Joseph Oliver LoForte

Joe, you were a very special man in so many ways. You were so much like my dad in that you both showed that you cared about all the children as well as the adults at the church. You would do anything for anyone. You did many fun things with our youth groups. You helped us understand how we can help other people as we would want them to help us. You always had a smile on your face and a hug for each of us, especially when you knew we needed one. We could come to you and feel comfortable...

I will miss Kojak, you all know him as Joe. Growing up I was the only one allowed to call him that. Other kids would try but he would say “no that’s my girl’s name”. He always had lollipops and he reminded me of Telly Savills as Kojak. Growing up he was like a grandfather to me at church. When mine was not there he was the one I turned to and he would keep me in line.
I live so far from Cottage but I looked forward to Thanksgiving Dinner every year so I would get to see him. I will...

Sharon, I didn't meet Joe but by meeting you I know he had to have been a great man. My sympathy is with you and I know you will always remember the great days with him till the begining of his journey to meet up with your Mom.

It is rare to meet such a loving, kind, devoted person and Christian. Joe gave of himself fully and completely to Cottage Way Christian Church, and to each of the members. I will miss so terribly the hugs....those great big hugs every Sunday. The love of life and family was an inspiration to me. His love for his wife who preceded him in the journey to the Lord was truly inspirational. God Bless the whole family who I love very much! We'll all miss you Joe .... who's going to shake the lil...

In preparing for their 60th anniversary celebration, Joe told me the story of the time their car overheated and broke down near Yakima, Washington. They pulled to the side of the road, turned the radio on, got out, and began to dance while the car cooled down. Soon they were joined by other couples whose cars had not broken down, but who saw them dancing and wanted to dance, too.

There is a place in heaven where the cars always break down and end up on the side of the road, but their...