Victor J. Tirrito, 85

Victor J. Tirrito, 85, of Hendersonville died with his daughter and friend, Sue, by his side on April 15, 2014.

Vic, the oldest of five children, was born on July 20, 1928, in Brooklyn, New York to Cosmo and Catherine Tirrito.

"A beacon of light with an ever present twinkle in his eyes-Vic never met a stranger"

After graduating from high school, at the age of 17, Vic enlisted in the Navy and spent two years in Greenland before completing his service with the rank of Seamen. Upon his return, Vic enrolled in the State University of New York, graduating in 1950 with an Executive Assisting Certificate. From there, Vic had a successful 40+ year career with IBM. In 1990, Vic and his wife moved to Hendersonville to be close to their daughter and the mountains.

Vic was a life long devout Catholic. As a member of Immaculate Conception, he served as an Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist, visiting the sick in many locations. He also taught religious education and led the prayer line. Vic believed in education. He started the continuing education program at Rockland Community College and, after moving to Hendersonville, he taught career guidance at Blue Ridge Community College, along with attending courses himself. Vic believed in community service: volunteering with Blue Ridge Literacy Council, the Elks Club, Immaculate Conception, Knights of Columbus - wherever he was needed he would go. Vic believed in physical fitness. Ffor nearly 15 years Vic worked as a fitness coach at the YMCA, retiring at the age of 84. During that time he never hesitated to encourage, mentor and counsel those that came his way - he always made people feel beautiful. Vic believed in family. Vic was married for 54 years to his wife Terry, he loved his children and grandchildren, and he remained very close to his sisters and brother his entire life.

Vic is survived by his daughter Carolyn and son-in-law Michael Pais of Matthews; his son Victor and daughter-in-law Debbie Tirrito of South Hero, Vt.; grandchildren, Rachael Pais, Michael Tirrito and Stephen Tirrito; great- grandchildren, Katelyn, Kristen, Mason, Persephone, Emma, Conner, and Isaac; and siblings and their spouses, Sal and Terry, June and Lenny, Shannon and John and Phyllis; in addition to many, many friends (including the Y's guys and UUs!!) and his beloved little poodle, Marsha. Vic was preceded in death by his wife Theresa, and his brother-in-law, Nick Maldarelli .

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 10:00 AM Monday April 28, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Candler. The family will receive friends Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 PM at the funeral home. A Prayer service will be held 7:00 PM Sunday at Thos. Shepherd's Church Street Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the St. Gerard House in Hendersonville, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or the i Give H2OPE (Providing clean water for all)

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com. Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors is in charge of arrangements.