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Joseph Martorano Obituary
Joseph (Joe/Joey) Martorano of Michigan City/La Porte passed away on Oct. 9, 2023.
Joe was born on Sept. 18, 1948, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, to Peter and Imogene (Pflughauft) Martorano.
He is survived by his wife, Marsha (Kubaszczyk) Martorano; children, Gina (David) Buchan and Leo Joseph (Leah Hines) Martorano; grandchildren, Ty Joseph (Katelyn Sussli) Martorano, Alexandra Reilly Martorano, Braxton Antonio Martorano, Avery-Cadyn Annabella Martorano, Amarian Wilborn, Colin Buchan and Evan Mayfield; siblings, Maryann (Robert) Pliske, Maudie (late Stephen) Baron and (late) John (Debbie) Martorano; and special mention of his friends/brother(s), (late) Paul and Sandy O'Gorek, Chunky, Al, Lenny and (late) Felbert.
Joe graduated from Elston Sr. High School in 1968, and Sterling College in Sterling, Kansas, and received his master's degree from Indiana University. He taught business law and multiple diverse business classes for 30 years and coached football and wrestling. Joe was inducted into the Indiana Hall of Fame for Wrestling as a contributor for his success as both a coach and referee. He was inducted into the Michigan City Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Joe loved his family and dogs (late – Biscuit & Max), coaching, his former players and worked very hard to provide for his family with multiple occupations. He joined the Army Reserves at the age of 33 and worked his way up to warrant officer.
Joe started and ran Martorano's Roofing, LLC, in 1986 with his son, daughter, nephews, grandchildren, coaches and former students/players, and built the business into a legacy for his family that continues to thrive.
Mass of Christian burial will be conducted Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana, and Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. Stanislaus Church. Private family burial will take place in Greenwood Cemetery, Michigan City, Indiana.
Pallbearers will be Ty Martorano, Braxton Martorano, Jeremiah Wiencek, Scott Kaletha, Christian Bietry, Luis Corona, Billy Smith and Peter Martorano. Honorary Pallbearers will be Ken Bye, Harvey Adams, Doug Vaundry, Matt Caspari and Craig Attar.
Contributions may be made to Dunes Hospice, 4711 Evans Ave. Valparaiso, IN, 46383.
To sign a guestbook and leave condolences online, visit our website at www. otthaverstock.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Martorano
Ramie
October 16, 2023
Mr.Martorano was my teacher for Business law. it was such a great class I learned so much and then i got to know the family as an adult and Marsha and Joe were always so supportive. He will be missed, especially that smile. praying for your families strength.
Kathy Bair
October 13, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss, Marsha.
Andrea Chelemengos
October 13, 2023
Most heartfelt condolences to the family. I didn´t have him as a teacher or coach,but a roofer and then kept in contact. Great guy to deal with good work, fair and trustworthy man, family and business. So sorry to hear of his passing. We will certainly miss Joe.
Gail Kinney
October 12, 2023
Sincere condolances. May the light eternal shine upon him.
Scott and Gail kinney
Michelle West
October 12, 2023
My sincerest condolences to the Martorano family. Joe was my teacher at Elston for business class. He was a kind and friendly to all. Upon seeing him thru the years in Michigan City, he always had a smile and never forgot anyone he met. RIP Sir.
JIM BEAR, 1968, M.C. RED DEVILS
October 12, 2023
JOE GOT PRETTY CRAZY FRIDAY NIGHTS AT AMES FIELD. THATS WHY HE WAS MY FRIEND. JIM BEAR, SAM GRIFFIN, & '68 RED DEVILS.
Krista Anderson
October 12, 2023
" Condition builds Tradition "
Rest In Peace Coach
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Memorial Events
for Joseph Martorano
Oct
13
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Ott/ Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Inc.418 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
Funeral services provided by:
Ott/ Haverstock Funeral Chapel, Inc.418 Washington Street, Michigan City, IN 46360
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