Vito P. Cali, age 87, of Elkhorn, WI, passed away peacefully at home on April 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born on July 18, 1937, in Ciminna, Sicily, Vito was the son of the late Filippo and Vita (Campagna) Cali. On October 16, 1960, he married the love of his life, LeeAnn Nuccio, in Chicago, IL.

Vito attended Lane Tech High School and DePaul University, laying the foundation for a remarkable career. For over 60 years, he served as a State Farm Agent, becoming a distinguished member of their Lifetime Presidents Club. Vito's dedication to his profession was matched only by his lifelong commitment to his community.

For more than six decades, Vito was an active and respected leader in the Italian American community. He was a founding member of the San Giovanni Bosco Society of Ciminna, where he served as president from 1960 to 1981 and later as president emeritus. Vito also held the position of past president of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and was deeply involved in the political and business community of the Chicago area, serving on various boards.

Vito's influence extended beyond the boardroom. He ran as his party's candidate for State Representative of the 16th District in Illinois and was a staunch advocate for his community. In recognition of his many contributions, Vito was named Man of the Year by the Italian American Executives of Transportation in 2002 and was honored with the Joseph Cardinal Bernardin Humanitarian of the Year award in 2005.

Above all else, Vito was the best husband, father, grandfather, and "Papa" anyone could ask for. His greatest joy was spending time with his family, whether it was rushing home on Friday nights to watch his grandsons' football game or cheering on his granddaughters at their basketball and volleyball games. Family was everything to him, and his love and devotion knew no bounds.

Vito is survived by his beloved wife, LeeAnn; children, Vicki (David) Zwieg, Joni Grabow, and Philip (Debbie) Cali; grandchildren, Philip (Shey) Zwieg, Danielle Zwieg, Elliott (Rachel) Grabow, Vito Cali, Maria (Will) McKenna, and Leana Cali; great-grandchildren, Giuliana and Lukas Zwieg, Elle, Rory, and Ilah Grabow; his sister, Maria (Ron) Cohen; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Filippo and Vita Cali, his nephew, Frank Kornacker, and his son-in-law, Brad Grabow.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Patrick's Catholic Parish 107 W. Walworth Street Elkhorn, WI on Monday May 5, 2025 at 12:00 Noon.  Visitation will take place before Mass beginning at 10:00AM.  Vito will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memory Gardens during a private committal service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Vito's name to St. Patrick's Parish.

Vito was a man of impeccable integrity, who always sought to help others—not for personal gain, but simply for the joy of making a difference. He believed that true friends were like family, and if you were his friend, you were cherished as one of his own.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Vintage on the Ponds for the wonderful care they provided, as well as to Badger Hospice for their compassionate support.

Vito will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him, but his legacy of love, service, and generosity will continue to inspire all those who were touched by his presence.

Vito's arrangements are under the direction of Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Elkhorn, WI.  Online condolences can be made at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com .

St. Patrick's Catholic Church
107 W. Walworth St., Elkhorn WI 53121
Tel: 1-262-723-5565