Obituary of Joseph Anthony Sitra

On Tuesday, June 04, 2019, Joseph (Joe) Anthony Sitra, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away at the age of 81. Joe was born on September 9, 1937 in Brooklyn, NY as a first-generation American to Italian and Polish immigrants, Joseph and Estelle Sitra. After high school, his parents and some of the family moved to Hollywood, FL where he met the love of his life, Jane (Wilson). They were married on August 21, 1959 and were together through love for over 60 years.

During his career, Joseph started two successful air conditioning and refrigeration businesses, Sitra for Service Inc. and Sitra Distributing Company, which served several Florida counties for decades.  His sons followed in his footsteps by running businesses in the same field. He was an avid investor and deemed civic and political activities to be very important. He was a proud Republican and American who worked all his life to achieve the “American Dream”.

 In 2007, Joe retired to Ocala, FL with his wife to enjoy the serene rural life. A supporter of animal rights, he and his wife looked after sand hill cranes, koi fish, deer, and countless wildlife in their own back yard. Throughout his retirement, Joe developed friendships and conversed with hundreds of people from all around the world.  Survivors include his wife Mrs. Jane A Sitra; daughter Josette Sitra Gillette, son-in-law Kevin  Gillette, grandchildren Kevin  Gillette, Jr.,  Krystal Arvelo, grandson in law Manuel Arvelo;  son Joseph  Sitra, Jr., daughter-in-law Joann Sitra, grandchildren Justine Medina and grandson in law Josh  Medina, great grandchildren Aiden, Calvin and Zera  Medina; son John  Sitra, daughter in law Kimberly Sitra, grandson John  Sitra, Jr. great grandchildren  John  Sitra, III, Joshua  Sitra, grandson Vincent Sitra grandson  David  Sitra, grandson Nicholas  Sitra; daughter Jill Rosco, son in law Steve Rosco, grandson  Matthew  Palmieri, IV, great grandchildren  Matthew  Palmieri, V and Scarlett  Palmieri, grandsons Mark  Palmieri, Robert  Rosco, granddaughter in law Brook Lyn Rosco, great grandchildren Brett  and Zoey  Rosco.  He was preceded in death by his parent Joseph and Estelle Sitra, and by his younger brother David Salvatore Sitra.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 10, 2019 at Our Lady of the Springs Catholic Church, 4047 NE 21st St, Ocala, FL 34470 with Fr. Justin Vakko presiding.  A visitation will be held on from 5-8 pm on Sunday, June 9, 2019 at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, Ocala, 910 E Silver Springs Blvd. with a Wake Service at 7pm.  Entombment will be at Highland Memorial Park immediately following the services.  Online condolences may be left at www.hiers-bacley.net