Obituary of Dr. Joseph Thomas Marotta MD, FRCP C

A Life Fulfilled Dr. Joseph Thomas Marotta, MD, FRCP C All of his magic now generously redistributed to his wife, ten children, twenty grandchildren, family, friends, colleagues and patients. Dr. J.T. Marotta passed away on December 20, 2016, at home, at peace, with love, after a robust life of service, fellowship, affection and joy. He was an unwavering husband, father, friend and physician. Following family, his greatest passion was medicine. He was a mighty and loyal friend with a captivating sense of humour and endearing warmth. It did not take much to get his blue eyes twinkling. And his flock of white hair and incredibly soft hands, added to his distinction. Joe was born in Niagara Falls, New York to Italian immigrant parents, Mary and Alfredo, on May 28,1926. He was carried over the Rainbow Bridge to Ontario at the age of two. He spent his formative years in Sudbury, Ontario, and even into his golden era, frequently referred to himself as, ‘the little Italian boy from Sudbury’. He was perennially proud of his heritage. He helped his Mother run their confectionary store, while excelling at school and assisting with the care of three younger brothers, Fred, Bill and Frank. Joe met the love of his life, Margaret (Peg) Hughes at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. After a brief courtship, they married in 1953. Theirs was a charmed life of 63 years, shared with 10 children: Maureen (Ian), Patti (Jeff), Margie, Fred (Cari), Tom (Betty), Jody, Mike (Christine), Martha (John), John, Ginny (Thomas) and 20 grandchildren: Allison, Karly, Kati, Alex, Ryan, Grace, Brad (Katy), Jennifer, Sara, Kevin, Jason, Colin, Matthew, Emma, Maddy, Blake, Justin, Cole, Emily and Elizabeth. Joe graduated from the University of Toronto Medical School in 1949 and continued his post-graduate studies in New York and London, England. He served as Head of Neurology at St. Michael’s Hospital from 1956-1969 and subsequently as Physician-in-Chief from 1969-1979. A master teacher and neurologist, he built the Department of Medicine at St. Michael’s Hospital. He was Associate Dean in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto from 1979-1989. He continued to practice his craft for 65 years, retiring at the age of 88 in May 2014. He was a man of humble service, always placing the patient first, respecting the mandate offered by the Sisters of St. Joseph and buoyed towards excellence through hard work. He remained an electrifying and brilliant teacher till his final day - those around him benefitting immeasurably from his graciousness, enormous heart, gentle nature, and captivating wisdom. He will be missed immensely! The family extends gratitude to Dr. Hamilton, Dr. Stack, Carlie Hepburn, and the entire team for their compassionate care. Please join us in celebrating his life. Family and friends will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo Street at King Street, London on Friday January 6 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Christ the King University Parish Chapel at Windermere on the Mount, 1486 Richmond Street on Saturday, January 7 at 1pm with visitation in the Chapel for one hour prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Department of Interventional Neuroradiology, St. Michael’s Hospital Foundation at stmichaelsfoundation.com or 416.864.5000.