Obituary of Joseph J. Martuscello

Joseph J. Martuscello, 85, of Coolidge Road, passed away peacefully Thursday evening at his residence with his loving family at his side. Born in Amsterdam on June 30, 1919, he was the proud son of Francesco and Lucia Anastasia Martuscello, who emigrated here from Italy. Joe began his long career in the food business in 1941 by purchasing the former Guiffre?s Market from its original owner, for whom he worked for two years prior to the purchase. For the past sixty-four years, several generations of Amsterdamians have come through the store including a 110 year old women who, for many years phoned her orders in because she was able to have them delivered free of charge. Joe?s Market, located on Market Street, is one of the last of the independent; family owned grocery stores, surviving competition from larger chains. Joe?s strong work ethic combined with quality service and citywide delivery and long tenured loyal employees are the reasons that his market is still in existence. He was often the subject of many Recorder interviews and at one time was selected by the Progressive Grocer Magazine as ?Grocer Of The Year?. Additionally he was frequently sought out to provide guidance and direction to new businessmen. He was a lifelong communicant of St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church. He was a member of the Police Benevolent Association and an avid bowler. On May 5, 1940, he was united in marriage to the former Mary E. Sollecito. That union lasted nearly sixty-two years until her passing on March 18, 2002. Joe was proud of his family, which includes his daughters; Lucille M. and her husband Dr. Richard F.X. Spagnuolo of Jamaica Plain, Mass.; and Frances A. Martuscello, also of Jamaica Plain. His grandchildren: Dr. Christina Spagnuolo and her husband, Casey Condron; Joseph Martuscello Spagnuolo and his wife Seton, and Saveria and her husband Morgan Callagy; his great grandchildren; Christina, Isabella and Marina Callagy, and Christopher Condron; as well as nieces, nephews and cousins. His sister, Lena Dabiere, predeceased him. Funeral services are Monday at 8:15 am at the Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, followed by the Mass Of Christian Burial at 9:15 am at St. Michael The Archangel Roman Catholic Church. Fr. Pascal A. Iannotti, celebrant. Interment is in St. Mary?s Cemetery, Ft. Johnson. Calling hours are Sunday from 4-7 pm at the funeral home. A Legacy Candle Ceremony will take place at 6:45 pm. Contributions may be made in Joe?s name to the American Heart Assoc., in care of the funeral home. Please visit the family?s guestbook at www.brbsfuneral.com.