holy Saviour Church in Westmont and a mass of Christian burial will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m.
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