Joseph Olita, Jr.
July 26, 1930 ~ January 24, 2019
Resided in:
Weaverville, North Carolina
Joseph Olita, Jr., 88, was reunited with countless family, friends, pets and colleagues on Thursday, January 24, 2019. He died peacefully at home.
A first generation Italian American, Joe was born in Chicago, IL, on July 26, 1930. His father died of pneumonia when Joe was 4 years old, leaving his mother, Margaret, to raise four children on $9 a month.
Joe put himself through DePaul University, attending evening classes while married and raising his children. He received his degree in accounting.
His professional career expanded, as did his family. He succeeded through many avenues of accounting and finance, becoming President of Production Supplies Inc., an industrial supply business in Franklin Park, Illinois, for many decades.
He retired to Asheville, NC, with his second wife in 1996. Always energetic and kind, he looked for ways to serve others. Together, they mentored children through Big Brothers Big Sisters for eight years. He also became a volunteer at Mission-St. Joseph's for 19 years, accumulating 5,000 hours of service.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Margaret and Joseph, along with sisters, Rose and Theresa, and brother, Rocco.
Joe is survived by four sons, Daniel, James, Robert, and David Olita; three daughters, Candace Mandel, Adrianne Brimie, and Erica Harris; 11 grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service in his honor will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel of St. Joseph Hospital. Volunteers will open level 4 parking across the street at 1 Hospital Drive to allow participants to access the walking tunnel across Biltmore Ave., exiting at the elevator and the chapel.
A reception will follow the service at the Twisted Laurel, in Weaverville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arts for Life, c/o Mission Hospitals, 50 S. French Broad, Ste. 258, Asheville, NC 28801.
Heaven opened the gates for this wonderful man. He is in our hearts forever.
Many heartfelt thanks to CarePartners Hospice, friends, family, neighbors, Groce Funeral Home, and all of the volunteers and chaplain at St. Joseph's.
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Joe was a very special person. Thru our conversation of the last twenty plus years, I learned of his unwavering love for his mother, how as a child they struggled in poverty, to the point as he put it, ‘having nothing to eat but chicken feet’. Of growing up in a Chicago neighborhood of Italians, and the unwavering respect they all had for the young ladies living among them.
Joe showed an insatiable thirst to improve himself economically, and his accomplishments in life are a testimony to his intelligence, honesty and perseverance. In retirement, he donated his time as a volunteer at Mission Hospital; he had a knack as to when to crack a joke, or provide comfort to the patients. A man of character and integrity
Joe Olita, Bon Voyage my good friend. You will be greatly missed.
Thanks Joe for being who you were. It was such a pleasure to spend time volunteering with him. He loved ‘all’ that had that privilege of knowing him. Our loss but Heaven’s gain. You set the mark very high.
Joe, you were a very good friend over the short three years I lived across from you and Linda. And I feel certain you were an inspiration for those around you throughout your adult business and personal life. It was always my feeling that you lived exactly as you believed. I’d have been delighted to have you as a neighbor anytime.
I recall a lot of enjoyable times hearing your life stories, but my favorite has always been the one about Joseph O’lita and the nun teacher.
It’s really an understatement to say I miss you a lot; there simply aren’t enough conservative Republicans in this world! So, goodbye for the time being, Joe. I’m sure you are now with God.
Your strength and spirit was inspiring.
My hero, my friend, my father