A funeral Mass for Deacon Joseph LaMartina was celebrated on May 25 at the Church of the Immacolata in Richmond Heights. Deacon LaMartina died May 14 at age 89.
Deacon LaMartina was ordained on June 5, 1999, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis by Archbishop Justin F. Rigali. He was assigned and assisted the pastor at the Church of the Immacolata in Richmond Heights, where he served until his retirement from active ministry in 2010. He served his parish by presiding at baptisms, funeral services and weddings, leading RCIA classes, marriage and baptism preparation, visiting nursing homes and making Communion calls to the homebound. He was also involved with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and Knights of Columbus.
Deacon LaMartina was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn LaMartina (nee Julius). He is survived by his sons, Jay (Anne) and Chris (Lisa) LaMartina; daughter, Jocelynn Simpson; and 13 grandchildren.
Burial was in Calvary Cemetery.
