STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Retired U.S. Army Capt. John William Vitucci, known widely as “The Captain,” became the heart of every community he served, from the military and New York court system to Staten Island Democratic politics.
Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon shared that thought with the Advance/SILive.com, remembering fondly the man who served on active duty in Vietnam, earning the military rank and taking on, in his opinion, one of the more dangerous roles in the military — forward reconnaissance scout — the captain of his squad.
As a court officer and in Staten Island Democratic politics, his role was different, but his loyalty remained constant, those who knew him best recalled.
“He was the truest of friends, the guy you would want next to you in a foxhole,” McMahon said. “He was a father, mentor, leader, friend; he was our irreplaceable, incomparable, and incredible ‘captain.’”
Vitucci died Oct. 25 of esophageal cancer at age 79 in Weill Cornell Medical Center, Manhattan, with his family by his side.
Vitucci was a court officer for more than 30 years, first in Manhattan Criminal Court and, beginning in the mid-1980s, in Staten Island Criminal Court. He served as a union delegate, was promoted to sergeant, and ultimately became New York State Court officer‑captain.
His son, John Vitucci Jr., is currently running for the newly created Civil Court judgeship in Richmond County’s 1st Municipal Court. Vitucci Jr. is a longtime Staten Island attorney whose connection to the court system began at a young age because of his father’s work as a court officer. It’s a gift he treasures, he said.
His role of “captain” of many Staten Island political campaigns included those of Judge Mike Brennan, former New York City Councilmember Ken Mitchell, former State Assemblymember Mike Cusick, Assemblymember Charles Fall, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, former Rep. Max Rose and McMahon.
“He was the hub through which all spokes ran, and to every person, every campaign worker, or volunteer with whom he connected, he was fiercely loyal,” McMahon said. “If need be, he would run through a wall for you.”
John Vitucci, right, known as “Captain,” among elected officials and court officers on Staten Island, is shown with Richmond County District Attorney Michael McMahon. (Courtesy of Michael McMahon)
State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton said Vitucci was her biggest cheerleader and most loyal friend.
“He was a larger-than-life person, and we will miss him dearly,” she said. “He’s been there every step of my career; as I learned everyone’s name and he gave me a little fun fact about each person who walked through a room, as I learned the ins and outs of what it meant to campaign as a young staffer and, of course, when I ran for office myself.”
Mitchell, currently president of the Staten Island Zoo in West Brighton, said Vitucci supported and guided him for over 30 years during his work in government, the courts and the community. “He was a proud family man. John leaves an impossibly large void to fill, as he truly was one-of-a-kind and had a profound impact on his loved ones and community.”
Early life
Born in Brooklyn, Vitucci moved to Grymes Hill in 1972 upon marrying Jacqueline (Jackie) Bergin. They were married 32 years.
In addition to his service during the Vietnam War, Vitucci also served in the U.S. Army Reserve and the National Guard.
In his free time, Vitucci coached his son in the Middle Island Little League for many years and also served as manager for the Susan Wagner High School junior varsity baseball team for several years in the 1990s.
An avid New York Yankees fan, Vitucci took his son to every opening day from second grade through high school, his son recalled.
He seemed happiest when surrounded by others, whether family, friends or people he had just met, his son said.
That enthusiasm carried over to his grandchildren. When they were young, he drove their friends around and showed up for their activities, from soccer and flag football to swimming and baseball, he said.
During games, he would chat with everyone around him. Strangers sometimes seemed to know his entire life story, his son said.
He also served as president of his apartment co-op board on Bard Avenue and enjoyed becoming a “mayor” of sorts, Vitucci Jr. said.
“Dad just sort of pulled everyone into his universe,” he said.
Attraction to politics
Although Vitucci Jr. has worked in the court system as an attorney for 15 years, he said he had never been particularly involved in politics. His own campaign unexpectedly opened the door to that part of his father’s life, allowing him to meet and spend time with people who had known his dad for years.
He said his father’s attraction to politics was never about prestige or popularity. What appealed to him was the service aspect of political life, particularly the opportunity to help people on Staten Island and work on campaigns.
“It was not the grandiose stuff he enjoyed, ” his son said. “It was being in the trenches.”
In addition to his son, John Vitucci Jr., and his son’s wife, Randie, Vitucci is survived by a daughter, Maureen Pateman and her husband, Mark; his brother, Robert; and three grandchildren, Liam Pateman, John Vitucci and Kaitlyn Vitucci.
Visitation will be held at Harmon Funeral Home, 571 Forest Ave., West Brighton, on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
A funeral mass will take place at Blessed Sacrament R.C. Church, West Brighton, on Friday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.