Joe AvitaDec. 5, 1923 - Oct. 31, 2017SalinasJoe Avita, was born on Dec. 5, 1923 in Holtville, CA. He went to meet his Lord Oct. 31, 2017 in Salinas after a long illness, with his wife of 45 years, Rosemary by his side. Joe was a World War II Army Veteran having served from Nov. 1945 thru July 1947 in the European theater and the Artic Test Branch. Joe worked his entire adult life in Agriculture. He worked as a field foreman for many different produce companies in the Salinas Valley, Arizona and Colorado. His last employer was the Salinas Lettuce Farmers Co-op. Joe liked to draw and did a little painting. He also enjoyed traveling to the Casinos for a little fun and relaxation. He also enjoyed time spent with his family and friends. He loved to hang out every morning with the "boys" for coffee at the Black Bear Dinner. Joe really liked it when he could no longer drive, grandchildren Mario or Destinee would take him to the dinner as often as possible. He was a pushover for all his children and grandchildren and was a friend to anyone he met. If you ever needed anything or just wanted to say hi you could always find him on the couch at home and the door was always open.He was preceded in death by his parents, all his siblings, sons Joe Jr. and Alan Avita, daughters Nancy Meza, Virginia Canales and grandson Ernesto Rodriguez Jr.Joe is survived by his wife Rosemary, daughters Yvonne Acevedo, Janet Flores, Betty Hernandez, Peggy Rodriguez, Judy Amaya and Dorothy Avita. He also leaves behind stepsons Fred Vasquez and Jeffrey Osborn and stepdaughters Kathryn Qualls and Peggy Parker. He leaves 34 grandchildren, 67 great grandchildren, 8 great-great grandchildren and numerous step grand, great grand, and great-great grandchildren. The family wishes to give special thanks to all the staff at SVMH, Windsor Ridge, VNA Hospice, Dr. Adya and all his Doctors for their excellent care during his long illness. Visitation will be held 5:00pm to 9:00pm Tuesday, November 7, 2017 at Alta Vista Mortuary, 41 East Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901Funeral Service will be held 10:00am Wednesday, November 8, 2017 at Alta Vista Mortuary, 41 East Alisal Street, Salinas, CA 93901 Burial will follow at Queen of Heaven Cemetery, 18200 Damian Way, Salinas, CA 93907Online condolences: www.altavistamortuary.com