Vito Maurantonio

Vito Maurantonio, age 81, of Highwood, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 14, 2024, at Glenbrook Hospital in Glenview, Illinois. Born in Valenzano, Bari, Italy, on March 28, 1943, to Tommaso and Rosa (Fiore) Maurantonio, Vito's journey through life was marked by his deep love for family, hard work, and passion for horticulture.

At the age of 12, Vito and his family immigrated to Canada, eventually settling in Highwood, Illinois, when he was 20 years old. On October 29, 1966, Vito married his beloved wife, Viola Poeta, at Saint James Church in Highwood, where they celebrated 58 years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and mutual respect.

Vito was the proud owner of VM Landscaping and Nursery Co. in Beach Park, as well as Alexis Garden Center in Waukegan. His deep love for horticulture was not just a career, but a lifelong passion. An avid reader with an insatiable curiosity for all things related to plants and landscaping, Vito was always learning and exploring new techniques. His commitment to his work was evident in the pride he took in every project, always striving for perfection and quality in everything he did.

A man of few words but great integrity, Vito was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Viola, and their son, Tommaso (Mary Ann Caringello) Maurantonio of Highland Park. Vito was also a cherished Nonno to his grandchildren, Thomas Vito and Alexis Marie Maurantonio. He is further survived by his dear sister-in-law, Teodora (Edmond) Ruggerio of Rome, Italy, and his brothers-in-law, Luca (Anna Maria) Poeta, Domenic Poeta, and Claudia (Antonio) Scintu, all of Highland Park. He was also predeceased by his brother, Anthony (late Dina) Maurantonio, and is remembered by many loving nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Vito's life was one of quiet dedication, a man who found joy in his work, in the love of his family, and in the beauty of the natural world. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024, from 11:30 AM until the time of the Memorial Mass at 1:00 PM at Christ Our Hope Parish, Immaculate Conception Church, 770 Deerfield Road, Highland Park, Illinois. The Mass will be celebrated by Rev. Wayne Watts.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials in Vito’s memory be made to the Greater Chicago Area Food Depository or that a tree be planted in his honor.

May Vito’s soul rest in peace, and his legacy of love and care for the earth live on in all who knew him.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Vito Maurantonio, please visit our floral store.