Joseph Benito Esposito, known to family and friends as "Joe," a lifelong resident of Portland, passed away after a brief illness on September 4, 2026, at the age of 92. He was born on January 18, 1934, in Portland to Vincenzo and Camilla (Rumo) Esposito. He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Sally (Holmes) Esposito.

Joe graduated from Portland High School in 1953, where he played football and proudly recalled his team's Thanksgiving Day victory over rival Deering High School. After graduation, he worked for the Portland Parks Department before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he served as a radioman. Following his military service, he returned to the Portland Parks Department and Riverside Municipal Golf Course, where he retired as Course Superintendent in 1997. Known by everyone who golfed Riverside, he took great pride in caring for and improving the course, including overseeing its expansion, and became a familiar face to generations of golfers.

Family was the heart of Joe's life. He especially cherished the memories of growing up in Portland's close-knit Italian community on Munjoy Hill, where he shared countless adventures with his ten brothers and sisters, many cousins, and lifelong friends. Those stories remained some of his favorites to tell throughout his life. Although he had no children of his own, Joe will always be remembered and loved as the unforgettable, mischievous uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Aside from spending time with family, Joe most enjoyed being outdoors—whether golfing, fishing, gardening, or making his many trips to Rockwood and Mount Kineo. His rambunctious personality, sense of humor, and playful teasing, left lasting memories for everyone who knew him.

Joe is survived by his sisters, Elizabeth Thibodeau of Hamden, Connecticut; Patricia Regiacorte and her husband, Luigi, of Lake Mary, Florida; and Camilla Jelinek and her husband, Thomas, of Boonton, New Jersey; his brothers, Quido Esposito and his wife, Teresa, of Buxton, and Richard Esposito of Buxton; his sister-in-law, Elaine Esposito of Westbrook, Maine; as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 11, at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org).