JOSEPH ZITO Obituary

Name: Memorial service for JOSEPH ZITO
Start: 2013-07-06T21:00:00.000Z
Location: At Funeral Home

JOSEPH ZITO Joseph B. Zito, 84, husband, father, grandfather, highly accomplished musician, renowned composer and conductor/arranger for the legendary Nat King Cole, passed away after a lengthy illness Wednesday, June 19, 2013, at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in Van Nuys, Calif. Joesph is survived by his sister, Rose Piegare; his six children, Bonnie Jean Zito, Sally Zito nee Pensabene and Barry Zito (from his marriage of 44 years to Roberta Rosser Zito, until her passing in 2008), Debbie Zito (Schafer), Joseph Zito Jr. and Michael Zito (from his first marriage to the late Rose Marie Zito). He was a grandfather to five, Amanda Jean Lipski, Michael Zito, Anthony Zito, Stephen McCraw Zito and Robert Schafer Jr. There will be a public memorial service in his memory at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 6, at The El Camino Memorial Sorrento Valley, 5600 Carroll Canyon Road, San Diego. A personal prayer time is available in the chapel beginning at 1 p.m.

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Published by Las Vegas Review-Journal from Jul. 3 to Jul. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH ZITO

6 Entries

Tom Russo

January 16, 2014

Dear Sally & Barry,

Please forgive my belated condolences regarding your Dad Joe. It is only now that I've become aware that he died not too long ago. This past Christmas Eve I had been invited to dinner by a dear friend who asked “What was that theme from the Million Dollar Movie?” Of course, I thought I knew! I had been told your Dad did the arrangement for Tara's theme and also for that memorable Early Show lilt. For some reason just to be sure I remembered correctly, I googled only to find word of his passing and far too little out there about his incredible musical legacy.

I had the pleasure of working with your Dad for a brief while back in the late 60's or early 70's. At that time I was singing with Doc Vito Ingoglia's daughters as part of a group, The Alternate Route, and your Dad devoted himself to work with us. I believe he had just finished law school about then, but music was always his first passion.

I particularly remember one day. He came to sit next to me on the piano. Little did I know, but I was tinkering with a jazz composition. He offered both his kind words of encouragement, as was his nature to do, and of course some great ideas. To this day I continue to write songs and he will always be a part of every refrain.

Seems life is all too fleeting and how quickly we all forget some truly cherished moments. I was so gladdened to hear that Joe found such a beneficial way to live out the rest of his years by devoting himself so lovingly with the two of you. These words of course are meant to comfort the living and I certainly wish you both the best in your life's pursuits. I do know that Joe Zito was a very fine talented man I will never forget and a Dad of whom you can be proud.

In kindest sympathy,
Tom Russo

The Pledger Family (Dan, Lauri, Jenn, Wes, Julie)

July 14, 2013

Our sincere condolences to Barry and the entire Zito Family. We have so many great memories with Joe and Roberta at baseball games at Fletcher Hills Little League, of the Zito Family as great friends and neighbors, of Joe calling our house after school telling Barry to get home (his pitching coach was there!) and even the time when we went beach-camping and Joe was not happy that Barry stayed with us overnight! But above all we will remember Joe for being a great Dad! We know how much he LOVES and how PROUD he is of his kids (and rightfully so!) Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Love, The Pledger Family

Mary Lou Heacock

July 9, 2013

Our condolences go out to the Zito family.
Dr. Royal, Mary Lou and the staff of The Nevada Clinic.

Jim Landers

July 5, 2013

I send my sympathy and condolence to your family. Your father gave me a glimpse of mettle and spirit the man he was in the short time I knew him. Rest in peace, Joe.

Susan Stockton Gutierrez

July 4, 2013

Bonnie, I am sorry for the loss of your father. My prayers are with you and your family.

MICHAEL JONES

July 4, 2013

THE SONS OF ERIN APPRECIATED JOE FOR ALL HIS WORKS AT OUR RALLY'S

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