Joseph A. Vitunic

Joseph A Vitunic Jr., 77, of Carnegie, PA, passed away on September 3, 2025.

Joe was born on May 9, 1948, in Pittsburgh to Joseph and Ellen Vitunic. He lived his life for the Lord in thought, word, and deed. Prayerful, intentional, servant-hearted, and generous, he followed his calling to leave engineering to start and pastor Church of the Savior in Ambridge, PA.  His devotion to Christ was bold, unashamed, consistent and his legacy, forged in eternal hope, lives on in the lives of many.

Nothing brought him greater joy than time with his family and treasured friends. He could be found in the stands at baseball, soccer, and volleyball games, or in the audience at plays and concerts, always cheering on those he loved. He prayed earnestly for his family and set before them an enduring example of love, care, and laughter.

He was known for his quick wit and his unmistakable laugh. He loved to joke, tease, and share humor with anyone he met, never taking himself too seriously but using joy to connect deeply with others.

Gifted athletically, academically, and professionally, he achieved much in life from excelling as a Division I athlete to earning an Ivy League education. If you met him, these would be the last things he would ever mention. His humility ran deeper than his accomplishments, and at his core he found his true identity in Christ.

He was preceded in death by his parents and granddaughter, Eliza. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Valerie Vitunic; his children Laura with children Jacob, Josh, Nathan, and Kate, Katie (Jason) with daughter Grace, and Tim (Kristen) with sons Alex, Zack, and Ethan; and his sisters Linda (John), Janet (Larry), Carol (Keith), Judy (Jim).

Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 7th, from 1-5 PM, in the John Syka Funeral Home, 833 Kennedy Dr, Ambridge, PA 15003, from where prayers will be offered on Monday, September 8th at 10 AM.  A funeral service will follow at 10:30 AM in St. Stephens, 405 Frederick Ave., Sewickley, PA 15143.  Christian burial will follow in Sewickley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.

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