GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - People who knew him, grew up with him and worked with him are trying to put into words the grief they feel over the murder of restaurant owner Joey Vitale.
Vitale, 31, was stabbed Wednesday night by a man witnesses say was arguing with a customer placing a takeout order.
Vitale is a member of a family known for their chain of Italian restaurants, and friends say he touched many lives.
There was a vigil in his memory Thursday evening at his restaurant in Burton Heights.
“Joey cared about all of his customers and the community and he will be truly missed,” said one mourner.
“All of us were impacted by Joey Vitale,” added another. "He is a great guy.”
“And we will all miss him so dearly,” sobbed a woman who said she watched Vitale grow from a boy to a man.
Vitale was married and the father of two young daughters. Police have arrested a suspect for the murder who has a long criminal history.
“This was a senseless act,” said a family friend at the vigil. “Joey did not deserve this.”
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