Joseph Anthony Marsala

Joseph A. Marsala’s journey ended peacefully at home on November 19, 2016. He was born just a few hundred yards away in a home without electricity or running water on November 22, 1919, he was three days shy of his 97th birthday. The oldest of five children of Anthony and Anna (Dina) Marsala, Joe married Frances Heemskerk on October 18, 1952 at St. John’s Church in Benton Harbor. A Veteran of the 5th Army of WWII, Joe started in a tank battalion in Northern Africa and later worked as a Medic in a Dental unit during invasion of Sicily and Italy. Upon his return he resumed farming and worked as a night watchmen and security guard. He farmed until he was 80. Joe was the happiest when his children and grandchildren were home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 A.M. on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, 555 E. Delaware Ave., Benton Harbor with Father Brian Stanley officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, November 25, 2016 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. with a Rosary Service at 7:30 P.M. at Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Joe is survived by his children Anthony Marsala of Lansing, MI, Joseph (Marybeth) Marsala of Massachusetts and Rita Marsala of Lansing, MI; grandchildren Natalie Grace Marsala Ross of Lansing, Chloe Marsala and Peter Marsala; sister Rose (John) Conrad of St. Joseph and Johanna (John) Schmuhl of Benton Harbor; and sister-in-law JoAnn Marsala of Benton Harbor. He is also survived by many nieces & nephews. Joe is preceded in death by his parents; wife Frances; brothers Paul Marsala and Angelo Marsala; and sister-in-law Maria Marsala. Joe loved life, his family, his friends and his church. As we celebrate his life, his family wishes to give special thanks to his and Frances’s caregiver, Darlene Sesson. Darlene has become a loved and trusted member of the family and let both Joe and Frances live out their lives with dignity and love. Anthony has a special request of everyone; in lieu of memorial contributions, please take the time to visit senior citizens. You will be richer for it.