Mr. Vito Pricola

Vito Pricola age 96, of Batavia passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday July 1st, 2022.

Born on July 7th, 1925 in Batavia, son of Vincenzo and Maria (Decelso) Pricola.

He was predeceased by his wife of 69 ½ years, Rosalind (Colombo) Pricola, siblings Mary Gaeta, Katherine Gringer, Rosie Zinni, Anthony Pricola, Rocco Pricola and Brother-in-law Manuel Colombo.

Vito is survived by his three children, James (Diane) Pricola, Karen (John) O’Donnell and Betsy (Jim) Mungillo. He was “Papa” to nine grandchildren: Jennifer (Steve) Horak, Dr. Katie (Dr. Corey) Fehnel, Sara (Justin) Schuff, Dr. Michael Mungillo, Christopher Pricola, Sean O’Donnell, Matthew Mungillo, Nicholas Mungillo and Alex Pricola. He is a great-grandfather to seven. He is also survived by his sister Jeanette Attardi and sister-in-law Kathy Colombo as well as several nieces and nephews.

At age 18, right out of high school, he joined the Navy Air Corps and served in World War II as a tail gunner on a PB4Y, where he received a Distinguished Flying Cross and Air Medal with two gold stars. After returning from the Navy, he earned an Associate’s Degree of Applied Science from Bryant and Stratton in Buffalo. From there, he was hired by Jones Chemicals where he retired in 1994 as the Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

In his spare time, Vito enjoyed giving back to his community as seen by his many years of volunteering on the city planning board of Batavia, Republican Committee and Trustee of St. Anthony’s Church. He was a member of the Chlorine Institute, Stafford Country Club and the St. Nicholas Social Club. In 1994, he and his wife received the “Award of Excellence” for service to their community from the Paolo Busti foundation.

He was an avid golfer, playing his last round a week before his death and completing three rounds over three days at Turning Stone’s challenging courses several weeks prior. Vito was known to stay up late watching every New York Yankees baseball game he could, yelling at the TV when they required additional motivation. One of his favorite activities was making pizza for his family and friends. Most of all, Vito was a loving husband and father and had a very full life. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his family.

Friends may call on Wednesday July 6th from 4 to 7 pm at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street Batavia. His Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday July 7th at 10 AM at Ascension Parish, 19 Sumner St Batavia. He will be laid to rest in St. Joseph’s Cemetery also in Batavia. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.