Attorney Joseph J. Muratore Sr.

RACINE - Attorney Joseph J. Muratore Sr., 77, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Wednesday, September 15, 2010. He was born in Racine on April 23, 1933 to the late Giuseppe and Antonette (nee: Savaglia) Muratore. He was united in marriage with Helene DeCono on August 16, 1958 at Holy Rosary Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Helene; his son, Joe (Carolyn) Muratore; daughters, JoAnne (James) Bianco and Carol Muratore; and his grandchildren, Michael and Katherine Muratore, Christina, Victoria, Alessandra and Mia Bianco, and Matthew and Jennifer Dehler. He is also survived by his siblings, Catherine (Kenneth) Parr, Frank (Lynn) Muratore, Phyllis (Russell) Fergus, Sam Muratore and Mary Jo (James) Esser; and his wife's siblings, Dolores (Rudolph) Ferraro, Joe (Kathy) DeCono and Richard (Nancy) DeCono; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family, friends and his secretary of 46 years, Mary Ann Lojeski. Joe had a lively and adventuresome childhood growing up in Racine. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and St. Catherine's High School, where he played football, baseball and excelled in academics. After high school, Joe served in the United States Army during the Korean War and then attended Marquette University where he obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration. He continued his education at Marquette Law School, graduating with a juris doctorate in 1960. Joe practiced law in the Racine area for fifty years, the last twenty-five with his beloved son and companion, Joe Jr. He held many leadership positions in the Racine legal community, including President of the Racine County Bar Association. Many lawyers viewed him as a role model who was both an effective advocate and a gentleman. After taking up the sport at age 33, Joe became an avid competitive tennis player who won many local tournaments and in his later years often prevailed over players half his age. He played tennis well into his 77th year, including doubles tournaments with his grandson, Michael, in recent years. Joe maintained an intellectual curiosity throughout his life. In his free time he enjoyed learning about history, art, math and science, and he especially enjoyed studying Italian language and culture. His greatest passion was his family. His wife, children and grandchildren were his highest priority and brought him great joy. He was an outstanding mentor to his children and grandchildren. He will be dearly missed by all. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Monday, September 20, 2010, 11 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Monday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials in honor of Joe can be made to Health Care Network, 904 State Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53404. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 Main Street 634-7888 Please send condolences to: www.meredithfuneralhome.com