Joseph F. Polito

A native and resident of Baton Rouge, he died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was 78 and retired in 1991 from Ethyl Corp. with 42 years of service. He was a veteran of the Korean War. A parishioner of St. Thomas More Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, Joe served on the parish council for many years, chairing several committees and fundraising events. His community involvement included serving as president of the executive committee of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of Baton Rouge. Joe always enjoyed working for a good cause. A member of the Knights of Columbus since 1950, he was a charter member of Monsignor Dominic Blasco Council 3298 and was extremely dedicated, having served faithfully in many local and state positions, attaining the office of state deputy of Louisiana from 1996-1998. He was honored by the pope in 1992 as a Knight of St. Gregory the Great. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Merle Alello Polito; two daughters, Donna Bell and husband Chip, of Westlake Village, Calif., and Michelle Polito, of Baton Rouge; a son, Michael A. Polito, of Baton Rouge; eight grandchildren, Brian, Chris, David and Lauren Bell, Bailey Page and Brice, Davis and Miles Polito; two sisters-in-law, Mary A. Polito, of Baton Rouge, and Diane Polito, of Dallas; brother-in-law, Robin Alello and his wife, Gloria, of Baton Rouge; daughter-in-law, Suzettte Polito; numerous nieces and nephews and many dear friends in his "KC Family." Preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Mary Polito; brothers, Carlo Polito and Phil Polito; sister, "Nu" DeJohn and her husband Louis; and niece, Margaret Diane Polito. The family wishes to thank Dr. Gahan, Hospice of Baton Rouge and Home Instead Senior Care, especially Matt and Sandy for providing the many sitters who were so dedicated to Joe's care. Special thanks to Keitha, Jim and Brenda. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Wednesday, Dec. 5, was from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visiting resumes at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., on Thursday, Dec. 6, from 9:30 a.m. until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Entombment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Louis DeJohn, Jr., Ronnie Polito, Ray Polito, Gary Polito, Robin Alello, Derek Fife, Brett Alello and Johnny Fife. Memorial donations may be made to St. Thomas More Catholic Church Pre-school, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70815.