Joe attended John Carroll High School, graduated with a B. A. from Birmingham Southern College, M. A. The University of Alabama and UAB receiving a AA certificate in school administration. Joe enjoyed travelling to many countries around the world. He appreciated the fine arts especially the opera. He was preceded in death by parents Ben N. Tortorice and Frances Pillitieri Tortorice. He is survived by two sisters, Frances T. Maluff and Mary Grace Burt, long time friend, Herb Satterfield, two nieces, Elizabeth Krebs and Cecelia Jones and two nephews, Joseph and Michael Burt.
Joe was the youngest male principal ever appointed by the Birmingham Board of Education. In 1965 he served as principal; in 1968 Wylam Elementary; 1970 Green Acres, and in 1989 Robinson Elementary from where he retired in 1994.
Services will be private for the family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donation made to Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, Al or Saint Jude's Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN..