Joseph Carmen passed away peacefully at Concordia Villa St. Joseph in Baden, PA at the age of 96. Joe was born in Dunbar, PA to Maryann Soldano Martinelli and Carmen J. Martinelli. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Tressa Jane (Simone) Martinelli, his daughter Barbara Martinelli Hax (Roy), his brother Thomas R. Martinelli, and his infant sister Baby Margie. Joe is survived by his children Joseph E. Martinelli (Lou Miller), Linda Kindelberger (Wes), John R. Martinelli, and Nancy Colie (Steve, deceased); his grandchildren, Nikki Kindelberger and Sean Colie; and his siblings Lou Schubert, Nick Martinelli, Sueann DeFurio, Kathy Martinelli-Zaun, Carmine Smith, and Maria Lambert. Also survived by a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Joe spent his childhood in the East Liberty and Morningside neighborhoods of Pittsburgh. He attended St. Raphael School and Central Catholic High School. From a young age, Joe worked many jobs, including selling newspapers on the streetcar before school for lunch money, boxing ice cream at the Heinz plant, and working for the railroad alongside his father and uncles. He joined the US Navy at age 17 and served in World War II. Joe put himself through Robert Morris business school, but he liked to say that he graduated from the School of Hard Knocks. He was a lifelong learner of many topics, especially gardening, health, and politics. Joe spent his early career in sales for Duquesne Slag Company. Later in life, he worked as Facilities Manager for the American Red Cross in Pittsburgh. Joe’s proudest accomplishment was founding the Mt. Lebanon Athletic Association track & field club to enable children of all abilities to participate in sports.
Arrangements entrusted to Alvarez-Hahn Funeral Services and Cremation, LLC. Honoring Joe’s wishes, a Mass followed by burial in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies will be private.
The family would like to thank the loving caregivers at Villa St. Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospice.