Mary Elizabeth Vitiello, 88, of South Kingstown, RI, died peacefully fortified by the sacraments of the Church, on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, surrounded by family at home. She was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on August 18, 1937, to her loving parents, the late Michael J. Sullivan and MaryAnn "Mae" Ryan. Mary is survived by her beloved husband, Alberto J. Vitiello Jr., to whom she was most devoted for 69 years.

Besides her husband, Mary is survived by her children, MaryAnn Barrows, Theresa FitzGerald, Kathleen Doggett, and Albert John Vitiello III; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; her brothers, Dan and Dennis Sullivan; and her sister, Patricia Bomalaski. She is predeceased by her daughter, Marguerite Sprague; her brother, Michael Sullivan; and her sisters, Barbara Mangogna, Margaret Russell, Eileen Shields, and Kathleen Brown.

Mary was a cornerstone for all who knew her. She gave her life to service in the name of Jesus Christ, defending the sanctity of life in all its forms until her last breath. After raising her family in Hawthorne, New York, she made a home in the Ocean State, becoming an enthusiastic oblate at Portsmouth Abbey. Mary and Al lived a committed life raising their family in the faith at Holy Rosary Parish, Hawthorne, NY and St. Francis of Assisi, Wakefield, RI.

The eldest of nine children, Mary was self-taught and deeply curious, continuing her education through wide-ranging classes and serious reading. She treasured her Irish heritage and traveled purposefully, supporting missions around the world including RJM mission Haiti, Maryknoll Sister's in Guatemala and missionaries in Africa. She will be remembered for her attention to the uniqueness of each individual, and by her plainspoken, gracious wit that cut straight to the truth.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, February 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield, RI 02879. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 28, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield, RI. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, Peace Dale, RI.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in loving memory of Mary Vitiello to the Kitchen of Hope, a faith-driven community kitchen serving the hungry in our community. Donations will help complete the construction of the new commercial kitchen being built to meet the needs in the community.

Checks may be made out to:

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Kitchen of Hope, 114 High St., Wakefield, RI 02879. Or online at stfranciswakefield.com (commercial kitchen project).