Vincent M. Bilotta

WORCESTER – Vincent M. Bilotta of Worcester died on February 16, 2023, in his home surrounded by his loving family. He was loved by his wife of 54 years, Denise Gearan Bilotta, and his children Kathleen (Katie) Bilotta and her husband Robert Qua Terrill and Angeline (Angie) Bilotta all of Worcester, MA. His love for them all was unconditional. He truly was a wonderful father and husband. He was predeceased by his parents Vincent and Kitty Bilotta of Leominster.

He was the oldest of 11 children and loved his 10 siblings: George Bilotta (Michael); Linda Harmon(David);Claudia Neithercut ( James); David Bilotta ( Mary); Mary Bilotta Blackman ( Robert); Anthony Bilotta ( Marybeth) Mark Bilotta ( Henry); James Bilotta ( Aliona); Lisa Bilotta Kunkel; Deborah Caligaris ( Steven) all of Worcester County. He loved his Gearan family in-laws, Vaughn, Patrice and John and has left behind many nieces and nephews on both sides of the family.

To say he was an inspiration to many people would be an understatement. He was a Ph.D. psychologist who owned his own business treating Catholic religious and clergy. Previous to owning his business, he was a Captain in the U.S. Air Force from 1972-76 and worked as a psychologist for Vietnam Veterans at Lackland AFB in Texas and Scott AFB in Illinois. He graduated from St. Bernard’s High in Fitchburg, MA, Class of 1964. He graduated from Holy Cross College in Worcester, Class of 1968. He received his Ph.D in Psychology from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh , PA in 1976 and received an M.A. in Religious Studies at Assumption College in 1982. He briefly taught at Assumption College in Worcester and Anna Maria College in Paxton. He traveled to many countries over the years working with mostly Catholic missionary orders, and his business (Formation Consultation Services) provided a retreat center for many priests and nuns.

His resume is extensive, but that was not important to him. What mattered was his family and faith and caring for others. Many students, family and friends sought Vinnie’s guidance about life and learning. They truly loved him. He loved his children, wife, family and friends. He lived with ALS in the last few years, and he taught us all about the meaning of surrender and graciousness in times of suffering. His laugh was infectious and he loved his flower gardens. He recently wrote a book on hospitality entitled, “Welcome! Make Yourself at Home: A New Understanding of Hospitality”. The following is a quote from the book: “In welcoming there is only waiting in patience and trust. The Welcomer continues to live from his spirit center. The welcome is unguarded, spontaneous, open and energetically charged with a radiant glow”. We will miss this wonderful man with his generous, kind heart and radiant glow.

We wish to thank the very generous and kind care from the Veteran’s Administration and the VA Worcester Home Based Primary care team, the VA ALS clinic in Jamaica Plain, and the Worcester Jewish Healthcare Hospice team as well as the several home health aids who cared for Vinnie at our home from various home health agencies. These are the true heroes of our everyday lives. Vinnie would always say goodbye to everyone by saying “Peace be with you”. We wish all his caregivers Peace. We hope for continued support for all health care professionals.

There will be a Mass at Blessed Sacrament Church, 551 Pleasant St. Worcester, Mass at 11 am on Saturday, March 4, 2023. Family encourages people who attend this Mass to wear a mask. A private burial memorial service will be held at a later date at St. Bernard’s Cemetery, Fitchburg, MA.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to: The Mustard Seed Catholic Worker, P.O Box 2592, Worcester, MA 01613, Unicef USA ( unicefusa.org) or the Paralyzed Veterans of America ( PVA.org).

Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg is directing arrangements.