Obituary of Joseph Arnita

Joseph Arnita of Matamoras died on February 27, 2023.  He was 69. 

The son of the late Joseph P. and Dorothy Arnita he was born on August 14, 1953 in Yonkers, NY. 

Joe was a former Business Agent & Chief Negotiator with Teamsters Local 445.  He had spent time as a Dispatcher for L.J. Kennedy Trucking and an Auto Sales Associate throughout North East Pennsylvania.  Be it any job that he had or his love of the Yankees and golf, Joe loved being a grandpa more then anything at the latter part of his life.  

Beloved husband of Debera Lotz Arnita.  Devoted father of Ashley Lotz (Michael Krupa), Lauren Arnita (Luke Harris) and John Arnita (Ellice Mabrey-Arnita).  Cherished grandfather of Mary, Charlotte, Harrison, Josephine, Kase, Calvin and Colton.  Dear brother of Donna Millar.  Uncle to many nieces and nephews.  Beloved fur baby, Simba.  

In addition to his parents Joe was predeceased in life by his stepmother Rose Arnita and brother Gary Cannon.  

Joe and his granddaughter Charlotte shared the same birthday, his favorite meal of the year was sharing their annual straberry shortcake on it together.  Known as "Joefish" his favorite job was being a grandpa, always supporting the kids be it courtside or on stage.  We will always remember his endless support and unconditional love for his children.                                          - Ashley Lotz 

Always a joker and eager to make others laugh, you were always "working on your material" to make others smile.  Your contagious laugh I will never forget.  You loved your card games, board games, car games but it was the quality time we spent together that you loved more then anything.  I will remember you as a dedicated family man and your proud achievement of creating this family. 
                                                                                                                                - Lauren Arnita 

Joe spent countless hours driving the darkest roads in America to volleyball games and argued about sports for hours while eating Elios Pizza.  Weather it was watching baseball or board games, he loved to spend time with and took great pride in his family.  He will forever be "our guy" 
                                                                                                                              - John Arnita 

For those of you who may not know, Joe was diagnosed with advanced stage Lung Cancer in November 2022. Despite this diagnosis, he maintained his humor and high spirits. He was a fighter and was adamant about being positive and fighting the good fight for however long as possible. We are so thankful for the time we were able to have with him but heartbroken because of how short it truly was. The last couple of months have been a whirlwind and his quick passing has left us reeling. Since his diagnosis, it has been a rollercoaster of emotions that culminated in honoring his wishes to be home surrounded by family with services to ensure he was comfortable. We are all devasted by his loss and were not prepared for the high costs of funeral services.

During this time, his family is asking you to join in celebrating his life and in lieu of flowers, donations are appreciated and can be done by contacting the family directly.   Arnitala@gmail.com

Visitation Sunday 3/5/23 from 1 to 5:00PM at KNIGHT-AUCHMOODY Funeral Home, 154 East Main Street Port Jervis NY 12771.  Funeral Monday 10:30AM with last leave prayer at 11:00AM from the Funeral Home.  Interment to immediately follow Pine Grove Cemetery, Matamoras.