Statements on the passing of Joseph Zito, father of Giants pitcher Barry Zito

Joseph (Joe) Zito passed away yesterday morning (June 19) in Van Nuys, CA. He was 84.

Statement from Barry Zito, Pitcher, San Francisco Giants:

 "The loss of my father, Joseph Zito, has presented me with a difficulty I could not predict. Through his unprecedented dedication as a father, he instilled in me the faculties which have enabled me to handle all of life's challenges in a positive way. He will forever be in my heart. God bless my father, and I know that one day I will be reunited with he and my mother Roberta."

Statement from Larry Baer, President & CEO, San Francisco Giants:

"The Giants organization was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Barry's father, Joesph Zito. The special relationship that Barry and his dad shared showed so many of us in the Giants family how special the bond between a father and son can be. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Barry, his wife Amber and his sisters, Bonnie and Sally."