Joseph Alex Spiotta

Joseph Alex Spiotta, 84, of Bonita Springs, Florida, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on May 8, 2025, in his home in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Joe served in the Marines and often remarked that training for the Marines was easier than growing up with his Italian mother. He proudly wore his Marine Corps cap when leaving home.

Joe married Wanda, his loving wife of nearly 62 years, on June 22, 1963, at Sacred Heart Church in Newark, NJ. The couple resided in South Orange and started their family, which includes three children, Joanne, Alex and Joseph. Joe graduated from Seton Hall University with a Master's degree. He worked for 40 years as a Physical Education Teacher at Englewood Cliffs Upper School, where he was affectionately known as Mr. Spi by his students.

Joe cherished time with family and friends, especially around a dinner table with Sunday gravy. He enjoyed conversation, music, sharing memories and especially dessert. He taught by example, showing that love is not just an emotion but a daily act of kindness, support, and understanding. His home was a sanctuary where laughter echoed and love abounded. Joe's legacy is one of compassion and connection, a testament to a life well-lived and hearts well-touched.

Joe loved cycling along the Jersey Shore, singing with birds, a mean game of basketball and tending to flowers at his son's restaurant, Bricco Bracco. Joe always loved from the heart, and his genuine warmth and kindness were felt by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. Joe's love for his family was evident in every aspect of his life. His unwavering devotion to Wanda, his children, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the cornerstone of his existence.

Joseph is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lucy Carbone.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Wanda (Drozd); his sister, Vivian Bircsak (Spiotta); his children, Joanne O' Shea (Spiotta) and husband Donald, Alex Spiotta, Joseph Anthony Spiotta and his wife Bethann; his grandchildren, Scott, Danielle, Sheila and her husband Jason, Nicole and her wife Jordan, Joseph, Alexis and her husband Matt, and Jacquelin; his great-grandchildren, Franchesca, Deanna, Greyson, Liam, and Kinsley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Messages of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.