Joseph Soito

Joseph Soito, 82, a lifelong resident of Orient , found the perfect clamming spot in Heaven, on Wednesday, February 6, 2019.  

Joe, also known as “Josie,” was born in Greenport Hospital, on January 28, 1937, to Emilia and Estacio Soito.  He was predeceased by his sister Mary.

 A graduate of Greenport High School, Joe was employed as a plumber until Uncle Sam called him to service in the U.S. Army in 1960. Sergeant Soito was discharged from the army in 1962. 

 Upon return, he was employed by Ike Edwards Oil Company, where he learned the trade as an oil burner technician and enjoyed helping the community stay warm until his retirement from Burt’s Reliable in 2007.

 In 1964, Joe married Paddy D’Andrea.  Joe and Paddy welcomed two children, Jo-Ann Soito (Faulk) of Framingham, Mass., and Joseph Soito, Jr., of Wakefield, RI.   After raising their children, they were gifted with Raechel Soito (daughter of Joseph), Jessica & Jane Faulk (daughter of Jo-Ann & Jolyon Faulk), and Seth & Meghan Baxter (children of Joe’s wife, Diane).

 Joe joined the Orient Fire Department at 18, and except for the years in the Army, he jumped up and out at each alarm, for sixty years, at which time he retired.    

 Orient Causeway will never be the same, because Joe will no longer be spotted there clamming, an almost daily sight.  If he wasn’t there, he could be found on Young’s Road Beach casting for blackfish, in the bay looking for scallops, and in all his secret places searching for crabs and anything else. He also enjoyed pheasant and duck hunting, and was a member of the Orient Gin Club for most of his life. 

 All the dogs in heaven have been waiting for “Papa Joe,” the notorious under the table feeder. Not only will all the dogs he left behind miss him, but also all the children, many now adults, who treasured playing with “Papa Joe.”

 It is certain that Joe will find playmates in heaven until we can all join him.  May he rest in peace.

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