Joseph D. Martini

Joseph D. Martini, 75, of Ottawa, IL died Oct. 15, 2008 at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Feb. 27, 1933 in Rockford, IL, the son of Tommaso and Laboria "Lena" (Rinaldo) Martini. He married Ruth Milkereit on June 13, 1953. He was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Ruth H. Martini; five children: Deborah (Richard) Smith of Spring Valley, CA, Julie (Brian) Jackson of Ottawa, IL, Lisa (Mark) Seck of Rockford, IL, Melanie (James) McGinnis of Downers Grove, IL, and Thomas (Sherrie) Martini of Ottawa, IL; twelve grandchildren: Briana Smith, Shannon Smith, Joseph (Kara) Jackson, Andrew Jackson, Carly Jackson, Katherine Seck, David Seck, Riley McGinnis, Jack McGinnis, Michael Martini, Jacob Martini, and Mallory Martini; and one sister, Mary (Gerald) Hogan of Rockford, IL. He received his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago, IL in 1955. He worked for 40 years at Sundstrand in both Rockford and LaSalle, IL, retiring as Production Engineering Manager. He then assisted in the startup of Unytite as Plant Manager. A former president of St. Columba Parish Council, he also coached Little League baseball and was a former Scoutmaster for Cub Scout Pack 47. For many years, he was a sponsor of Christian Children's Fund and often a silent contributor to people in need. In his retirement he enjoyed gardening, crossword puzzles, watching sports, feeding visitors, squirrels, and birds, along with a good glass of wine and a box of chocolates. Visitation will be from 9:30 - 11:00 AM Friday, October 17, 2008 at Ottawa Funeral Home with Mass of Christian Burial following at 11:30 AM at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Columba Cemetery in Ottawa. Pallbearers will be his grandsons.