Louis "Lou" Peter Vitti

The Vitti Family is heartbroken to announce the passing of Louis (“Lou”) Peter Vitti, age 85, of Gibsonia on January 15, 2026. He was born December 27, 1940, in Pittsburgh’s Larimer neighborhood to Flora Napoletano Vitti and Peter Carl Vitti. Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Carole Vitti Mazzenga (Anthony) and brother, Carl Joseph Vitti (Frances).

He is also survived by his children Lois Vitti (Brian Steele) and Monica Vitti, step-children Anthony Quinlan (Krista Quinlan), Sarah Moen Shirley (Jamie Shirley), Alfred Moen, nieces Maura Carson DiGioia (Greg DiGioia) and Catherine LoCastro (JT LoCastro), former son-in-law Matthew Morrissey, grandchildren, Zachary Louis Vitti (Katie Colaluca), Alexandra Jona Vitti, Moth Mortimer Morrissey, Molly Rachel Vitti Morrissey, Mary Rose, Jack, Benny, JD, AJ, Stella, Scarlet, Henry, Michael, Elizabeth, Lucia. He treated everyone like family, and is survived by countless nieces, nephews, cousins and relatives.

His college sweetheart and first wife, Joan Ganley, was the mother of his children. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth “Tootsie” Quinlan Vitti, and his wife and love, Edith Moen Vitti.

He attended Help of Christian and Central Catholic. He was a Duquesne University undergraduate and took the law school exam on a whim. He graduated from law school and worked with several different firms and eventually partnered with the Honorable Bernard Markovitz. After Judge Markovitz took the bench, he ran Louis P. Vitti & Associates, with long time associate attorney, Rod Permigiani, sisters-in -laws Mary Quinlan and Frances Quinlan and other family and friends. After his daughter Lois joined his practice, Monica came onboard to Vitti Law Group to make it a true family affair.

He was appointed Commissioner of Professionals under the Shapp- Kline administration. He was very active in local and statewide bar associations and other professional organizations and was well respected and widely consulted on bankruptcy and business matters. He was a founding member of the USFN and the Judith K. Fitzgerald Western Pennsylvania Inn of Court. He organized the mediation program in the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court.

He served in the United States Marines, stationed at Quantico, Virginia.

He created a travel company, Vitti Tours. Through Vitti Tours, he coordinated junkets to Las Vegas and the Bahamas, enjoying travel with friends and family.

Lou’s motto was “couldn’t be better” because he always remembered his hard times but practiced gratitude before it was trendy. He always generously bought everyone at the bar a drink. His drink was a Canadian Club Manhattan, no cherry, no cherry juice. He loved his cigars and had the LeMont build a cigar room for him.

Lou had fun wherever he went. Forty years ago, he organized a monthly luncheon, Sausage and Peppers (S&P) with his dear friends, John Amrhein, Pete Ferrero, Jerry DeRiso and Panfilo DiCenzo. They first met at Minutello’s in East Liberty. As their group expanded to as many as 25 members, they moved to Alexander’s (home of the “Almost Senator Peppers”) and eventually to Rico’s. Lou loved food and wine, was a connoisseur and gathered at a monthly wine luncheon for over thirty years.

Lou read vociferously, especially politics, history, Roosevelt, Churchill, the triumph of good over evil and (at least temporarily) defeat of fascism. He loved music (particularly Sinatra-who he knew), poetry (particularly that of his friend, Sam Hazo) and movies (particularly westerns). Lou authored several murder mysteries featuring a handsome Pittsburgh attorney and his blonde girlfriend.

He was extremely active in the Democratic party, acting as chair and major fundraiser for the party locally and nationally. He ran for State Senate in 1978 (“almost Senator”) and State Legislature in 1980, defeated by Anthony DeLuca. Lou gratefully claimed that defeat was one of his most fortuitous experiences as he went on to enjoy a hugely successful legal career.

He sat on the board of many non-profits, including the ISDA, the Pittsburgh Jazz Society and the Pittsburgh Beauty Academy.

He was an avid golfer at Alcoma and Hillcrest (even if he capped the score at lucky number six). He hosted bocce tournaments at his house and at Shrodi’s. He shot skeet. He loved cruising in his Corvettes (Vitti Vette). He played football in his youth and basketball with Charlie Cooper (who occasionally let him win a game or two).

Lou generously donated to many charities and loved nature. He supported Big Brothers and mentored Larry Burke. His home was designated a nature preserve. He generously supported the Catholic Church and served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was godfather to many.

Lou was larger than life. He was sharp, loud, incredibly intelligent and generous to all who knew him. Our world is so much smaller without him.

Friends and family will be received at the BURKET-TRUBY FUNERAL HOME CREMATION AND ALTERNATIVE SERVICES, INC., at 421 Allegheny Ave., Oakmont PA 15139 on Tuesday January 20, 2026 from 4-8 p.m. and on Wednesday January 21st from 12-7 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday January 22, 2026, 11 a.m. at Saints Martha and Mary's Parish - St. Richard's Church, 3841 Dickey Rd., Gibsonia PA 15044. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the “Lou Vitti Scholarship Fund” to help underprivileged children further their education. Because America is a Great Italian Name.