Martin (Marty) Joseph, Jr., entered Eternal Life on Wednesday, May 13, 2020, at the age of 72. Marty was the beloved husband of Kathleen. They celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past September at St. Sharbel Church.
Marty is the loving father of Michael (Becky) and Michelle (George) Nihem. He is the cherished grandfather of Trevor, Derick, Claire and Isabella. He is the beloved brother of Veronica Deleon, Agnes (Wayne) Langschied, Paul, Margaret (James) Hunter, Thomas (Vickie), Charles (Barbara), Richard (Robin), Mary Anne (Kevin) Nanney and Rebecca Joseph. He is predeceased by his parents, Martin Joseph Sr. and Marie Joseph, and his brother, William Joseph. He was also an Uncle and Great Uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Marty was a Navy SeaBee from 1966-1968 and a Detroit Police Lieutenant from 1969-1998.
Most people will remember Marty as a Vietnam Veteran and a Police Officer. Those roles developed a disciplined strength in him that formed him into a protector and fortification of safety for many people. The love and responsibility for his family extended beyond family boundaries. Often Marty was mentoring young men by teaching them how to work and make good choices. Many can recall with laughter Marty’s unique way of passing on his colorful words of unforgettable wisdom. Teaching his teenaged son and nephews to drive, giving them rules to live by, or coaching kids in sports became indelible life lessons that they tell with laughter and gratitude. As a matter of fact, laughter is what surrounded Marty most often, not because he took nothing seriously, but because his encounter with all strata of humanity gave him insight that he expressed with candor and a, shall we say, lively vocabulary.
Marty made friends everywhere he went, and he loved learning their languages, tasting their foods, and having conversation. He was a charismatic person who attracted others. The party did not start until Marty arrived, and his family always eagerly awaited his arrival at holidays and events. He literally was the life of the party and the center of the activity. We all have stories to share about his antics, his kindness, or his quests. We will not forget his hobbies of taking pictures (family pictures were such a fiasco), playing music (who remembers him learning the accordion?), growing roses, or riding his motorcycle. He is a legend to all of us.
Marty was the rock of his family. He loved his wife, children, and grandchildren as well as his brothers and sisters. He was a loyal friend and co-worker. He was a patriot who served his country and his city with pride. He loved life and lived it to the full. It was his optimism and inner strength, the love of his family, and his steadfast faith in God that got him through the toughest trials in his life. May he now live perfected and healed in eternal life.
Private family services have occurred.
The family kindly requests that respects may be paid at Resurrection Cemetery anytime after 2:00pm on Monday, June 1, 2020.
