After a very long and hard fought war with metastatic cancer, Joseph W Marotta lost his fight and passed away on October 18, 2025.
Joseph (Joe) was born on March 20, 1951 in Hilo Hawaii to his parents Carmelo and Ellen Marotta while his father was serving in the Coast Guard. His parents returned to the Metro Cleveland area where Joe and his four brothers grew up. He was a member of the National Honor Society at MidPark High School, continuing his education at The Ohio State University. He graduated cum laude and was elected to the honorary fraternity, Beta Sigma Gamma, and earned many academic honors. He earned his Master's of Business degree, graduating at the top of his class.
As a teenager, he met Edie in 1968 at a Cleveland Guardians game. They married in 1972 and had 54 years of adventure and travels together. Together they raised two amazing and accomplished children, Stephen Marotta, PhD and Kathryn Marotta, BFA, and share 5 wonderful grandchildren, Cas, Casey, Neo, Rapunzel and Joey.
After Joe obtained his MBA, he and Edie and their family began their 54 year odyssey together living in several different states and Geneva, Switzerland where Joe served as President of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region for Lord Corporation. After returning to the United States, Joe decided in December of 2015 to retire. Joe and Edie moved to Scottsdale, AZ, to be closer to the Mayo Clinic Cancer center. With the wonderful support of the Doctors at Mayo. Joe amazed his Doctors by keeping his advanced cancer at bay for 10 years. When he was not in chemotherapy or recovering from another surgery, he managed a 40 member men's golf league.
Although his cancer ultimately won, Joe was a relentless warrior against this terrible foe.
At the time of his passing, Joe was cared for by the nurses and Doctor at Hospice of the Valley. He was surrounded by his wife, children, brothers and many supportive friends, for which he was deeply grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite Non profit organization. His favorite was CASS, an organization that provides food and shelter to those in need.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for November 12th at 2:00 PM at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E Bell Rd, Scottsdale, AZ, 85254.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Joseph Marotta's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

Recent Activity

Earlier today

Karen Sy-Laughner planted trees.

Earlier today

Karen Sy-Laughner posted to the memorial.

Earlier today

Gregory Biddulph posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Karen Sy-Laughner

Planted Trees

Karen Sy-Laughner

Earlier today

Joe was one of those people who quietly affected so many people in a positive manner. I will never forget all our discussions that always taught me how to put things in perspective. We all have lost someone who represents the meaning of the quiet lion.

Gregory Biddulph

Earlier today

I met Joe just a few years ago. I was invited to play in the golf group "Joe´s Guys" despite being a poor golfer. Shortly after being in the group I needed chemotherapy treatments and many times didn´t feel well enough to play. Joe encouraged me to come even if I couldn´t finish all 18 holes. He told me I needed to be "tenacious in the pursuit of doing things that I enjoyed!" Joe was a constant example of tenacity to me. He was such a fighter. I always enjoyed being in his presence. He was a source of great encouragement to me!

Anthony Ciampa

Earlier today

Edie
Joanne and I were so saddened to hear about Joe´s passing. Joe was one of the most gentlemanly and genuine individuals I ever knew. I´m sure he will be deeply missed. Please accept our Most Sincere and Deepest Condolences. May he now Rest In Peace.
Joanne and Tony Ciampa