Joseph John Vitkovich, 85, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away peacefully on June 24, 2024. He was born on June, 18, 1939, to the late John and Anna Kovacev Vitkovich.

Following high school, Joe served in the Navy and Coast Guard for thirteen years. His career was being a master electrician and foreman with the B&M Railroad and then Amtrak. He enjoyed working on the trains.

In his wellness years, you could find him fishing on his boat, “The Papatoon.” He was a Boston Red Sox fan, and he liked to play corn hole. Joe was a true trivia and history aficionado. He liked to relax while enjoying a good cigar and sharing stories with family and friends.

Joe, or Papa as we called him, will be remembered as a caring and giving man who loved his family very much. His pride and joy were always his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded by his wives, Virginia Schoot and Sherryl Griffith; and son-in-law, Roland LaVallee. Those left to cherish his memories are his daughters, Gail LaVallee, Janet Lague and husband Steve, Sandra Pasquale and husband Dave, Angela Harrigan and husband Kevin; and his only son, Shane Vitkovich and wife Katherine. Also surviving are Joe’s two sisters, Lucy Driscoll and husband Mike, and Gerri Brown and husband Bob. Papa had seven grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all!

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, 494 E Plaza Drive, Mooresville, N.C., on Monday, July 15, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The funeral church service will be held at St. Theresa Church, 217 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, N.C., on Tuesday, July 16, at 11 a.m. The burial is at the Salisbury National Cemetery Annex, 501 Statesville Blvd, Salisbury, N.C., at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joseph’s name at the American Parkinson Disease Association at apdaparkinson.org.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Mooresville, is serving the family.