Richard Alessio Vitek

Rick Vitek was born on December 6, 1961, and was the beloved son of Albert Frank Vitek and Jane Catherine Cosentino Vitek, who predeceased him.  He is survived by his brother Greg (Laurie), nephew Alan (Lauren) and Adeline, Finley and Navy, and nephew Brannan of Gainesville, GA, and by brother Rodney (Joann), and nephew Ben and niece Lilly of Highland, MD.

Rick grew up and lived his life in Joppa, MD. He was a child with his own mind, his own methods, and as our mother would say – “his own timetable.”  Rick was always motivated by two things: puzzling  detailed problems, and the desire to help people in need.

Rick studied Computer Science at Harford Community College and at UMUC where he received a bachelor’s degree.   His work life took him to the Federal government, where he retired in 2020 after 30 years.  His career was in Information Technology, first with the IT help desk for AMSAA at APG, a role he really enjoyed, then to Army Materiel Command at Ft. Belvoir, and concluding at APG Edgewood implementing information security.

Rick’s life purpose was to help people.  He was driven to help his community and did so by volunteering at St. Margaret’s Church and later at Mountain Christian Church and other good works organizations like Habitat for Humanity, Indian Lake Christian Camp, and Tabitha’s House. He traveled out of the country to assist rebuilding after hurricanes and in country to support disaster relief. Rick’s yearn to serve started early, where as a teen, he assisted a handicapped neighbor take care of his home, yard and pool instead of taking part time jobs. Rick had many friends with whom he worked in the service of others. He spoke of them and their contributions so highly and so often, there was no question of his devotion to charity.

Rick was most at home with his family. Always kind and sharing, ready to pitch in and help.  When Rick was with his great nieces and nephew, he became a kid himself, playing with them like he was one of them.  To his niece and nephews, he was generous and funny, delighting in telling puns and jokes and sending them to their phones. Rick so enjoyed the beach, spending his youthful summers at Fenwick Island DE with his parents. Later, we’d all meet every year for summer vacation at Topsail Island NC. It was an annual highlight and priority for him to be with his family at the beach.

Rick eagerly anticipated retirement and retired in 2020 during Covid. He was so happy to begin his new life and concentrate on family, volunteer service and at last having time to get to some projects at home.

His first year of retirement was so good. Rick was happy and content, and he looked forward to more retirement activities and travel. We spent time together getting to projects and being with each other, and for that we are so grateful. Sadly, our brother will not see more happy retirement years. Instead, he is with the Lord and his parents, enjoying the gift of eternal happiness that results from his life of strong faith, charitable works, and love for his family and neighbors.

We love you Rick and miss you terribly, God bless you and hold you. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to one of the following organizations that were close to Rick’s heart :

 Mountain Christian Church - https://mountaincc.org/give

Tabatha’s House - https://tabithashouse.wordpress.com/donate/

Indian Lake Christian Camp - http://indianlakecamp.org/camp-donation/

Man House - http://mannhouse.org/donate-to-the-mann-house/

Following the services, family invites you to join them at 4:30 pm at Liberatore's Ristorante 562 Baltimore Pike, Bel Air, MD 21014