Joseph DePoto II
Joseph “Joe” DePoto II, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Monday, November 16, 2009.
Joe was married to his wife, Sharon Ross DePoto, for 45 years and they made their home in Wilmot Township, Pennsylvania.
Originally from Harrison, New Jersey, Joe was a strong, quiet man who loved his wife, family, sports and his land. He spent countless hours maintaining his property and doing wood working, even after a stroke left him unable to use one side of his body.
Joe had four children, Sharon DePoto Smith, of Camptown, PA, Joseph DePoto III, of Elizabethtown, PA, Denise DePoto, of Camptown, PA, and Lori Ann DePoto Purnell of Allentown, PA.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Joseph DePoto; and his sister, Dorothy Pacheco.
He is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Ross DePoto, his daughter, Sharon DePoto Smith, and her three children Degan, Taylor and Bailey; his son, Joseph DePoto III, his wife, Lori Baker Depoto and their two children, Karyn and Sydney; his daughter Denise DePoto and her two children, Jordan and Danelle Salsman; and his daughter Lori Ann DePoto Purnell, her husband Linwood Purnell II, and two children Jacob and Joshua; his brother John DePoto and sister Josephine Troiano.
Joe will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Friends and family are invited to call on Thursday evening, November 19, 2009, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the McHenry Funeral Home, 106 Church Street, Wyalusing, PA.
Funeral services will be private on Friday, November 20, 2009, in the McHenry Funeral Home, with the Rev. Patricia Newhart, pastor of Beaver Meadows, officiating.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Guthrie Hospice, R.R. 1, Box 154, Towanda, PA 18848; in memory of Mr. Joseph DePoto.
Shade from the Apple Tree
Just like that apple tree, standing
Watch over the ole’ barn, you
Protected us. Gnarled from age, beautiful,
We swung from your arms, climbed up
and took perch in your lap, laughing.
You never waivered.
Your roots run deep with a silent strength
That is palpable. Stand watch, dad,
Over a land that brought you joy and peace.
Stand watch, over the fruit of your soul as you release it
From your branches. Stand watch, over the heart that
Made you blossom. Your branches now
Reach the heavens
But there is still protection in your shadow for us.