Obituary: Martinelli, Joseph A. “Joe”

“Joe” (Age 84) Joseph Anthony Martinelli, Jr. was born July 31, 1930 and passed away peacefully October 15, 2014; his loving son Jeff and wife Lori at his side.

Born in Cross Creek, Pennsylvania, he went on to serve in USAF during the Korean conflict and received a National Defense Service Medal.

Joe is preceded by his mother, Margaret; father, Joseph Sr. and grandson, Ryan Adams.

He is survived by his wife Christine; son Jeff (Lori) Martinelli; stepson Craig (Virginia) Pearsall; stepdaughters Diane (Doug) Gronning and Jennice (Jim) Nunn; grandchildren Caleb Martinelli, Chantel Adams, Jason Adams, Ana Nunn, Jessica Tschache, Joshua Gibson, Christina Miethe, Tracy Richey and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Joe worked for the City of Spokane Parks Department, retiring after 34 years as a heavy equipment operator.

An avid Pittsburg Steelers and Pirates fan, he also loved cats, dogs, fishing, polka music, dancing, metal detecting, his family and eating hamburgers with his grandkids.

A Memorial Service in Joe’s honor will be held at Washington State Veterans Cemetery in Medical Lake, WA, on Friday October 31, 2014, at 11:15 AM.

The family would like to thank the staff at North Central Care Center for treating Joe with love, respect and compassion; he always saw the beauty in every one who cared for him.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SpokAnimal Care.