Joseph Leonard Di Vito

Joseph Leonard Di Vito, Lt Col (Ret), USAF, died in the early morning hours of July 12, 2023 at the age of 66. His wife, Patricia Di Vito, was by his side when he passed at the Hillsboro Medical Center. Joe suffered from several health issues over the years, surviving through grit and determination until his body could not continue. Joeand Tricia were married Dec.1,2020. They were both born on December 1, so they knew their wedding day had to be on that date, as well. Joe found true love with Tricia and enjoyed the fullness of family during their marriage, spending time between their beach house in Rockaway Beach, Ore., and an apartment in Hillsboro, Ore. As an Air Force navigator in four variants of the large C-130 cargo planes, Joe traveled the world, including 10 months in the desert based in Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar. His work supported missions in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas around the globe. After 31 years, Joe retired from the Air Force in 2012 with 7,814 flying hours logged. He was extremely proud of his military career and the lifelong friendships forged during his service. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Leonard J. Di Vito; and his brother, Leonard M. Di Vito. Joe is survived by his wife, Patricia; step-children, Kristina Goodman (Tony),Robin Weil (Rick), Dick Gates Jr. (Sheila); step-grandchildren, Jacob Colligan, Cody Gates (Neena), Jenna Haney, Austin Gates, Emily Weil, Jillian Haney, and Matthew Gates; step-great-grandson, Jett Sampson and his Dad, Sean; his mother,Frances Di Vito; sisters, Linda Ross (Richard) and Rita Bohus (Stephen); brothers, Paul Di Vito (John Silvia), James Di Vito (Lee), Robert Di Vito (Brian Frasier), and Jean Pierre Di Vito (Daiva); and, many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. An interment will be held at 2:15 p.m., July 31, 2023, at Willamette National Cemetery, Happy Valley, Ore. The family requests that any donations in Joe’s memory be made to his chosen organization the Special Operations Warrior Foundation (specialops.org) of Tampa, Fla.