Vito George Pardo

Vito George Pardo, 87, passed away November 12, 2009, at Bloomington Hospital from complications of cancer. George, the son of Salvatore and Filippa Pardo, was born January 3, 1922, in Boston, Massachusetts.George came to Indiana in 1961 after having worked as a social worker in New York. He taught social work at IU for 25 years before retiring as emeritus professor. He began teaching at the Indianapolis campus then went on to introduce social work courses at the IU Northwest campus. In 1972 George became coordinator of the social work program on the Bloomington Campus where he distinguished himself as a master teacher. He was a strong advocate for his students, many of whom have gone on to make a difference in countless lives in Indiana and across the country. George served on numerous university committees and community boards.George attended Boston University for two years before WW II interrupted his studies. After spending a year as a stevedore in San Francisco, he enlisted in the army. He then served as a medic in France and Belgium. Following the war, George completed his undergraduate degree at Boston University and went on to earn a Masters degree in Public Relations from the same university. In 1959 he received a Master's in Social Work from Fordham University.George loved to draw and paint. In 2007, cards depicting George's paintings were sold to raise money for the Bloomington Community Kitchen. "Chef Vito" was also a fantastic Italian cook. His family and friends, who enjoyed countless excellent meals, can attest to that, as can the many people who attended the "Casa de Vito" nights through which he helped raise money for the Community Kitchen. George joined his passions for food and art with a passion for jazz, and he loved to sing along with the CD compilations that he made.George is survived by his wife Annette, son George (Nancy) Helms of Newburgh, N.Y., daughter Alita (Dan) Edwards of Lagrangeville, NY, daughter, Maryelena (Gino) Zaccardelli of McLean, VA, and son David (Lynn) Pardo of Indianapolis.He is also survived by: his brothers, Charles (Dottie) Pardo of Weymouth, MA, Salvatore (Diane) Pardo of San Diego, CA, and sister, Rose Barcellos, of Rockland, MA; his grandchildren, Cara Velez, Nicole Helms, Sam, Abigail, and Christian Edwards, Kira and Alex Zaccardelli, and Sophia Pardo; his four great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews and friends.George was predeceased by his wife of 40 years, Patricia Pardo, who died in July 2002 and his parents.There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul's Catholic Center in Bloomington on Wednesday, November 18 at 11 a.m. Immediately after the service the family invites friends to join them at Chapman's for a buffet lunch. Interment in Massachusetts will be scheduled at a later date.The family would appreciate remembering George with a contribution to the Monroe County Community Kitchen at 917 South Rogers Street, Bloomington, IN 47401.Allen Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Tributes

Vito George Pardo

January 3, 1922 - November 12, 2009