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The St. Anthony’s Commission announces the selection of Vito Ceo as the recipient of the 2008 Father Beatini Outstanding Italian Family Award.

Vito J. Ceo has been tapped for this year's Father Beatini Award. Vito was born in Seneca Falls, the son of Mary Immacolatta Gravina and Rocco Joseph Ceo on July 18, 1921. He resided at 59 Bridge Street with his siblings Carmella and Carmen.  His two orphaned cousins Mary and Nancy Gravina were also raised with the family.  Vito was a 1939 graduate of Mynderse Academy.  He worked a short time at Wescott Rule and began selling shoes before being drafted into the army in 1942.  He served his country on both the European and Pacific theaters until the end of World War II.

Vito came home and began his career as a shoe salesman. He owned and operated Vee’s Shoe Store in Norwic, New York.  In July of 1951, Vito was married in St. Patrick’s Church to Judy Muldoon. Returning to Seneca Falls Vito worked at The Seneca Boot Shop and for Nolan Shoe Store. In 1959, Vito and Herky Rutz purchased Nolan’s beginning their partnership that would span 62 years. They owned and operated Ceo and Rutz Shoe’s for many years which at one time expanded to other locations in Syracuse, and Canandaigua.  Vito and Herky continued to work together at SAS Shoes at the Finger Lakes Outlet Mall until Mr. Rutz’s passing in April 2008.

Vito served his faith and community throughout his life. He was a member of the DOERS downtown business community, served for many years organizing the “Aqua Festival and was a bank board member of Norstar Bank.  He also was a member of the stewardship committee of St. Patrick’s Church, worked on the St. Patrick’s Festival and has helped with the St. Anthony’s Festival as well as contributing to the Historical Society's Italian Exhibit. He is also a member of the SMS.

Vito is the proud father of two daughters, Dorothy (Don) Sinicropi and Mary (Vincent) Sinicropi.  He also has nine grandchildren, Heather (Jeff) Camelio, Jenna (Stu) Crandall, Katie Spahn, Judy, Gabrielle, Jamie, Dominick, Patrick, and Vito Sinicropi.  Vito also has two great-grandchildren, Dominic and Ella Camelio.

President Karen Burlingame states "the Commission felt that Vito Ceo was a perfect choice for this honor. He has always been a tremendous asset to our community."