Richters, Joseph John

63, of Peoria, Arizona, passed away at his home on December 16, 2012. He died of pancreatic cancer. Joseph was born August 15, 1949, in New York City, New York. He was born of Theodore and Elizabeth Richters and raised by his step-father Leo Zelkowitz and his mother, Elizabeth. He grew up in New York City with his three sisters, playing stick ball, baseball, and marbles on the concrete. As a kid, he tried to go to as many majorleague baseball games as possible, and as he became older he followed in his step-dad’s footsteps and learned to wager on the horses. He graduated from George Westinghouse Vocational and Technical High School in Brooklyn, New York in 1967. He was employed by CBS while in high school. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served for four years until discharge in 1971. He attended Glendale Community College. The USAF sent him to Karamursel Air Station in Turkey where he met Darlene. They were married on October 16, 1971 in Naples, Florida. Joe and Darlene moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1972. They had two beloved children: Jolene and Lisa. Joe worked for Goettl Brothers Air Conditioning for thirty years where he made numerous life-long friendships. He was lastly employed by Amazon.com for four years. One of his interests was playing or watching baseball, or watching almost any sport on television. He looked forward to gathering with friends for the Super Bowl, as well as an occasional poker game with Jeff and friends. Joe’s favorite pastime was going to horse-race tracks and wagering on the horses, spending many Sundays at Turf Paradise or Padre Murphy’s. He liked the excitement of mingling with fellow aficionados who also hoped for the chance of winning a big one. Family activities were a priority. Family-time included playing wiffle ball, coaching, camping, spring training, Cubs games, Weiner-dog races, vacations, microwaving French toast or veal parmigan, night time baths, ribtickling and knee-squeezing. Even the grandchildren had to watch out for the knee-squeezer. Joe Is survived by his wife Daisy Darlene, daughters Jolene Sarah Richters, Lisa Amy(Jeffrey) Richters Black, grandchildren Kyle Joseph Black, Sabrina Natalie Black, and Corey Jefferson Black. His mother Elizabeth Marie Madeline Zelkowitz of Las Vegas, Nevada, Sisters Patricia Richters of New Jersey, and Norma Belle Zelkowitz of Nevada, many nieces and nephews. Also, the family wiener dog, Trixie. He is preceded in death by his stepfather Leo Zelkowitz and sister Vicki Elizabeth Zelkowitz both of Las Vegas, Nevada, Aunts Adelaide Izzo Murphy and Katherine Izzo Nash, and one uncle Joseph Izzo, all of New York. Memorial service will be led by Rev. Patricia Young at the Peoria Presbyterian Church at 11:00 AM, on December 27, 2012. The church is located at 10236 N. 83rd Ave, Peoria, Arizona 85345. A light lunch will follow. Interment at National Memorial Cemetery will be a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: pancan.orgJoe will be remembered for his love and commitment to his family, his thoughtfulness, and sense of humor. He could easily be an honorary member of the National Sarcasm Society if there was such a thing. On a clear night, take a look in the sky. Those twinkles you see? Well, they are the smiles Joe has been saving.