Joseph Vincent "Joe" LaMartina August 27, 1945 - July 17, 2025
Joseph Vincent LaMartina, lovingly known as Joe and Papa, passed away at the age of 79 in St. Louis, Missouri. Born on August 27, 1945, Joe lived a life defined by service, hard work, deep community ties, and an unwavering love for his family.
Joe proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on October 11, 1966, serving with honor in Vietnam for the Third Battalion, First Marine Division. He was honorably discharged on February 5, 1968, and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in combat, a testament to his courage and sacrifice.
A proud member of Local 513, Joe dedicated many years to the union, both as a skilled crane operator and as an instructor in the apprenticeship program. He also served as a trustee, where his leadership and mentorship made a lasting impact on the community.
Joe had a passion for cooking and grilling, always happiest when surrounded by family and friends at the table. In December 2014, he and his beloved wife Joyce moved to The Hill, a long-awaited dream for Joe. He cherished life in the Italian neighborhood, spending countless hours on the front porch enjoying the warmth and vibrancy of the community.
Joe is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Joyce LaMartina; daughter Anne (Kevin) and their daughters Magdaline, Ella and Ava; son Matt (Kelly) LaMartina and their children Peyton, Grant, Chase, and Tatum. He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Virginia LaMartina; his sister Rosemary Seymour and her husband Michael; and his brother Thomas LaMartina.
Services: A funeral Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church on Wednesday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a burial service at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's name may be made to St. Ambrose Church or The Core Collective at St. Vincent's, a Home for Children. As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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