Patt ‘Vee’ Vitella

June 10, 2005

SATCO regretfully announces the recent passing of Patt ‘Vee’ Vitella, local Stage, Film and Commercial Actress, who passed away this week

A Memorial will be held on Saturday, June 18, 2005 from 1-4 pm at Victoria’s Black Swan.

Any memorials may be sent to: Hospice of SA or the Cancer Research Center

Memories

Patt Vee, her professional name, was not only beautiful and talented, she was a dear friend.  Patt was the first actress I worked with in any production.  It was my first endeavor, a short film.  I was so green but had possibilities.  The one scene we had together where she played my Mother, was so easy to do because we attached the minute I met her.  The next role I got, my very first stage character was a direct result of Patt’s all encompassing friendship.  I auditioned for that role only one month after we did the short film.  Better as an actress, but still green, she told me to wear something so distinctive that I couldn’t be overlooked.  If I could look the part and get cast, I would be taught even more about theatre.  She had this beautiful big, bold red, Audrey Hepburn style hat, that she loaned to me for the audition.  Boy did I stand out! Everybody there was in blue jeans and I was dressed to the nines with that hat.  I wasn’t cast at first, but had a call back one week later saying that the actress cast just couldn’t exude the personality of the role.  Would I come do it and would I wear the red hat! Patt, thank you! We did some murder mysteries together and I was always blown away by her versatility.  She was such an absolute witch in one part, against my goodie two shoes role, that I almost believed she was mad at Barbara, not my character (still a little green, but learning).  Until I was advised of her loss, I didn’t realize the impact she had on my future in this love we call performing.  It all BEGAN with her and our good friends, the Reeds.  She was such a thoughtful person that when I talked with her in February about a difficulty I was having, she never mentioned her illness.  Knowing Patt, she must have felt I didn’t need a double dose of problems right then.  If I had only known.  What a loss to have someone in your life who can teach, console, befriend, counsel and be so beautiful of face and stature.  My heart goes out to Fred and her family as I think of Patt Vee. 

Barbara Lewis-Harris

I am both shocked and saddened by this news. As I no longer live in San Antonio I had no idea Patt was ill.  I will always remember Patt's no nonsense approach to acting and life in general. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family. San Antonio's acting community has lost a great player but mankind has lost a great person. I am grateful that I had both the privilege to know Patt and the opportunity to work with her.

With condolences,
Keith Kaslow