Joseph Michael Passaniti

On Monday, May 24th, 2021, our most cherished, Joe Passaniti passed away following an extended illness. A long- time resident of the Midway community, he was 80 years old.

“Joe” as he was affectionately called, was christened Joseph Michael Passaniti.  He was born on July 9th, 1940, at Burnwell in Kanawha County, West Virginia, the son of the late Dominick and Mildred Wilson Passaniti.  One of four children, in addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Virgil Passaniti and sisters, Mary Ann Bruce and Angelina Causey.  The family was of the Catholic faith.

Joe’s early years were spent in Sophia, where he graduated from Sophia High School, Class of 1958  and St. Michael’s High School in Pennsylvania.  He would join the US Army, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper, having three successful jumps.

Joe had a long career with General Motors Corporation, first working as a foreman and retiring as an accountant.

Joe has two sons from his first marriage, Johnny and Donnie Passaniti of Rochester, New York.

In July of 1996, he would marry the love of his life, Dorothy Wykle.  Dot and Joe were very happy.   Joe embraced Dorothy’s family and is also survived by her children, Randy Wykle (Vickie Ruth), Gary Wykle (Elaine), and Danny Wykle (Tina); granddaughters, Gina Howerton, Shirley Selleck, Tracy Lewis, Madison Wykle; grandson, Todd O’Neal and great grandsons, James, Joseph and Jensen Howerton. 

The Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, May 28th at 1:00 pm in the Melton Mortuary Chapel. The Rev. Mr. Harry Evans from St. Francis de Sales Church will be officiating.  The family will be receiving friends at 12 noon.   The Rite of Committal will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park.  

Melton Mortuary and Cremation Center has been entrusted with burial arrangements and are honored to serve the family. Words of comfort may be offered to the family by visiting www.meltonmortuary.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Michael Passaniti, please visit our floral store.