Lidia Fara Vitale, MD, FACOG, age 56 years, of Delaware Township, NJ, died peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Hunterdon Medical Center, Raritan Township, NJ, under the caring watch of Hunterdon Hospice.

Born on June 11, 1965 in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY, she was the daughter of Domenico and Mary Palazzolo Vitale. Raised in Jackson Heights and then Howard Beach, Queens, NY, Lidia lived in both Staten Island and Hartford, CT, prior to moving to Delaware Township more than twenty one years ago.

Graduating in 1983 from St. Joseph by the Sea High School, Staten Island, NY, Lidia went on to earn her undergraduate degree within three years from New York University in 1986, which was followed by her graduation in 1990 from New York Medical College. Completing her residency in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Hartford Hospital in Connecticut, Lidia would return to New Jersey where she was a partner in several practices over the years, most recently Advanced Obstetrics and Gynecology, with offices throughout Hunterdon County, NJ. Delivering more than 3,000 children throughout her career, Lidia was humble, yet proud of the many beautiful lives she helped to safely bring into the world. 

It was in the third grade, after being assigned an anatomy project, where Lidia would march up to her mother and declare her intentions of becoming a nurse one day. A hard-working Italian mother who had always encouraged her daughter from the beginning, Mary promptly sat Lidia down and said that the level of education and skill to become a nurse was massive, and that if she were to go that route, why would she not just push herself and become a doctor? Well, at the end of the conversation, Lidia declared that becoming a doctor is exactly what she would do and well, as they say, the rest is history. 

With a gift of intellect and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Lidia advanced through school quickly and became intrigued and captivated by Obstetrics and Gynecology. Her genuine compassion, her ability to listen, and the depth of her diagnostic skills made her the perfect candidate for the field.

Among her colleagues, she was a well-respected and admired physician who often put the needs of her patients and their families before her own. She effortlessly balanced the role of sage advisor and keen listener. For her patients, she was their confidant when they had no one, their patience when none was left, their guiding light in the darkness, and above all else, she was their friend. 

Lidia’s love of family and friends knew no bounds. Much of her leisure time was spent by their side. She loved socializing and never arrived at anyone’s doorstep without a gift in hand. It was her way of showing respect and gratitude.

Her love of family and the gifts of faith, hope and love she received from her parents were emulated in the way she approached motherhood with her own daughter, Isabella, and son, Alexander. She was there for them every step of the way, guiding and encouraging them to seize each moment of this beautiful life and to become contributing members of society in an effort to help humankind in the way that they were each individually supposed to give of themselves. 

Though having to retire in 2019 to focus on her own health after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis in 2016, Lidia was determined to continue using her gifts in this world. Her new mission became raising awareness and developing new treatments for lung cancer. Over the years, she raised countless funds for various lung cancer organizations, and became a well-known advocate who lobbied the United States Congress for additional monies for lung cancer research. 

With many hobbies including knitting, shopping, reading, and socializing, the other part of Lidia’s life that was part of her essence, besides her family, friends, and patients, was her faith in God. A devout communicant of St. Magdalen Church, Flemington, NJ, all of her actions were grounded by the knowledge that God set her on a path that was uniquely hers.

Though her physical time on Earth has concluded, Lidia Fara Vitale surely leaves a light which will guide so many in a positive way, until we are all reunited in a place where there is no pain or suffering, but only light, peace and hope. Lidia lived life by the words of Saint Teresa of Calcutta who said, “Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God’s kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.” Lidia, your face, eyes and smile shone kindness onto all who met you. Rest in the sweetest of peace you have truly earned.

Lidia was preceded in death by her cherished aunt, Fara Consiglio.

Surviving, in addition to her mother, Mary, and father, Domenico, are her children, Isabella Maria Carrega and Alexander Louis Carrega; her brother, Carlo Vitale; her nephews, Dominick John Vitale and Alexander Nicholas Vitale; her faithful canine companion, Roscoe; numerous cousins and extended family; her cherished colleagues and patients; the thousands of lives she brought into the world; and many dear friends around the world.

The family would like to thank the entire staff of the Hunterdon Regional Cancer Center, the Hunterdon Medical Center, and Hunterdon Hospice for their loving, tender care of Lidia and of her entire family.

All arrangements are under the care and direction of D.J. Wright and the Life Celebration Care Team of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. All inquiries should be made to them at 908-782-3311.

Lidia will lie in repose on Sunday, September 26, 2021 from 1:00 –8:00 p.m. at Branchburg Funeral Home, 910 Route 202 South, Branchburg, NJ 08876 with the family asking guests to arrive according to the following schedule: 1:00-2:30 p.m., those age 65 and older as well as those immunocompromised; 2:30-8:00 p.m., all other guests.

Everyone is encouraged to follow pandemic safety protocols at all funeral related events. Your cooperation and respect is appreciated by the family.

A Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Rev. Dr. Kenneth Brighenti will be celebrated on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ, under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, and to which all are welcome. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Monday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Following mass, Lidia will be transported to Florida where public services will be held according to the following schedule: a Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Aidan Lacy will be celebrated on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Patrick Catholic Church, 13591 Prosperity Farms Road, Palm Beach Gardens, FL, under the care and direction of Aycock Riverside Funeral & Cremation Center, followed immediately by entombment next to her beloved aunt, Fara Consiglio and take place at Faith Mausoleum at Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 SE County Line Road, Tequesta, FL. Everyone is kindly asked to meet directly at the church on Wednesday morning beginning at 10:30 a.m.

You are encouraged to visit Lidia’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of her life.For those who wish, contributions in her honor may be made to her direct Lung Force Walk Team “Living With Hope” page to further the study of lung cancer. Please click HERE to be taken to her personal donation page. Any and all contributions, regardless of the amount, are appreciated by the family.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”