Joe Lista

AIKEN - Joe Lista, 88, passed away July 29, 2012, at his home surrounded by his family. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday at First Baptist Church, Aiken with the Reverend Dr. Fred Andrea III officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Historical Bethany Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gene Baldwin, Tom Baldwin, Rudy Cook, Nick Devich, Jimmy Jay, and Wade Johnson Joe was a second generation American. Born on April 7, 1924, and raised in Long Branch, N.J. he volunteered for the Army Corp of Engineers at the age of 18. He was in the Normandy Invasion, battle of Omaha Beach. He was in the Battle of the Bulge including the Rhineland, Ardennes and Northern France. His unit arrived in Paris and was ordered out for the Japan invasion. His ship was on the seas when WWII ended. His ship was one of the first to return to USA. Post war for several years he trained with Master Photographers and later employed at SRP. From 1953 to 1989 Joe operated Lista's Studio. In 1980 he received Best of Show in every category in the SCPPA. Joe’s award winning competition entries were the same portraits that he created for his clients. His contemporaries would submit special "show photographs" for competition. July 22, 2012, the Mayor and Aiken Council proclaimed: Joe Lista Day. He was a member of Aiken First Baptist Church, Masonic Lodge, Shifters Boating Club, and the Veterans Association. He is survived by his wife of 59 years Margaret S. (Bouncie); two sons, Joel C. (Tracie) Lista, Charleston, SC, Todd H. (Wanda) Lista, Aiken; a daughter, Hollie L. Watson, Charleston, SC; a brother, Col. Al. P. Lista, Montgomery Al; Grandchildren: Andrew N. Watson, Jr., Joseph Paul Watson, Caroline J. Lista, Sam M.Lista, Elizabeth C. Lista; two nieces and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul G. and Lucy DeNucci Lista; a sister and brother-in-law, Eleanor and Mitte Aschettino; a sister-in-law, Alberta T. Lista; and a niece, Patty L. Bealer. Donations may be made to the Aiken First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 3157, Aiken, SC 29802 The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM Wednesday at Shellhouse Funeral Home. Mr. Lista’s online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joe Lista, please visit our flower store.