Joseph William Billitti

Joseph William Billitti (Joe) passed away on October 21, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on July 7, 1940, in Los Angeles, California, at Queen of Angels Hospital, to Vincent Joseph Billitti and Dorothy Maude Cook. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and brother, Joe lived a life defined by hard work, perseverance, unwavering dedication to his family, and a lifelong commitment to his Catholic faith.

Joe was proud to be part of the early years of space exploration through his work as a rocket scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California. Through hard work and perseverance, he put himself through college, earning a degree in Electrical Engineering from Loyola Marymount College in Los Angeles. He contributed to early space exploration missions, including Voyager I and Voyager II, and traveled to Cape Canaveral several times to participate in rocket launches. He also developed and maintained software used in electrical cabling systems that was used for decades at JPL. Joe’s work reflected his technical skill, dedication, and contribution to humanity’s expanding understanding of space.

While Joe's professional accomplishments were impressive, his greatest devotion was always to his family. In 1965, he married Dotti, and together they raised four children and built a home grounded in love, faith, hard work, and cherished family traditions. Joe adored Dotti, and their life together created the foundation for countless treasured memories that would last a lifetime.

Joe is survived by his four children and their spouses: Lee and Teresa Field, Jay and Elizabeth Posey, Joe and Julie Billitti, and Matthew and Megan Billitti. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, who remain an important part of his family legacy. Joe is survived by his siblings, Mary, Dotti Ann, and Vince. He shared an especially close bond with his sister Mary, her husband, Dave Lacey, and their family, with whom he enjoyed a particularly treasured connection.

Following Dotti’s passing in 2003, Joe found love and companionship again. In 2004, he married JoAnn Simas, and he was grateful to share the next chapter of his life with her. From 2007 to 2025, they made their home in Oakhurst, California, before moving to Fresno, where Joe recently lived. Through his marriage to JoAnn, Joe also became part of her family, including her three adult children and their spouses, Rhonda and Jeff, Rod and Trudy, Ryan and his fiancé, Hilary, as well as seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. These relationships became a meaningful and cherished part of the life Joe and JoAnn shared.

Joe was a hardworking man who devoted his time, energy, and resources to caring for his family and home. During the nearly 30 years he lived in La Cañada, he was rarely idle. He worked diligently to provide for his family and lived simply, often riding his bicycle or moped to work rather than owning a car. Despite his demanding work, Joe rarely missed dinner with his family, and he made time for vacations and family game nights. In Oakhurst, he treasured his time working on their beautiful property and sitting on his patio enjoying a glass of wine with JoAnn and anyone who came to visit.

Joe’s Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. He attended Mass weekly and, whenever possible, daily. He found comfort, strength, and peace in praying the Rosary, and his faith remained a constant guiding presence throughout his life. His devotion to God was an enduring part of who he was and an example he shared with those closest to him.

Joe will be remembered for his intelligence, perseverance, strong work ethic, deep faith, and quiet devotion to the people he loved. His life was a testament to the value of hard work, the importance of family, and the strength that comes from a life rooted in faith. Though he will be deeply missed by his family and friends, his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the family he helped build, and the traditions he established.

May Joe rest in the peace of Christ and may the promise of eternal life bring comfort and hope to all who loved him.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Catholic Charities or a children’s charity of your choice in Joe’s name.