Joseph Austin Roarty

Joseph was a devoted family man, who possessed a dedicated work ethic, proud demeanor and outgoing personality. He was formally known as “Joe” or “Oz” to his family and friends. He married the love of his life, Mary Hartman, on February 19, 1949. Although many sweet names came with time, his favorite nickname that Oz called her was “mame”. Their beautiful union brought 2 children: Tim and Tom.

Joe very proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, during World War II and the Korean War, as a drill instructor. Joe also boxed during his years of service. He was chosen as one of our country’s fearless veterans to be transported to Washington D.C through the Honor Flight Network, in 2017, where he was able to see his respective memorial along with others. After his time in the service, Joe opened up a service station in Belleville, called “Joe’s Bonafide Service”, for over 25 years. He also managed the Ansley Oaks Apartment Community in O’Fallon, alongside his wife, for over 10 years, and drove shuttles for ATS, branched out of Southwestern Illinois College for 10 years. Later in life, Joe took a leap of faith and went back to college to study history. He was the delight of the class and often taught the rest of his peers, because he truly was history.

He enjoyed watching his favorite baseball team, the St Louis Cardinals, coin collecting, photography and developing photos, and spending time with his family, (the Roarty Klan) and honoring his Irish Heritage. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend. He will truly be missed by all who knew and loved him.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents: John Joseph Roarty and Elizabeth (nee Walker), and his beloved sister and brother in law, Mary Kay and George Martz, and sister and brother in law Bill and Betty Hartman.

Surviving him, are his loving wife of 69 years, Mary Roarty, children: Tim (Linda) Roarty, and Tom (Kay) Roarty, his grandchildren: Elizabeth (Bryan) Chappell, Kaitlyn (Terren) Hudson, Josh Roarty, Kayla (Lynn) McNew, Macey (Hannah) Roarty, his great-grandchildren: Nash Joseph Chappell, Ace Chappell, Riley Roarty, Haeva McNew, and Valor McNew, nieces and nephews: Kathleen (Jim) Murphy, Mike (Carole) Martz, Brian (Carol) Martz, Marty (Patty) Martz, John (Lynn) Hartman, and Mike (Laura) Hartman, and a number of dear great nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers memorials are appreciated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation of Crestwood MO and/or the Honor Flight Network. Additional condolences and memories may be shared online at www.lakeviewfuenralhm.com

Visitation: Family and friends may visit from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm, Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Lake View Funeral Home, located at 5000 N Illinois Street, Fairview Heights, IL 62208.

Funeral Service: Funeral Services will be held immediately following visitation at 12:00 pm, September 1, 2018 at Lake View Funeral Home. Interment to take place at Lake View Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fairview Heights, IL.