Joseph Martin, Jr., 68 of Worcester, passed away on Thursday, February 24, 2011 surrounded by his family.

     Joseph was born in Worcester on October 2, 1942 to Joseph Martin, Sr. and Irene (Cournoyer) Martin and lived in Worcester all his life. He was a beloved husband, father, papa, brother, brother-in-law and “Uncle Joe.”

     He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Mary J. (Cassella) Martin; two daughters, Kimberly and her husband, “his son” Thomas Oliva and Dawn Martin, as well as his four adored grandchildren, Elizabeth, Joseph and Thomas Oliva, and Jenna Martin all of Rutland. He is also survived by his brother, William Martin of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, FL., aunts, and uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews including his niece, Beth Hammond, who took amazing and loving care for him during the final hours of his life.

     Joseph was employed by Henry L. Hanson Company and Reed-Rico until his retirement. After retirement, he worked part-time for CAP Auto Parts. He was a member of the former St. Charles Borromeo Parish.

     Papa loved taking trips with his family, especially to the White Mountains and Walt Disney World but the trip of his lifetime was in January 2006, when he traveled with his daughter Dawn to Almaty, Kazakhstan to bring home the newest addition to his family, his granddaughter Jenna. “Uncle Joe” will be missed by everyone.

     Calling hours will be held on Monday, February 28th from 5-8 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester. A funeral will be held Tuesday, March 1st at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Church, 290 Main St., Rutland. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: VNA Hospice Care, 100 Trade Center, G-500, Woburn, MA 01801 or to “Be Like Brit,” Britney Gengel’s Poorest of the Poor Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 355, Rutland, MA 01543.