Joseph Melito, 90, passed away Saturday, January 27, 2024 in Virginia Beach, Virginia surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born February 17, 1933 to Joseph and Rose Melito in New York, New York. He graduated from high school in 1951 and was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served honorably for two years in Germany.
Joseph met the love of his life, Susan, through a mutual friend at work in 1963. Joseph and Susan were married on October 17, 1964, and stayed married for the past 59 years. There union bore three sons, Dominic, Joseph, and Anthony. Joseph began working for the New York City Sanitation on July 19, 1965, 4 years to the day before his son Anthony was born. Joseph and Susan moved to Long Island in 1971, and settled in Bayshore, where they raised their family. Joseph worked hard for his family, coached little league, and was an amazing dad.
After retiring from the City Sanitation in 1985, Joseph and Susan moved to Virginia Beach, where they have lived ever since. Joseph found his “calling” as a Walmart greeter, first at the Salem location, but then for 20 years at the RedMill location in Virginia Beach. Everyone that went to Walmart knew “Mr. Joe,” the greeter as the whistler with a one-liner, funny hats, a big smile, and a story to share.
In addition to being predeceased by his parents, Joseph was predeceased by his two brothers; Vincent and John. Left to cherish his memory are his three sons, his sister-in-law Delores, 2 grandsons Andrew and Nicholas, 3 granddaughters Carissa, Ashlee, and Madison, and great-grandson Landon, as well as many cousins, relatives, and loving friends.
A visitation will be held from 5:00pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, February 9, 2024 at Family Choice Funerals Home, 5401 Indian River Road, Virginia Beach, Virginia 23464. In lieu of flowers, please make a donate to pancreatic cancer research in Joseph’s name. Condolences may be left for the family at www.vacremationsociety.com