Joe Granato

Joe Granato 1919 ~ 2003 "Only the man upstairs knows, and  he ain't talking." Joe left us after a short illness on September 15, 2003. Born April 27, 1919, he was the son of Italian Immigrants, Sam Granato and Mary Spatafore. He served his country as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he fought valiantly in the Battle of the Bulge earning the Distinguished Service Metal. A simple, hard working man, he rose very early in the morning his entire life. First as a child on the Bountiful hillside milking his families' hundreds of goats, and then later finding him on the produce docks at 3:00 a.m. buying and selling fresh fruits and vegetables. He founded Joe Granato, Inc. Fruit and Produce 40 years ago, which is still successful today. Joe was a well-respected businessman known for his integrity and straightforwardness. A generous man, Joe would help anyone without question. He donated to many charities, including helping needy children in Third World Countries. His heart was big and he asked for nothing. He very much loved his five children from his marriages to Phyllis Morton (deceased) in 1946 and Sharon Weaver in 1965. He guided us with a firm hand and a quiet wisdom "Italian Style." Joe cherished his 10 grandchildren and enjoyed going to their various extracurricular activities, hockey games, and having talks about sports, fishing, school, business and helping with any problems they may have. His nine brothers and sisters and many nieces and nephews also held a special place in his heart. Joe was a quiet man, a good listener, but his family and friends knew he would say just the right thing at just the right time. Never one to stay anywhere too long, he would say, "You should never wear out your welcome" and "If it can't be done, just watch someone do it." Dad, you never wore out your welcome and you did do it your way for 84 great years. We love and miss you so much. Joe is survived by his children, Joe Jr., Marty (Karen), Joey (Geneal), Tracy (Bob) Shelton, and Angela; grandchildren, Anthony and Nicholas Granato, Mike McCarty, Matthew and Marissa Granato, Eric Granato, Chris, Rian and Brady Shelton, Melissa (Brady) Beckstead. He is also survived by two sisters Rose Mower and Eva Guarascio, along with many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers, John and Frank; sisters, Katie Mallane, Teresa Yates, Arlene Dymock, Mary Granato, Jane Depasquale; and daughter-in-law Lois Granato. Graveside services will be held Saturday, September 20, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery, 275 U Street, Salt Lake City, Utah, with Father David L. VanMassenhove presiding. Friends may call Friday 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. Following the graveside service an open house will be held at Joe Granato Produce at 46 South Orange St. (1850 West), Salt Lake City, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Joe's name to either The CareSource Charitable Association, or Primary Children's Medical Center. The family would like to thank all of the doctors, nurses and staff who cared for Joe at St. Marks Hospital, third floor, west.