Joseph “Joe” Cutuli, 82, passed away on October 20, 2021 in Palm Desert, CA. Joseph was born on May 21, 1939 in Catania, Sicily to the late Rosaria and Santo Cutuli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years Barbara and brothers Angelo and Alfred. He is survived by his loving and devoted children, Rose Marie, Josephine, Joseph Cutuli, Jr, stepdaughters, Elizabeth & Christine and stepson/godson, Michael. He leaves behind his grandchildren, Krysten, Charles III, Alyssa, Jessica, Joseph, step-grandchildren, Michael, Steven, Michael and Kristina and great grandchildren Banks, Jennings and Audrey, as well as his sister-in-law, Grace Cutuli and nephews Joseph and John. Joe also held a special place for his two longtime close friends Tony and Chat and his caregiver Vanessa.
Joe came to the United States at the age of thirteen as his family settled in Astoria, New York. By age 16, Joe found work with a local family-owned business and was soon hired as their first full-time employee. He enjoyed a successful 40+ year career with Interstate Cigar Company, the last 25 years as Vice-President of Operations.
Joe and Barbara relocated to Westlake Village, CA in 1985 and soon thereafter they formed a new company. Joe successfully ran LIRA International until it was sold upon his retirement in the early 2000’s.
Throughout his life and into his retirement, Joe was passionate about thoroughbred horses. He and his partners owned and raced horses at many of the major parks in Southern California. Along with horses, Joe also loved his African Grey parrot, Portia, who kept him entertained and laughing for many years.
Joe enjoyed his retirement years in Palm Desert, CA. He stayed active with his many friends thru their weekly poker games, rounds of golf and golf putting league. He also looked forward to the many yearly family visits from his children throughout his retirement.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 2 pm at Wilkerson Funeral Home Chapel, 1909 Richardson Drive, Reidsville, NC 27320 with Shannon Newsome officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:30 – 2pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
The service will be live-streamed underneath Joe’s obituary on the Wilkerson Funeral Home website (www.wilkersonfuneral.com).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association. P.O Box 61420 Staten Island, NY 10306
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