Joseph Butitta

Joseph Butitta, 95, passed peacefully Dec. 30, 2018 at Marley House in Prescott, 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 Mt. Men as well as  the Marine Corp League Copper State Detachment 906.            

Joe was born Mar. 12, 1923 in Streator, IL, to Peter and Beatrice “Stella” (Rizzo) Butitta. He enlisted as a Marine Dec.1942 and was deployed to the south pacific,  Guam. June 8, 1946 he married Alys “Jeanne” Roenneburg in Rockford, IL. Together  they had four children, Mary Jo Butitta (John Murray) of Dewey, AZ, Deborah Butitta,  Charles M. Butitta, both of Prescott, AZ, and Joseph P. Butitta. As well as, 5  grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandson.            

Joe was preceded in death by wife, Jeanne Butitta, and son Joseph P. Butitta,  parents, Peter & 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 IL, 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, IL. 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 N. Montezuma  St., Prescott, AZ. 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, January 19, 2019, 10:30 am at the  Prescott VA Chapel, 500 Hwy 89, Prescott, AZ. A Celebration of Life will take place the  same day from 1-4 pm 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. Good Samaritan Society-Marley House, 1063 Ruth St,  Prescott, AZ 86301 or Marine Corp League Detachment 906, Attn: Paymaster, P O Box  1775, Prescott, AZ 86302-1775.