Joseph Bilotta Jr.

02/02/30 - 11/04/12

Joseph Bilotta Jr. was born to the parents of Ida Palumbo and Joseph Bilotta Sr. Joseph was born in Chicago near Chinatown. He lived in Chicago for most of his youth. He graduated high school and then he went on to work in a flower shop and later he worked as an elevator operator; where he meet many interesting people.

Joseph had a friend named Bill Wands that wanted to move to California and asked Joe if he would like to go with him. Joe asked his mother and his mother said “no, I don`t want you to go”. Joe`s sisters told their mother, “just let him go, he`s old enough”. So off they went. They moved in to an apartment until they got on their feet. As time went by, Joe found work with Caltrans. Joe ended up working for Caltrans for thirty years. Joe worked hard and had many stories. One story that Joe liked to tell is when he worked a thirty six hour shift. When the supervisor come by to check up on the crew he saw Joe and told him he looked tired, how long have you been working? Joe replied, for thirty six hours straight. Well, why didn`t you say something? Joe replied, “I like the overtime”, Joe really knew how to make a dollar out of a dime.

One of the times Joe went back to visit his family in Chicago, Joe meet his friend Frank Sberno. Joe and Frankie became great friends. Frankie later moved to California and he stayed with Joe. Joe mentored Frankie until he got on his feet. In that time they did some traveling to Europe. Joe loved to travel and loved to visit other countries. Joe`s favorites were Rome (Joe being a devoted Catholic) and Florence Italy. Joe retired on Aug. 1, 1982. Joe lived a quiet life. Joe would walk every morning to church, in which was about five miles round trip. In his spare time would walk down Ventura Blvd which was near his home. He would cross over a beautiful bridge that was over the L.A. River.

Joe met Chris Sanchez and Chris started helping Joe out with projects around the house. Joe also mentored Chris and Chris and Joe became good friends. Chris had never been out of the country, so Joe took Chris on a trip to Europe. If it wasn't for Joe, Chris would have never experienced a trip like that. Chris lived with Joe because Joe had some health issues and he needed some extra help, so Chris moved in with Joe. Chris worked in the area, so it worked out for both of them.

With Joe having health issues, Joe needed a caretaker. This is when he met Bengie. By the way, Bengie is not his real name, his real name is Bonie! Joe couldn't remember his name, so he just called him Bengie! Once again, Joe became a mentor. Joe and Bengie became great friends. They would go to Ventura Blvd and check out everything and look for coins in the parking meters! Joe would collect the coins and put them in a jar to save them for the church!

Joe made a lot of friends everywhere he went. The people at the hospitals and all the doctors liked him.

Joe would often tell everyone..."Save your Money!" This is one thing Joe would instill in everyone. That is one reason he was so memorable.

Twice a week, Joe would go to Azusa. Azusa is about 30 miles east of Studio City. This is where Joe met his good friends, which were like family to him. Joe's friends were very special to him and he loved them all. This is where Joe would play poker and steal quarters from his friends while watching sports, as long Joe was feeling well...if not we would hear him say "CHRISTOPHER!"...that would mean he wanted to go home!

When Joe would get hungry, he would get one of his neighbors to bring him a plate of food. Joe was well liked. Azusa was the place where he had the best and most memorable times.

In closing, Joe was a beautiful person. Joe respected the people that respected him no matter where they were from.

For me, it was an honor to know Joe. He helped me to see life in a different way. I just wish I knew Joe longer. I bet a lot of his friends feel the same way. Joe will be missed and never forgotten. Joe, thank you for being my friend and we will always remember the beautiful smile.

Services are under the direction of Oakdale Memorial Park & Mortuary.