Joseph E. Pitts

JOSEPH EARL PITTS, "Joe," "Joe Smo" was born on October 17, 1985, to Danetta McKinnon and Kevin Pitts Sr. and received his eternal rest on April 24, 2020, in Buffalo, New York.  A graduate of Lafayette High School, Joe decided to pursue a career in professional truck driving and was proud to find a home at Kris Oaks Construction Company.

Joe was a gentle giant, an introvert with a keen and discerning eye.  He would always see potential in others and would encourage them to reach their dreams.  His energy drew you in, softened your heart, made you smile and let you know things would be better.  He was a true friend who would always tell you what you needed to hear rathet than what you wanted to hear.

Joe was passionate about the Seattle Seahawks, cars, music, and, most importantly, family.  Joe was intensely loyal to his friends and family.  He enjoyed large gatherings and family dinners because they were always filled with love and laughter.  He wanted his big brother to know that he is limitless and that he could be and do anything he desired.  He would move heaven and earth for hid "Baby Sis" to keep her safe and provide a listening ear.  When his younger brother wanted to pursue his music , Joe was there as his advisor, supporter and promoter.  For his mom, Joe was a rock.  He loved her intensely and never wanted to see her in pain.  They bonded weekly over their Wednesday night tradition of yelling at the TV as characters behaved foolishly on their favorite shows of Chicago Fire, Med, or PD.

In 2016, Joe decided to move to Maryland with his uncle John (Natoscha).  His circle of love in Maryland grew quickly when he met an awesome group of friends.  Moving back to Buffalo two years later was hard, but Joe felt he now had a new purpose and he was going to share his knowledge with everyone he cared about.

Joe is survived by his mother, Danetta McKinnon; father Kevin (Mia) Pitts Sr.; brothers Kevin Pitts Jr. and Timothy Pitts; sister Evan Pitts; step-siblings Shatoya Carter, Yahshua Yalverton and Isaiah Smith; grandfather Joseph (Michelle) McKinnon; nephew Keon Pitts and niece Kalea Pitts; his closest friends James Demetro of Buffalo, NY and Raheen Kelton of Gaithersburg, MD, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Although Joe never married, family was his number one priority.  May his love, guidance, teachings and spirit continue to shine in each and everyone of us.   Funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family at a later date.

Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.

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