Joseph "Joe" F. Zito

Joseph "Joe" F. Zito, born in Birmingham, Alabama, on November 1, 1948, passed away peacefully at home on October 17, 2024, at the age of 75. He is now reunited in Heaven with his beloved parents, Frank and Juanita Zito, his brother Stevie, and his cherished daughter, Tamra Jo.

Joe was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and man of service. His life was marked by a passion for helping others, which was evident in both his military and Masonic careers. Joe served for 21 years in the U.S. Army, rising to the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the Air Defense Artillery Branch. His distinguished service culminated in his work on the NATO Tactical Evaluation Team. During his career, he earned numerous honors, including the Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, the Honorable Order of Saint Barbara and the Ancient Order of Saint Barbara.

After his military service, Joe devoted himself to the Masonic community. He was an active and respected member of his Blue Lodge and several appendant bodies to include the York Rite, the Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Shriners International, Allied Masonic Degrees, Knight Masons, Knights of York Cross of Honor the National Sojourners among others. Throughout his Masonic career he consistently rose to positions of senior leadership and distinction. In 2011, the York Rite Sovereign College of North America recognized him with their highest honor, the Order of the Purple Cross. In 2017, he served as the Most Excellent Grand High Priest for the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Arizona and in 2018 as the Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council of Royal and Select Masons of Arizona. For his long service to Masonry and the Scottish Rite, Joe was coronated a 33rd Degree, Inspector General Honorary in 2023.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Angelika Zito, with whom he shared 42 cherished years. He also leaves behind his daughters, Dianna Terpin and Michelle Walker, his son Eddie Zito, his son-in-law Abelardo Terpin, his sisters Maria and Judy, and his beloved grandchildren: Andres, Elisia, Jacob, Mary Katherine, John, Joe, Karen, and Hunter. All of whom will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, from 2:00 - 3:00 PM at Valhalla Funeral Home, located at 698 Winchester Rd NE, Huntsville, Alabama 35811. Following the visitation, there will be a celebration of life service with military honors at 3:00 PM in the Valhalla Funeral Home Chapel. After the service, the family will host a light meal and look forward to sharing your fond memories of Joe.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Cryptic Masons Medical Research Foundation or the Knights Templar Eye Foundation in honor of Joe. These can be found at https://alyorkrite.org/philanthropies.

Joe will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to service, his love for his family, and the profound impact he had on everyone fortunate enough to know him. His legacy of leadership, dedication, and kindness will continue to inspire.