Joseph F. Poretta, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, January 28, surrounded by his loving family, following a brief illness.
Joe was 43 years old and is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine (“Casey”) Amina Poretta (née McCarthy) and his three children, Benjamin Joseph, James Frederick and Mary Catherine. He is also survived by his loving parents Joseph and Victoria Poretta (née Gargagliano), sister, Gabrielle Nerl (Kristof), aunt and uncle, Maria and Augie Fix, cousins, Angie Fix Hock, Tina Long (TK), Joe Fix (Jacqui), Ashley Lachman (Mike) and Aunt Mary Eleanor Bradley (Noreen Zavorsky). Joe was predeceased by his uncle, James Poretta.
Joe (Joey to many people) was born in Somerville, New Jersey and spent most of his childhood in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. He attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel School in Doylestown, LaSalle College High School and Central Bucks West High School.
Joe was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s University. After college, Joe moved to Boston and worked in finance, but the true motive for his move was to be among his people, New England sports fans. He eventually returned home to work for his Dad’s company, Poretta & Orr, where he was a successful salesperson. Sales came naturally to Joe. With his natural charm, he could talk to anyone and make friends anywhere. He built genuine connections and his clients and colleagues loved him as a professional and a friend.
Fatefully, Joe and Casey, who were both living in the Philadelphia area, met in Boston while each visiting friends. Joe knew instantly that Casey was the woman for him and his love for her was deep and abiding. His animated personality and ability to debate any point enabled him to fit right in with her large and vocal family. Casey’s family loved Joe as one of their own and he will remain forever in their hearts.
Casey and Joe have three beautiful children who loved Joe fiercely. Ben challenged Joe with his deep thinking and wide knowledge of so many topics. James loved to watch football and play sports with Joe and Mary was and always will be Daddy’s girl.
After Casey and their children, Joe’s next love was golf. He had a passion for the game, practicing and playing as often as he could, often competing in matches and tournaments. Beyond the competition, he loved the time it allowed him to spend with friends, and most especially his dad. He loved the community at Doylestown Country Club and will leave a legacy there of sportsmanship, talent and a love for the game.
Joe had the ability to light up any room with his enthusiasm, which was often accompanied by his wit and infectious laughter. He was warm and welcoming, always creating camaraderie and fun. He had an enormous circle of friends from every phase of his life. Joe was a devoted husband, adoring father and loving son and brother. He will be missed by so many and his spirit will live on in the legacy of the family he and Casey created and the community they built together.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m., Tuesday, February 6 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 235 East State Street, Doylestown where the family will greet guests from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. Interment will follow Mass in Doylestown Cemetery.
The family will also greet guests from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, February 5 at Reed and Steinbach Funeral Home, 2335 Lower State Road, Doylestown.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Joseph Poretta Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 2073, Doylestown, PA 18901 or at buckscountyfoundation.org