By Staff
NILES – Joseph Garritano, 84, of Amanda Court, Aiken, S.C., died at 1:25 a.m., Sunday, Jan. 18, 2009, at University Hospital, Augusta, Ga., following an extended illness.
Joe was born on July 14, 1924, in Chicago, Ill., to Antonio and Carmela (Malito) Garritano.
After his birth in Chicago, Joe moved with his family to a farm in Dowagiac, where he continued to grow up and attended a one-room schoolhouse down the road.
He then attended what is now Western Michigan University and entered the U.S. Army towards the end of World War II.
After his military service, Joe became an apprentice carpenter, which led to the development of his own construction business, Garritano Builders, in Niles.
Mr. Garritano's business worked on many Catholic projects involving both Saint Mary Catholic Church in Niles and Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Edwardsburg.
He remained active in construction even in retirement, always ready to help with neighbors' projects.
All of his children inherited his creative ability and his three sons worked with him at various times in their youth.
With great satisfaction to Joe, his son Roger has a construction business on Hilton Head Island and, most recently, two grandsons entered the business now named Garritano and Sons.
Possessing his wonderful work ethic allowed all eight of his children to develop successful businesses or careers.
The devoted love and care of his wife, Robin, and her two daughters enriched and prolonged Joe's life so he was able to enjoy his grandchildren and now great-grandchildren.
All of his children received his handcrafted objects, regular phone calls and interest in their lives from him.
In addition to construction, Joe kept active going to flea markets, restoring antique wooden wagons and tending to numerous pets.
He was an inspiring example of how to stay active and busy despite health issues during retirement.
He was a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church, Niles, and Holy Maternity of Mary Catholic Church, Dowagiac.
On Feb. 13, 1988, in Aiken, he married Robbie S. "Robin" (Peacock) Garritano, who survives.
Joe is also survived by his eight children, Mary Jo (Ted) Halbritter of Edwardsburg, Anthony Garritano of Vicksburg, Roger (Pam) Garritano of Hilton Head Island, Sandra (Gary Steinberg, M.D.) Garritano of Redwood City, Calif., Judith (Glenn) Stevens of Scottsdale, Ariz., Laura (Vern) Radewald of Hopkins, Minn., Jane (Todd) Johnson of Buchanan, Joseph M. (Jill) Garritano of Minnestrista, Minn.; step-daughters, Heather and Jessica Peacock of Aiken; 13 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Surviving siblings include two sisters, Esther Pilot of Berrien Springs and Mary (Dick) Chappell of Dowagiac; and three brothers, Albert (Lorna) Garritano of Dowagiac, Victor (Joan) Garritano of Niles and Arnie (Carol) Garritano of Dowagiac.
Mass of Christian Burial for Joseph Garritano will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, at Saint Mary Catholic Church by the Rev. David Otto.
Committal rites follow at Calvary Cemetery, Dowagiac.
His family will receive relatives and friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday at Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.
Contributions in memory of Joe Garritano may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, 1421 E. 12 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.