Joseph Philip Zito

1927 - 2021

Joseph Philip Zito

Windsor - Joseph Philip Zito, 93, passed away Sunday, March14, 2021, at his home in Windsor, CO.

Joseph was born in Brooklyn, NY, on March 18,1927, to Louis and Anna Zito. In 1943 his family moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he graduated from Garfield High School. During WW II, he served his country with the U.S. Army in Japan and a few years later as a flight engineer with the U.S Air Force during the Korean War. He had a life-long love of aviation.

In 1953 Joseph married Margaret Benedetto in the Bronx, NY. They made their first home in Southern California, where Joseph began his career in the insurance industry. Joseph, Margaret, and family moved to Hopatcong, New Jersey, in 1963. Upon retirement in 1992 he and Margaret moved to Fort Collins, CO, where they resided until moving to Windsor, CO, in 2017.

Joseph was a devoted husband and father, always celebrating family milestones and achievements; taking his children to see America's historic and natural wonders; and watching his grandchildren's school and athletic events. He enjoyed traveling, woodworking, painting watercolors, bowling and watching baseball games. Joseph served as a lector for St. Jude Catholic Church in Hopatcong, NJ, and St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fort Collins, CO. He also was a member of the Knights of Columbus and served on the Hopatcong Board of Education for several years. During his retirement, he was a volunteer with Catholic Charities, CASA and a literacy program for international children.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Margaret; children Daniel (Nancy) of Baton Rouge, LA, Ronald of Denver, Joan (Todd) Allmendinger of Fort Collins, Jennifer (Derek) O'Hara of Greeley; grandchildren Rachel (James) Alexeas, Shelby (Ben) McMillan, Michael Zito, David (Deirdre) Zito, Kenrick O'Hara, Stephen (Taylor) Allmendinger, Philip Allmendinger, and Bethany O'Hara; seven great-grandchildren; and his sister Nina Gelman of North Las Vegas, NV.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 23, at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 1250 7th St., Windsor, CO, 80550. Private family interment with military honors will follow at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver.

Online condolences may be made at www.marksfuneralservice.com.