In Memory
Joseph Karl Oletti
Oct. 18, 1953 - Oct. 24, 2025
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Joseph Karl Oletti, 72, loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. Joe passed peacefully at home on October 24, 2025, in Globe, Arizona.
Born on October 18, 1953, in Fontainebleau, France to Joseph John Jr. and Charlotte Oletti, Joe was raised in Downers Grove, IL, and later in South Bend, IN. He graduated from John Adams High School in 1971 and earned his B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame in 1975.
Joe is preceded in death by his father Joseph J. Oletti, Jr., mother Charlotte Oletti, and brother Mark Oletti.
Joe is survived by his children: Michelle Oletti, Joseph C. Oletti (Jenny) - Sara Oletti (Joseph), and Michael Oletti (Brittany), his brothers: Timothy Oletti (Rhonda), Geoffrey Oletti (Julie), and Brian Oletti (Kimberly), and his grandchildren: Joey, Hailey, Callan, Cash, Cecilia, Oliver, Otto and Ella.
Throughout his teen and young adult years, Joe spent many summers waterskiing, bass fishing, playing poker, pinochle and ping pong with his friends and family on Diamond Lake in Cassopolis, MI. Joe also enjoyed fishing trips with his brothers, dad and uncle Karl to Hayward, Wisconsin and Canada, creating memories that lasted a lifetime.
During Joe’s time at Notre Dame, he volunteered at the Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in South Bend, IN which exemplified his compassion and willingness to help others in need. Joe built a very special, nurturing relationship with each patient he served.
While at Notre Dame, Joe made lifelong friendships with fellow classmates Tim Kinney (South Bend, IN), John Zelinski (Pittsburgh, PA), and Joe LaFlare (Phoenix, AZ). Joe worked at ROCCO’s Pizza (est. 1951) making pizzas for Rocco and Julia Ameduri, where he learned the fine art of throwing a pie. Joe’s closest friendship began when Julia’s daughter Linda and her husband Warren (Guerino) Verteramo inherited the restaurant. Joe’s classmates, friends, and family developed a strong love for ROCCO’s Pizza, which continues to this day.
After Notre Dame, he met and married Patricia (Patty) Simon on June 2, 1979. He began his career working for various companies in the Chicagoland area where they created a loving family before moving to Rockton, IL and ultimately to the Phoenix, AZ area. Joe enjoyed fishing with his children, getting the family together for holidays in South Bend and of course, watching Notre Dame football.
Joe accomplished a very successful 48-year finance career focused on senior executive financial roles including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Controller, and Chief Comptroller.
Joe and Patty separated in 1999. Joe later married Evelyn Rose on February 25, 2012.
Joe and Evelyn resided in Casa Grande, and later Globe, Arizona where Joe worked for the Gila River and San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation.
A small family celebration of Joe’s life will be held later. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, 1121 E Lasalle Ave, South Bend, IN 46617.
11/08/2025 DEC
oseph Karl OlettiJoseph Karl Oletti
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