Vito Ingargiola, born on November 15th, 1943, in Carini, Sicily, lived a life shaped by family, hard work, and resilience. At the age of 20, he served in the military, completing his duty by 22. Not long after, in 1965, he opened his first bar in Sicily, showing his entrepreneurial spirit early on. A few years later, he married Maria Canepa on March 10th, 1970, and together they built a family, raising five children: Giuseppe, Eleonora, Salvatore, Esmeralda, and Jessica.
Life in Sicily was good, but Vito always had larger dreams for his family. In 1998, at the age of 55, he moved to the United States in search of better opportunities. Like many immigrants, his journey started humbly—he worked as a dishwasher in Pennsylvania. But Vito’s strong will and work ethic pushed him to do more. With the support of his children, he opened his first restaurant, which quickly became successful enough to expand into three locations.
However, in 2011, Vito’s life took a difficult turn. He suffered a heart attack, two strokes, and was diagnosed with cancer. With mounting medical bills, Vito was forced to close all his restaurants, prioritizing the financial well-being of his family. Despite the grim prognosis from his American doctors, who gave him just six months to live, Vito returned to Italy, where doctors in his homeland managed to extend his life by more than a decade.
Vito passed away on May 11th, 2023, in Carini, Sicily, surrounded by his beloved family. He left behind not just memories, but a legacy of resilience, love, and dedication. He was the rock of the family, always putting the needs of his children and grandchildren first. Among his grandchildren was Leonardo Cracchiolo, Vito’s first grandchild, who viewed his grandfather not just as a father figure but as a hero.
Leonardo's bond with Vito was unique. When Leonardo's father left him and his mother Eleonora without notice, Vito stepped in, raising Leonardo as his own son. In 2002, Vito returned to Sicily and offered Leonardo the chance to come to the U.S. with him, a decision that would forever change Leonardo's life. Vito always reassured Leonardo that, even when they were far apart, they were connected through the moon. He often told him, "When I am in America and you are here, just look at the moon, and know that I am watching the moon too."
Vito instilled in Leonardo many life lessons, but one stood above all: “If you say something, you do it. You stick to it, and you never give up, no matter how hard life gets.” This principle became the driving force behind Leonardo’s future endeavors. After Vito’s passing in 2023, Leonardo accelerated his plans to create something that would carry on his grandfather’s legacy—he founded IISIIDI. More than a brand or a business, IISIIDI stands for family, love, trust, and determination. The name itself reflects Vito’s philosophy: "If I say it, I do it."
Leonardo is determined to continue what Vito started, vowing to ensure that his grandfather’s legacy lives on through IISIIDI and to take care of Vito’s family for generations. This journey, which began with a humble Sicilian man, now extends across the world. IISIIDI is not just a tribute to Vito; it is a testament to the power of family and perseverance.
There is so much more to Vito’s story, and Leonardo intends to share every detail in time. For now, this glimpse serves to explain why IISIIDI was created and how Vito’s unwavering spirit continues to inspire and drive his family forward.
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