Vito J., Jr. "Poppy" age 65, of Stratford, passed peacefully from this life at home with his family by his side, after a 13-month valiant battle with lung cancer on March 29, 2010.  Vito is the youngest child of the late Vito & Maria Dentato.  He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Patricia of Stratford, his caring children, Michael Dentato of Chicago, IL, daughter and son-in-law, Denise and Jay Mather of Trumbull and the two loves and joys of his life - his grandchildren, Andrew and Jillian Mather of Trumbull.  Vito also leaves behind his sister, Joyce Dentato of Bridgeport, favorite sister-in-law, Mary Marini of Bridgeport, and many nieces, nephews, brother in-laws, sister in-laws, cousins, and life-long friends.  Vito spent his life dedicated to public service with the Bridgeport Police Department for 21 years, later working for the City Attorney's office.  He is a veteran of the U.S. Army, proudly serving during Vietnam in 1963-1969 with an honorable discharge.  Vito's passion became his family throughout life whether taking them on family vacations, watching his grandchildren play ball or dance, or celebrating holiday dinners.  His passion for life now lives on in those he touched over the 65 amazing years of his life. While Vito will forever be missed, his family is blessed that he will now watch over them as an angel.  The Dentato family would like to extend gratitude to all those family, friends and professional caregivers that showed never-ending compassion, care and love for Vito and his family. Funeral services will be held on Saturday April 3, 2010 at 10:30am in Our Lady of Grace Church, Stratford with the Liturgy of the Word.   Entombment with full military honors will follow in St. Monica's Mausoleum at Gate of Heaven Cemetery,Trumbull. Friends may call Friday April 2, 2010 from 4pm to 8pm in the Redgate-Hennessy Funeral Home, Main Street and Gorham Place, Trumbull. In lieu of flowers, The Dentato family has respectfully requested that donations be made to Vito's grandchildren's college fund. Checks may be made payable to U Promise College Fund and sent in care of Redgate Hennessy Funeral Home, 4 Gorham Place, Trumbull, CT, 06611. To send online condolences please visit www.redgatehennessy.com