Rochester NY: – On Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at age 56. John is predeceased by his parents, George A. Vito and Sarah F. Vito. He is survived by his brothers, Dr. George R. Vito, Dr. Richard C. Vito; his beloved nephew, Gavin A. Vito; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; and many dear friends.
John was the owner and operator of O’Bagelo’s and Baked & Carved restaurants in downtown Rochester. He developed friendships with many people there, and he will be greatly missed for his quick wit, his remarkable sense of humor and his loyalty. John was a graduate of Greece Athena High School, SUNY Potsdam and Rochester Institute of Technology. He was an avid soccer player, coach and fan. He also was a fan of the Rochester Red Wings and the Boston Red Sox. In recent years, after being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and receiving a kidney transplant at the University of Pittsburg Medical Center, John worked tirelessly with both local and national organizations to develop cookbooks, recipes, nutrition plans and videos to benefit those living with chronic kidney disease. In keeping with John’s generous and giving spirit, his final act was to give the gift of life through eye and tissue donation.
John’s visitation will be held on Saturday, August 28th 11 A.M. – 2 P.M. at Arndt Funeral Home, 1118 Long Pond Road
Rochester, NY 14626. His Memorial Service will be celebrated immediately following visitation at 2 P.M. at the Funeral Home. His entombment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery will be held at a later date.
Donations may be sent to the Northeast Kidney Foundation, 22 Colvin Avenue, Albany, NY 12206 or online at https://healthykidneys.org/ in John’s memory. Please also consider being an organ donor and giving the gift of life.
RIP John. I’m sure you will be missed by many!
I’m so very sorry to learn of this!
My deepest sympathies to your family, and dear friends. Gone too young John…thankyou for all you’ve done to help others. Healing grace to those that will never forget you.
So sorry to hear about John’s passing.
RIP my friend!❣️
Rest In Peace my friend
Rest in Peace.
Heaven is one soul richer.
Rest easy John.
You will be missed.
God speed His grace and comfort to all family and friends.
Rest In Peace friend. 🙏🏼
My condolences for his passing. We’ll see you again John. God always takes the great ones first. Gods blessings.
John was one of my very first bosses, when I worked weekends and summers behind the counter at O’Bagelo’s, starting at the wise old age of 16. He taught me how to safely slice bagels fast, do top-down cleaning, keep a waiting crowd happy, and choose the right music to fit the mood. In the slow hours, he taught me philosophy I didn’t ask to be taught or appreciate at the time.
When I got my first (and only) speeding ticket he lectured me on responsible driving for an entire shift and then called his friend and loyal customer who happened to be a judge to help me out. And for years, without knowing it, he taught me the value of having an incredible work ethic, the beauty of an entrepreneurial spirit, and the importance of being good to people.
Years later, after more than a decade away, I moved back to Rochester — and I unknowingly moved in across the street from John. I’d see him sitting on his porch reading and go over to chat – and as it so often goes, I found I appreciated his wit and wisdom much more as an adult. He’d been battling kidney disease and I watched his health decline and improve as he awaited and finally had his transplant — then over the last year or so he seemed much healthier and happy. I enjoyed our talks immensely, despite the fact that they made me late for something on more than one occasion.
The last few times I saw him outside, I smiled and waved and then got into my car to go somewhere — as to not get caught up in a lengthy conversation. I never imagined I wouldn’t have more chances. Now, I really wish I’d made the time to go over and talk.
Rest easy, my friend. And thanks for teaching me so much and so well.
The world was a better place because you were in it — and I know I’m a better human having known you. ❤️
John, you will be missed. Rest in peace, God bless.
Sad news on John’s passing. John had many talents, including his joy for cooking. John will always be part of our Greece Athena High School Family. R.I.P. John.
Rest in peace John.. You’ll be forever in my heart. My condolences to your family.
Well done John. Very well done. This place has lost a very kind soul. Your food, wit, kindness, creativity and friendship will always be missed. Until we meet again.
I consider John to be a very good friend and he will be greatly missed. As a fellow kidney patient, we had an instant connection and friendship. John was so kind and helpful. He had a great personality and came across as someone you instantly felt comfortable talking to. John had an amazing ability of making everyone feel important and his story telling was always a delight to listen to. RIP John, you will be missed.
Very fond memories of John from O’Bagelos days. Rest In Peace John.
God Bless you John and your family. I am sad to read and honored to have known you. I will always cherish my visit at O’Bagelo’s when Deber and I came in and we reminisced about our Potsdam days! Rest In Peace. 🙏🏻
One of the best in this crazy world we all live in. It was an to know him.
John will be missed by so many <3 RIP