Joseph J. Martin

Joseph James Martin, Seminole, Florida May 26, 1935 - July 26, 2015 Joseph James Martin of Seminole, Florida passed away peacefully at home on July 26, 2015 surrounded by his loving wife of nearly 58 years, Mary Catherine (nee Dempsey); his eight devoted children, dearest brother- and sister-in-law, Nicholas and Nora D'Andrea; Born in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, NY, Joseph Martin previously of Levittown, Long Island, NY, before relocating to Florida in September 1978. Mr. Martin retired from a successful career as an Insurance and Financial Advisor and Manager with MetLife Insurance Co. for more than 50 years. Joe obtained his CLU and CFP designations, and served as president of the General Agents and Managers Association (GAMA). An active member of Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole, FL for nearly 40 years. Joe was a Catechist Religion teacher to the parish children, which included his own grandchildren. Joe Martin was also a past president of the Seminole Chamber of Commerce, served in the U.S. Coast Guard in the 1950s during the Korean conflict, and a member of the Knights of Columbus and VFW. Joe Martin attended LaSalle Academy in Manhattan, New York, and proudly received a Bachelor's Degree in Business-Finance from St. John's University, Queens, New York. Joe enjoyed traveling, taking long walks on the beach and spending time with his family. A consummate story-teller with a love of singing and performing, Joe enjoyed entertaining family and friends at dinners and gatherings, as well as being a member of the Seminole Players, where he took on lead roles in the productions Dames at Sea, and Neil Simon's Plaza Suite. Joe was also known to pick up a yellow legal pad at the drop of a hat and help anyone who needed it to plan and organize their future goals in life. Besides mentoring his own children, Joe also took time to guide and help troubled youth. During his years with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, he left a legacy among many young up-and-comers in the industry, helping to build their careers to become successful. He also loved to teach his young grandchildren and great nieces and nephews the simple lesson of following your dreams by having them recite the famed children's book, Oh, The Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss. Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Mary Catherine(nee Dempsey), his four sons, Joseph J .,Jr, James G, (Melissa), Benjamin R.(Rosalie), John F,( Michele), and his four daughters, Catherine Corsetti (Robert), Rose Marie Ambrose(Patrick), Mary I Whitman(Sam), Isabelle A McClure( Peter),former daughter in law, Colleen O'Sullivan, his sister Roberta Martin Colleary, sister-in-law Nora Dempsey D'Andrea and brother-in-law Nicholas D'Andrea, brother-in-law Richard Ludwig, and 14 nieces and nephews - the D'Andrea children - Nicholas Jr., Patricia, Michael, Frank and Lisa, the Ludwig children - Laura, Sue, Rick, Nancy and David, and the Colleary children - Gerard, James, Michael and Marianne; and his 21 grandchildren - Nicole(Matt), Christopher (Tina), and Patricia Corsetti, Zachary, Abigail , Sophia and Jacob Martin, Angelica Ambrose, Tarek, Shadia and Jamal Waked, Reece, John Jr., Jeremy Martin, Dylan, Dawson and Brianna Whitman, Catherine, Norah, Peter, and Nicholas McClure, great granddaughter, Scarlett Grace Martin. Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Benjamin R. Martin I, his mother, Isabelle Agnes Early Martin, his sister, Kathryn Martin Ludwig (sister), John F. Dempsey (father-in-law), Catherine O'Malley Dempsey (mother-in-law), and (brother-in-law). Joseph Colleary. Joseph leaves behind a legacy of love, caring and compassion for humanity. He always put himself last for his wife, children, family and friends. He will be greatly missed, but for everyone that has known Joe throughout his wonderful life, they can recall how he lit up a room with a song, a prayer, a phrase, a joke all spoken with a smile and a twinkle in his eye. And during this difficult time for family, relatives and friends, Joseph Martin would want only lasting memories enjoyed together, to bring them peace, comfort and happiness. Services will be held as follows: Visitation - Thursday, July 30, 2015, 6:00-8:30pm Anderson McQueen Funeral Home, 7820 38 Avenue North, St. Petersburg, Florida 33710, 727-347-6636 Funeral Mass - Friday, July 31, 2015, 10:00am Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 11501 66 Avenue North, Seminole, Florida 33772, 727-391-4661 Donations can be made in memory of Joe to: American Lung & Heart Association