Joseph Martorano

September 18, 1948 – October 9, 2023

Lived 75 years

Michigan City, IN

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Joseph served in the armed forces. We honor that service here.

Life story

Joseph (Joe/Joey) Martorano of Michigan City / LaPorte passed away on October 9, 2023. Joe was born on September 18th, 1948 in Benton Harbor, Michigan to Peter & Imogene (Pflughauft) Martorano. He is survived by his wife, Marsha (Kubaszczyk) Martorano. Children: Gina (David) Buchan, Leo Joseph (Leah Hines) Martorano. Grandchildren: Ty Joseph (Katelyn Sussli) Martorano, Alexandra Reilly Martorano, Braxton Antonio Martorano, Avery-Cadyn Anabella Martorano, Amarian Wilborn, Colin Buchan & Evan Mayfield. Siblings: Maryann (Robert) Pliske, Maudie (late Stephen) Baron and (late) John (Debbie) Martorano. Special Mention of his Friends/Brother(s), (late) Paul & 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 & Referee. He was inducted into the Michigan City Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Joe loved his family & 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, October 14, 2023 at 10:00 AM in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church, 1506 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana. Visitation hours will be Friday from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM in the Ott/Haverstock Funeral Chapel, 418 Washington St., Michigan City, Indiana and Saturday from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM 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, Indiana 46383.

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