JOSEPH "JOE" PINTO age 85 years of Columbia, KY passed away Monday, August 6, 2012 at 12:25 AM at the Veterans Hospital in Lexington, KY after several months of illness.

He was born on February 27, 1927 in Mola Di Bari, Italy the son of the late:

Giovanni & Giovanna Deliso Pinto

Survived by his wife of 40 years: Opal Smith Pinto of Columbia, KY

The following children:

Joanne Leonard and husband Michael of Elmhurst, Illinois

Robert Hinz and wife Diana of Bartlett, IL

Richard Hinz and wife Debbie of LaGrange, IL

Marilyn Bachoe and husband Charles of Darien, IL

John Rich Jr. and wife Marge of Lombard, IL

Ralph Rich and Sharon of Plainfield, IL

Brenda Johnson and husband Carl of Plainfield, IL

Donna Cavazos and husband Robert of Plainfield, IL

Mary Gilliam and husband Steve of Plainfield, IL

Sisters: Nina (Jimmy) Vitto and Nainette (Giovanni) Furio both of Chicago, IL

26 grandchildren survive and 28 great grandchildren

Preceded in death by one brother: Vingenzo Pinto

Mr. Pinto was of the Catholic faith and attended the Hadley Community Church.

He was a US Army veteran, a retired Pressroom Supervisor for Bi-Link Metal Specialties

in Bloomingdale, Illinois for 13 years and a retired farmer.

Funeral service: Saturday, August 11, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home

Clergy officiating: Bro. Elbert Hadley

Interment in the Haven Hill Cemetery with full military honors by Columbia VFW Post 6097

and the Patriot Guard Riders

The family request visitation after 3:00 PM on Friday at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary Funeral Home

This obituary may be viewed and a guest book signed at www.stottsphelpsmcquearyfh.com

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Opal Pinto.

Visitation : Friday August 10 2012 after 3:00 PM at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary

Services : Saturday August 11 2012 at 11:00 AM at Stotts-Phelps-McQueary

Interment : Haven Hill Cemetery with full military honors by VFW Post 6097N