Vite J Pigaga

Vite J. Pigaga, 88, of Worcester, former State Senator and State Representative passed away peacefully at home Wednesday September 14th 2016, with his wife and daughter gathered at his side. Vite was born in Worcester, on January 2nd 1928, the son of Ignas and Eva (Tamulevich) Pigaga. At the age of 10, he suffered a compound fracture of his left wrist.  Since penicillin was not available until 1939, Vite lost his left arm above the elbow.   Never allowing a challenge to get in his way, this never deterred him from anything in his life.  He was always an athlete, playing baseball, football and riding a bike.   He also worked for his father’s store on Esther Street delivering groceries and even obtained his driver’s license.  He graduated from South High School, serving as a class officer and co-captain of its football team. Vite also earned “All City” honors for his athletic abilities in football and track.   He then went on to earn degrees from Worcester Junior College, Boston University and his master’s degree in education from Worcester State University.   Young and an athlete, Vite was told that he could not play Golf with one arm.  He went out to learn golf which he succeeded in and it became a passion for the next 60 years even achieving the ultimate goal in golf a hole in one four times in a five year period. He then started his career as a teacher/coach for Leicester High School, where he helped produce the first undefeated football team in Leicester School history.   Interested in politics all his life, he first ran for public office in 1958, with fifteen opponents running for the same seat.  He was elected in 1959, to Worcester Ward 6, serving four terms in the  State House of Representatives and then running and being elected to another two terms as State Senator from the Worcester 1st district.   During his time in office; Vite was instrumental and most proud in creating the Junior/community college system in Massachusetts, and as a member of the school commission in the State Senate, he filed the bill to bring the UMASS Medical School to Worcester and its present site.  Vite also helped State Mutual in acquiring Hanover insurance.    After leaving the State House to spend more time with his family, Vite accepted a position as Director of Health, Welfare and Retirement funds for the State.  When this agency became a federal agency, Vite continued his state service as administrator for the State Department of Mental Health retiring in 1992.  Shortly thereafter, he was asked to return for a year; He ended up serving another 10 years before officially retiring in 2002.   He then became a member of the City of Worcester Parks and Recreation Commission serving 9 years and in his last year was involved in the renovation of what is now Green Hill Golf Course.    Vite enjoyed winters in Florida playing his beloved Golf; summers in Dennisport on Cape Cod as a young family and the last 40 years at his daughter’s summer home in Wells Maine.  Vite  was a member of the former Holden House Hills Country Club,  the Heritage Country Club, and the Green Hill Golf Course.  Vite is survived by the “love of his Life” Vivian (Vigliatura) Pigaga; His daughter Denise C. Pigaga; his many nieces, nephews, extended family members and especially his best canine Companion Max.    Besides his parents Vite was predeceased by his two sons, Vite J Pigaga, Jr and Scott Pigaga; his brother, John and sisters Adeline “Dolly” Pigaga and Joan Bielan-Mann. Friends and relatives are invited to calling hours Sunday, September 18th from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St.  His funeral will be held Monday, September 19th from the funeral home with a procession to Our Lady of Loreto Church, 33 Massasoit Rd where his Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.   Burial in the family lot will follow in St John’s Cemetery.   In lieu of flowers, memorial remembrances in his name can be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St. Worcester Ma. The Pigaga family would like to thank, Rick of the Visiting Nurse Association, and Home Health, as well as the Hospice teams at the Jewish Healthcare Center with special thanks to Melinda, Angela, David and Sister Patricia Foley. Heartfelt thanks to Junie, who provided Vite aka “The King” with excellent care, love and support