Rich Vito has passed away.

[gswoman]

Updated with memorial service information at bottom:

This is Gayle writing for our entire family.

Rich fought long and hard until the end, but died at peace with his sons and I at this side on Sunday night.

We thank all of you who followed Rich's story both on the kart sites and CaringBridge.

We heard time and again that Rich was a beloved figure at the karting tracks and we knew karting was his passion during the final decade of his life.

I will post again when funeral plans are finalized. God bless you for caring for # 51 and for the donations which made the financial burden easier these past 10 months.


Gayle, Brett and Colin Vito

Memorial service 3:00 PM Thursday March 11, 2010 at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church at 640 Alpine St. Longmont. Private Inurnment at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery, cremation Ahlberg Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Contributions can be made to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church c/o Ahlberg Funeral Chapel.

[Ricky Booby]

It is a sad day for us.

I will always remember Rich and enjoy the times we spent together.

Time for a new chapter for you Gayle. You did such a wonderful job of taking care of him, and now he can move on too.

Our thoguhts are with you and your family.

RIP RV51

The Schmidts

[Joe Marshall]

Rest in Peace Rich.

[edupin]

Rest in Peace Rich.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Vito Family.

[FeartheTurtle]

Godspeed Rich

Prayers to the Vito family.

Eric, Faith, Coleton, Mitchell, and Alison Cody

[Ron Rudolph]

Rich, after taking your final lap around the sun, and reaching the checkered flag in this race we call Life..........
You have touched so many People near and far. And for this we all are blessed...........
God Speed #51
We know you will enjoy your next event

Gayle My respect and condolgences go out to and your's

The Rudolph's

[EW@EricWunrow.com]

Hello Gayle and Family:

Sandy and I both are truly saddened by the news of Rich's passing. In retrospect, I think we all knew this could happen but that never eases the shock of such a great tragedy.

You have been such an inspiration for so many people, likely numbering in the thousands. Your tremendous love, dignity, character, and endless grace has been a spiritual treasure for so many of us on the fringes of your story. I think I speak for many in saying nobody could have possibly done more than you did for Rich, and we hope you live forever in peace and solace from your efforts.

Godspeed Mr. Rich and Mrs. Gayle Vito, and to your family, friends, fellow racers, and countless others who will never forget your courage. Blessings to you all.

[D fresh]

Eric and Ron, you guys put it perfectly. I don't have the ability to speak so eloquently but suffice it to say that Rich will be missed. Both on the forums and the track.

RIP RV51

[Jay Jacobellis]

Well it is hard for me to put into words what I have to say about my pisano Rich. I met him and competed against him for 8 years. He was always borrowing things but that was just fine with me because I knew at the end of the day he would always come up to me and talk about his day in a way that a young passionate kid would and that is the Rich I will remember. If you go and read some of his posts you will see he was a real man that never mixed words, he told it like it is. This world would be a better place if it had more Rich Vito’s in it, I will miss the won we just lost, very much. Vedremo in cielo miei Pisano!

God bless you Gayle and family

Jay Jacobellis and family