Obituary: Joseph Butitta

(Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

Joseph Butitta, 95, passed peacefully Dec. 30, 2018, at Marley House in Prescott, Arizona, with his devoted daughter, Mary Jo, at his side.

Joe, known to many as “Pop,” will be fondly remembered as a dynamic, ambitious and generous man who loved people, children and animals. He was a lifetime member of the Bill Williams Mountain Men, as well as the Marine Corps League Copper State Detachment 906.

Joe was born March 12, 1923, in Streator, Illinois, to Peter and Beatrice “Stella” (Rizzo) Butitta. He enlisted as a Marine in December 1942 and was deployed to the South Pacific, Guam.

On June 8, 1946, he married Alys “Jeanne” Roenneburg in Rockford, Illinois. Together they had four children, Mary Jo Butitta (John Murray) of Dewey, Arizona, Deborah Butitta, Charles M. Butitta, both of Prescott, Arizona, and Joseph P. Butitta; as well as five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Joe was preceded in death by wife, Jeanne Butitta; son, Joseph P. Butitta, parents, Peter and Stella Butitta; brothers; Sam Butitta, Jim Butitta; and sister, Rosalie (Butitta) Guzzo. He is survived by his children, Mary Jo, Deborah and Charles; brother, Matt Butitta of Prescott; sister, Mary Ann (Butitta) Verona of Belvedere, Illinois; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe’s first career after the service was as co-owner with brothers Jim and Sam of Rockford Radiator Repair, Rockford, Illinois. He later opened Butitta Bros Radiator Repair with brother Jim, also in Rockford.

In 1970, Joe and Jeanne moved to Prescott, Arizona, where he built and co-owned JD’s Saloon. After selling the saloon he opened Joe’s Stable on North Montezuma Street, Prescott. Joe was also known in his later years for enjoying estate, yard and garage sales. He would, in turn, place these items in a resale store. He eventually added metal recycling to his repertoire.

There will be a military service Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at 10:30 a.m., at the Prescott VA Chapel, 500 Highway 89, Prescott, Arizona.

A Celebration of Life will take place the same day from 1 to 4 p.m., at Matt’s Saloon, 112 S. Montezuma St., Prescott, with food catered by LaBruzza’s Italian Restaurant. Internment of Joe’s ashes will take place in the spring, in a new section of wall at the Prescott National Cemetery.

A special heartfelt thank you to Maggie’s Hospice and Marley House, both of Prescott, for their compassionate and loving care during Pop’s final days on earth.

Donations can be made in Memory of Joseph Butitta to Maggie’s Hospice, 306 N. Virginia St., Prescott, AZ 86301, or Good Samaritan Society-Marley House, 1063 Ruth St., Prescott, AZ 86301 or Marine Corps League Detachment 906, Attn: Paymaster, PO Box 1775, Prescott, AZ 86302-1775.

Information provided by survivors.


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