Joseph R. Cito

Joseph Rudolph Cito, 92 11/26/1917—11/08/2010 Joseph R. Cito was born, Joseph Iannacito November 26, 1917 to Italian immigrants Antonio and Rosa (Iacino) Iannacito who resided at 3526 Lipan St., Denver, CO 80211. Joe was not born with a middle name but chose Rudolph as a confirmation name after Rudolph Valentino. There after he used that as a middle name and would sign his name Joseph R. Cito even though his mother Rose didn't legally changed their name from Iannacito to Cito on March 24, 1942 when she became a citizen. He was the first born of 4 children: Marie, Louie, and Art. Joe went to Bryant Webster, Horse Mann Junior and graduated from North Denver High School in 1936. He started working at the age of 14 for his Uncle's Frank, Joseph, and Marion Iacino, who owned a meat market at the Diamond A Market, along with his mother Rose who worked as a butcher. When the Diamond A Market closed and the Iacino brother went into their separate businesses, Joe went to work for his uncle Marion Iacino who opened a placed called the East Jefferson Market in Lakewood, CO in the 1940's. In 1948, Safeway bought the East Jefferson Market where Joe applied and went on to work for Safeway as a Produce Manager for 35 years until his retirement in 1983. His talents and creativity shined while working for Safeway as he won many awards for his produce displays. Joe met Lucille Giambrocco in 1935 and was married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church on April 14, 1940. They bought their and only home on 38th & Umatilla in 1948. They had 3 daughters; Beverly, Janice, & Marilu. Joe was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Men's Club, which was originally called the Father's Club, on the year of its inception in 1953. Joe ran the ""Beat the Dealer"" booth at the annual Mt. Carmel Bazaar's, ushered at the 4 o'clock Saturday Mass, and went to Blackhawk with the church members monthly. Joe was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Denver Council #3319 beginning in 1951, one year after its inception, and became a 4th Degree Knight, the highest rank of the Knights. Joe enjoyed handing out Tootsie Rolls after mass for the St.Vincent Home, worked at the Knights of Columbus bazaar, and was Santa's elf at the Christmas Party. Joe and Lucille loved to travel together to Italy, England, Alaska, Jamaica, Hawaii, Atlantic City, New York, Boston, California, Connecticut, and Las Vegas. Their life together was filled with dancing, Italian traditions, children and grand children, the Bronco's, socializing, watching Lawrence Welk, reading the newspaper, and digging for dandelions in the spring for Easter. Joe enjoyed hunting for pheasants, rabbits, and duck with his brother in laws. He was blessed with 10 grand children, 10 great grand children, and 3 great great grand children. He will always be thought of fondly and will be deeply missed. Please share your memories of Joseph and condolences with the family by selecting the ""Sign Guestbook"" button below.