Joseph S. DiMatteo

Joseph S. DiMatteo, 89, of St. Joseph, passed away Thursday, September 6, 2012 at his home. Graveside Services will be held 11:00 A.M. Saturday at Riverview Cemetery, Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Military Rites conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may call from 10:00 until 10:45 A.M. Saturday at Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Memorial may be made to the Michigan Heart Association. Those wishing to sign Joseph’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joseph was born June 10, 1923 in Chicago to Francesco & Antonina (Salla) DiMatteo. He served his country in the US Army during WWII stationed in Europe. On December 4, 1945, he married the former Mamie Salerno in Chicago. Joe was employed by Whirlpool at the Benton Harbor plant, retiring after 35 years. He was a former Union Steward and a member of the Whirlpool Oldtimers. Joe was referred to as “Grandpa Joe” to many of the neighborhood kids where he resided for 42 years. He was an avid Chicago Cubs & Bears fan and a proud WWII Vet. Joseph is survived by his daughters Toni (Tracy) Karnavas of Albuquerque, NM, Joann Poschke of Chattanooga, TN, Mary Rapaich of Bridgman, Chris DiMatteo of Granger, IN; nine grandchildren-Chris & Courtney Linn, Jill O’Daniel, Joy Rathnan, Joe Poschke, Michael & Patrick Mashke, Allie & Bernadette Rapaich; ten great-grandchildren; three sisters-Natalie DeMarco & Mary Klans of the Chicago area, Katie Jackson of Chattanooga, TN; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Mamie on December 12, 2010, and by siblings-Dom DiMatteo, Ben DiMatteo, Christine Stec, Grace Kluss, & Sam DiMatteo.