Teresa Marie La Barbera Vitale

Teresa Marie La Barbera Vitale, of Saint Paul, Minnesota, passed away surrounded by family on October 21, 2025, at the age of 86. 

Born and raised in Palermo, Sicily, Teresa grew up in a culture that valued family and faith over everything. At the age of 17, while traveling in the United States with her grandmother, she met the love of her life, Pasquale Vitale, a son of Sicilian immigrants. Their connection was immediate and enduring. They returned to Italy to be married, and in 1957, Teresa bravely emigrated to America to build a new life with him. For almost 45 years, she worked alongside her husband at his family restaurant, The Venetian Inn.

Family was everything to Teresa. She poured her heart into her role as a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. With a deep passion for cooking, her culinary skills were matched only by the love and care she poured into each dish. Filled with warmth, laughter, and an abundance of food, her home was the heart of many, many gatherings, and anyone who sat at her table left feeling nourished in every way.

Teresa was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 49 years, Pasquale; her son, John; her parents; and her brother. 

She is survived by her loving children, Linda Salute (Stefano) and Joseph Vitale (Piera); daughters-in-law Jamie Vitale and Debbie Vitale; nine cherished grandchildren; and twelve adored great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers-in-law, Joseph and James Vitale, and many extended family members and dear friends.

Teresa loved deeply and lived fully, and she will leave a legacy of love, hard work, and determination that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be missed beyond measure and remembered always. 

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at Church of the Assumption in St. Paul, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to service.

The family extends sincere gratitude for the compassionate care and support provided by the dedicated staff at Beyond Hospice and Saint John's Hospital.