Obituary of Barbara A. Clemmer-Vitale

Barbara A. Clemmer-Vitale entered into rest Monday, October 2, 2017 at home in Poughkeepsie. She was 55. Daughter of the late Robert E. and Lois Ripley Clemmer, she was born on April 1, 1962 in Poughkeepsie. She was a graduate of Roy C. Ketcham High School and Dutchess Community College. Barbara started her career with Hudson River Housing as a cook in the Gannett House program. Her wonderfully prepared food brought smiles to the many homeless families she fed. Barbara then quickly rose through the ranks at Hudson River Housing and became Operations Manager, Shelter Manager, Environmental Services Manager, Housing Counselor, Employment Specialist and Resident Services Manager. Barbara had a big heart and shared her love of giving back to her community. Barbara attended a NeighborWorks America training in Seattle and came back to her job with the passion to continue the work she was so proud of. Barbara was small in stature, but large in heart and soul. She devoted many years of her life to attending to the most vulnerable people in need. Barbara would even volunteer to pick up staff and homeless shelter guests during inclement weather. She would never turn down anyone who needed her assistance. Barbara had a passion for cooking and serving multitudes of people on many levels. Her bright smile and compassionate soul will be missed by the countless number of people whose lives she touched. Survivors include her son, Brian J. Vitale and his fiancée, Stephanie Badalamente of Wappingers Falls; sisters, Colleen Santucci and Pamela Clemmer, both of West Palm Beach, FL; niece, Amanda Silvestri; nephew, Anthony Santucci; great-niece, Eva; great-nephew, Jackson; and other extended family. Family will receive friends on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. A funeral service will be held following visitation at 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Donations may be made in Barbara's name to Hudson River Housing, Inc., 313 Mill Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. For directions or to send the family a personal condolence, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.