Joseph Rosario Polito, Jr.

Joseph R. Polito, Jr., 77, of West Chester, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, June 19, 2016 after a long battle with cancer. 

Joey, born on February 14th, was the firstborn son of Giuseppe Rosario Polito of Monforte San Giorgio, Sicily and Rose Concetta Terrizzi of West Chester who both precede him in death. 

Joe spent his childhood in the aisles of his parents’ corner grocery store surrounded by his siblings:  Florine Simpson (dec.), Anthony Polito, Francis “Pidge” Polito, and Mary Lou Enoches. 

He graduated from St. Agnes Catholic High School in 1956 as the Class President and Salutatorian.  Joe “Pip” then attended Saint Joseph’s College where he carried a major of Political Science and became heavily involved with the St. Joe’s basketball team as Team Manager.  His love for and his dedication to his alma mater and his beloved Hawks remained unbreakable over the years and led him to participate in many organizations associated with SJU.

After graduating from SJU in 1960, Joe earned his Juris Doctor from Villanova School of Law in 1963.  He then began his legal career with Perna and Delduco in 1964.  He served as Assistant District Attorney of Chester County in 1968.  Joe’s professional experience continued when he became specially assigned Deputy Attorney General for West Chester University in 1969.  In 1974, he opened his first practice, Kent & Polito. During this time, Joe met Marianne Ritchie, from Aston Delaware County, and they were married in August of 1976.  Joe and Marianne had two children, daughter Marie Rochele and son, Joseph Christopher.

Joe was associated with the PA and Chester County Bar Associations along with the Chester County Chiefs of Police.  He held court memberships for the US District Court, the PA Supreme Court and Superior Court, and the Chester County and Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.  Joe loved the law immensely and dedicated his life to community service.  He was extremely proud of his involvement with Rotary International.  He served as a member, Past President, and Board Member of the Rotary Club of West Chester where he received many distinguished awards and honors.  He also served as a Pro Bono solicitor many local clubs and organizations.  He received a Dedicated Service/Lifetime Membership Award for his involvement and volunteerism with First West Chester Fire Company.  He was a former Volunteer Ambulance driver and First Aide Technician with Good Fellowship Ambulance Company.  He also volunteered his time and resources for innumerable causes and organizations. Joe was involved in Lodge Guido Baccelli #687 Order Sons of Italy in America, the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania OSIA, and his beloved Italian Social Club where he was a member, President, Dedicated Service/Honorary Lifetime Membership and DT Marone Award recipient for contributions to the West Chester Community. 

Joe spent his entire life in West Chester.  This along with his dedication and service to his community earned him the name “Mr. Chester County” by many of his friends and family.  He loved his extended family dearly including all of his nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, and his Community as a whole.  He always had a story to tell, or a restaurant to recommend.  He was loved and admired throughout his lifetime and will be sorely missed. 

Relatives and friends are invited to his visitation on Saturday June 25, 2016 from 8:30 to 10:00 am at Saint Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay Street, West Chester, PA 19380; where his Funeral Mass will begin at 10:00 am. 

Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Joseph R. Polito, Jr. Memorial Fund c/o Keystone Federal Credit Union, 1052 Andrew Dr. West Chester, PA 19380.

Arrangements by DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.

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