Joseph Sam Fretto

Joseph Sam Fretto, 85, couldn't keep his beloved wife, Ginger, waiting, so he went to join her on January 16, 2024. Joe was born in Moline, Illinois on May 30, 1938. He grew up in East Moline until his family moved to Phoenix before his senior year in high school. Joe was the first graduating class at Camelback High School.

Joe enlisted in the U.S. Army and became a Military Policeman; serving overseas in Korea. He was Honorably Discharged as a Corporal. Joe married Virginia Stenka on June 23, 1962 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island, Nebraska. They built their life together in Phoenix with their three children.

Joe became a Phoenix firefighter in 1962, spreading his humor and camaraderie around several stations. He retired as an Engineer in 1985. Joe went on to work for America West Airlines, becoming the Chief of Safety. He stayed with the company when it merged with U.S. Airways and then American Airlines before retiring in 2013. Joe loved to travel, cheer on his New England Patriots and spend time with his family.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years Ginger; his parents Sam and Ann (née Siragusa) Fretto; and son-in-law Michael Wainscott. He is survived by his children: Michelle (Thomas) Marshall, Lorie Wainscott, and Todd (Jacqueline) Fretto; his grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kendyl, Joshua, Madelynn, Jacob, Brandon and Erika; his great-granddaughter Clara; and his sister Shirley. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m., March 8, 2024 at Blessed Sacrament Roman Catholic Parish in Scottsdale, Arizona. Military services to follow at the National Memorial Cemetery at 23029 N. Cave Creek Rd. in Phoenix.