CDR U.S. Coast Guard Ret., veteran of the Vietnam War
Published in the October 18, 2018 edition
NORTH READING — CDR Joseph Marotta, 84, U.S. Coast Guard, Ret., passed peacefully surrounded by his family and friends on Friday October 12, 2018. He resided in North Reading with his soulmate Annette, his wife of 53 years.
Joseph was born in East Boston on August 13, 1934, the son of Mary (Russo) and Bert Marotta.
He is survived by his wife Annette (Marcucella), his daughter Kristine O’Rourke and her husband Joseph, and his son Joseph Marotta, all of North Reading. He leaves four loving grandchildren, Marisa, Rachel and Spencer O’Rourke, and Manuel Vlaun. He is also survived by his sisters, Ann Jablonski and Claire Brush. He was predeceased by his sister Florence McGuire.
Joe grew up in East Boston where he had a special love for his community and was very proud of his Italian family heritage. He worked at the Seville Theatre as a young man which inspired his passion for the arts and opera.
He graduated from Boston English High School in the Class of 1952. Joe was then appointed to West Point Military Academy. He went on to attend the Coast Guard Academy where he received his bachelor of science degree in Engineering in 1960. This led to a very distinguished career as a commissioned officer in the United States Coast Guard. Joe was an honored and decorated veteran who served in the Vietnam War.
The sport of deer hunting led him to North Reading. He so greatly enjoyed the outdoors and nature that he and his wife Annette decided to make North Reading their permanent home after they were married in 1965. He enjoyed summers on Silver Lake in Hollis, N.H., woodworking in his garage, and spending time with his lifelong friends and family. Joe had a great sense of humor and always had a joke up his sleeve. He had a nickname for everyone.
He guided his family with integrity and led by example. He was a gentleman and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was the favorite uncle to many. Joe enjoyed making people happy, whether it was a trip to Disney with the grandchildren, or a big Italian dinner around the table with his friends. He made friends wherever he went and found most of his happiness when he was giving or helping others.
“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, October 19, at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home on Saturday, October 20 at 8:45 a.m., followed by a 10 a.m. funeral Mass at the St. Athanasius Parish, 300 Haverhill Street, Reading. Interment will be at the Riverside Cemetery, 171 Elm St., North Reading.
In lieu of flowers, the Marotta Family is requesting that donations be sent in memory of CDR Joseph Marotta to: Homes For Our Troops, 6 Main Street Taunton, MA 02780.
