Joseph Francis Abrutz

Joseph Francis Abrutz of Sun Lakes, Arizona, passed away peacefully with family by his side on his 99th birthday, April 20, 2025. Joe was married to his beloved wife, Beverly Housley Abrutz, for 71 years.

Born on April 20, 1926, in Youngstown, Ohio, Joe was the youngest of nine children of Ralph and Nicolina Abrutz.

Joe was a World War II veteran and proudly served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946 as a Radioman Third Class. He served in the South Pacific Campaign on a PT boat and earned the Victory Medal, American Area Campaign Medal, and Asiatic Pacific Area Campaign Medal.

After the war, he returned home to Ohio and attended Kent State University through the G.I. Bill, graduating in 1949. While at Kent State, he met the love of his life, Beverly.

Joe worked for Goodyear Tire and Rubber in Akron, Ohio, for several years and was later transferred to Goodyear Aerospace in Litchfield Park, Arizona, in 1961. He dedicated nearly 40 years working for Goodyear Aerospace, rising up the ranks to serve as the Director of Engineering Administration and Services. He was a hard working husband and father who instilled the values of respect and good work ethic.

Joe was a tremendous golfer at Cottonwood and Palo Verde Country Clubs, achieving an 8 handicap. He was also an amazing cook, often making homemade Italian meals for friends and loved ones using Abrutz family recipes. He often said, “Anytime you get the chance to have pizza, take it.”

Deeply committed to his family, Joe never missed a birthday or holiday. He was also dedicated to supporting many social causes and organizations that he cared about, including: Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, The Nature Conservancy, St. Jude, Dr.’s Without Borders, Disabled Veterans National Foundation, The Holocaust Center for Humanity, The Audubon Society, among others.

He is survived by his son, Joseph Abrutz Jr. (Deborah), and his daughter Kimberly Brooke (Ben); his four grandchildren: Cara Brooke (Jason), Joseph Abrutz III (Lauren), Nicholas Abrutz (Melissa), and Emily Brooke (John); his seven great grandchildren: Joseph IV, Martin, Mary, Eli, Flora, Emmett, and Olivia. As well as two nieces and three nephews: Paula Cizmar (Daniel), Valerie Viglione, Tom Cizmar (Marilyn), Tom Viglione (Sue), and Toby Abrutz Jr. (Jacque).

His loving wife, Beverly, passed away on January 23, 2023. He is also preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Nicolina Abrutz, who were naturalized American citizens from Italy, and his siblings Alphonse, Nicholas (Dixie), Anthony (Pitzi), Toby, Lena, Philomena, Mary, and Josephine.

Joe lived a happy, wonderful life, was loved, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on May 8th, 2025. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Sun Lakes United Methodist Church or one of the many causes Joe cared about.

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