Joseph Rotella

Joseph Rotella, 87, of Monongahela, passed away peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 26, 2015, in Monongahela Valley Hospital. He was born on Feb. 16, 1928, in Monongahela, the son of the late Vincent and Rose Datillo Rotella. Joe was a member of St. Damien of Molokai Parish (St. Anthony) in Monongahela. He worked many years for the former J. Halpern Co. in New Eagle as a cutter. He elected to leave his job to become the main caretaker for his father and later his mother. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany with the 351st Mobile Army as a medic. Surviving are his sister, Annette Rotella with whom he made his home; a niece, Annette McKevitt and her husband, James, of Monongahela; a nephew, Ronald Zugaro of Roscoe; great-niece, Jamie Varley and her husband, Gavin, of Belle Vernon; and a great-nephew, Michael McKevitt of Mt. Lebanon. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his dear sister, Angelina Zugaro and brother-in-law, Amerigo Zugaro. Joe kept in touch with his many cousins from Tiriolo, Catanzaro, Italy. Joe had an extra ordinary gift in remembering faces, names and events.
At Joe's request, the viewing will be private. Friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Damien of Molokai Parish on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015, at 10 a.m. with the Rev. William Terza, pastor, as celebrant. Committal services and interment will follow in the Monongahela Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Mon Valley Firing Squad and Honor Guard. The FRYE FUNERAL HOME INC. is in charge of the arrangements.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fryefuneralhome.com.