Joseph Tony Righetti

Joseph Tony Righetti Jr., age 72, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, December 31, 2022, after a long battle with dementia. He died of natural causes. He was born November 18, 1950, in Upland, California, to Joseph Righetti Sr. and Alice Pauline (Hiner) Righetti. He graduated from Montclair High School in 1968. He was dedicated and baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in 1968. Joe married the love of his life, Marilynn Walterhouse, on September 22, 1973. They were married 49 years. Joe and Marilynn moved to Vernal, Utah, in 1981. Joe enjoyed being a truck driver most of his life and providing for his family. Everyone that knew Joe would agree that one of his greatest loves was for good food. He could out-eat anyone. He loved Marilynn's spaghetti especially. Anyone that met Joe never forgot him. His big personality was one of a kind, his laughter contagious. Very fittingly, he is called "The Big Guy." Not one person has met Joe that doesn't have a fun story to share. Joe enjoyed playing cards with his friends, going to Puerta Vallarta to enjoy the beach and warm weather, going to Bear Lake, fishing, golfing, watching old movies, and singing Elvis songs. He was the life of any party. His best card playing and preaching buddies were Gary Fosness, Mike Nussbaum, and Chris Parsons. If you want some entertaining stories, ask them. When anyone was in need, Joe was the first to show up, no questions asked. Though Joe had no children of his own, he was a second dad to many, including Mikey Nussbaum, Cryssi Branda, Miranda Fernandez (he called her PeeWee), Aprill Reese, and Ian, Sage, and Kyle Parsons. The most important thing to Joe though, was his love for Jehovah. He was a faithful man, with a wonderful hope of resurrection in the future. Over the years, Joe developed close bonds with the Vernal Congregation. All members were very special to him, and he considered them family. He will be truly missed! Joe is survived by his wife, Marilynn; his mother, Alice Pauline Righetti (St. George, UT); brother Robert (Susan) Righetti (Idyllwild, CA); sister Paula Jo (Jay) Pitcher (St. George, UT); and 6 nieces and nephews and their children. Joe is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Righetti Sr., in 2004. Family, friends, and others whose lives Joe touched are invited to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses (232 East 1500 North) Vernal, Utah, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023, to remember Joe, learn about his hope, and support each other. Online condolences may be shared at www.AshleyValleyFuneralHome.com.