Joseph A. Esposito

Joseph A. Esposito

On February 10, 2022, Joe Esposito, 71, quietly passed into the next life in the arms of his devoted wife, Sharon. Joe was the beloved husband of Sharon (nee Butterline) having spent thirty-eight (38) years together. Joe was the devoted and supportive father of Joseph, Jr. (Stacy), James, Marisa Slevenski (Michael), Vincent, and Giana Schortye (Martin). He was the loving and very proud grandfather of Mayajo, Jared, Julia, Alyssa, Lucas, Alanna, Jace, Madison and Paxton. Joe is survived by his brothers, William and Eugene, and many nieces and nephews. He joins his late parents, Vincent and Sophia, and his brother, Vincent, in the next life. Joe is now joyfully reunited with his closest friend, partner in crime and brother from another mother, Daniel Pote, who he has missed every day since they last laughed together. Joe is sadly missed by legions of good friends and neighbors. Joe is also deeply missed by his loyal Yorkie, ""Tessa Bella"".

Joe, also known as ""PJ"", was a life-long resident of Philadelphia having been born in the Swampoodle section of North Philadelphia. In 1980, Joe opened ""PJ's Deli"" on the northwest corner of Edgemont and Huntingdon Streets in Olde Richmond. Joe ran PJ's for almost four decades serving up semi-decent cheesesteaks, incredible insults and extremely accurate football betting lines … all with equal delight. Joe was an instrumental force in the founding and formation of the Olde Richmond Civic Association (""ORCA"") using his store as a rallying place for neighbors to meet and organize. He generously provided financial support for many of ORCA's early battles. Joe was the most loyal and generous of friends. A true go-to guy, he was always there when someone needed a helping hand, a place to stay or a few bucks until payday. He never forgot a kindness and he never sought anything in return for the many favors that he dispensed each day. He prized friendship, loyalty and a promptly returned telephone call above all things. Joe was an excellent tipper and will be deeply missed by many of the region's waiters, waitresses, bartenders and valets.

Joe's greatest joy in life was reveling in the accomplishments of his family, sharing their company and trying to take care of them in every conceivable fashion. He was exceedingly proud of his wife, his children, their spouses and his grandchildren. He taught them to accept life's victories with grace and its defeats with purpose. Above all, he taught them all how to get back up after being knocked down. He and Sharon were always there for others during challenging times. He kept his heart open and his mouth somewhat shut – not its natural position - as Sharon opened the door of their home to any friend or relative who needed a place to live. Together, they touched many lives for the better. He will be sorely missed, fondly remembered and roundly blessed and cursed for leaving by those who were lucky enough to enjoy his friendship. May God bless him until we meet again.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 10 AM to 11 AM and his Funeral Mass 11 AM at Mother of Divine Grace Church, 2918 E. Thompson Street, Philadelphia, PA 19134. Masks required. Interment at Greenmount Cemetery, 4301 N. Front Street, Philadelphia, PA 19140. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's name to St. Francis Inn, 2441 Kensington Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

Please share your fondest memories of Joe at PhillyFunerals.com. Arrangements by McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes Funerals and Cremations of Torresdale Avenue, John Barnes Supervisor 215.333.0500