Elvis Presley's Road Manager - Joe Esposito Private Funeral Planned

January 22, 1938 - November 23, 2016 Joe (Joseph Carmine) Esposito passed away peacefully in Calabasas, California, at 78. Joe was born of Italian immigrants in Chicago, Illinois.

He was a happy, jovial man who made friends with everyone he met. Often his children were told "Your father is the nicest man I've ever known!" An Italian through and through, he loved to cook and entertain, nurturing family and friends, thriving in the laughter and enjoyment around the table. His playful nature endeared him to many, and he was gifted in reaching out and staying in touch.

And, of course, music was a great love¿ Best known as Elvis Presley's road manager and best friend, Joe and Elvis met in the army in 1958, while stationed in Germany. They worked together until Elvis' death in 1977. He also worked with Michael Jackson, The Bee Gees, Karen Carpenter and John Denver.

He has written multiple books about his life with Elvis, and was a great source of stories and antidotes for Elvis fans until the day he passed, constantly appearing at Elvis conventions and celebrations.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Martha (Gallub), and survived by his three children, Debbie and Cindy - from his first marriage to Joan (Kardashian), and Anthony - from his second marriage to Martha, and his three grandchildren, Cody, Rebecca and Dylan.

Private memorial only. Please contact family at his email address.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to John Douglas French Alzheimer's Foundation (jdfaf.org).

Published in the Los Angeles Times on Nov. 27, 2016