Joseph Mortellaro

Joseph Francis Mortellaro Sr., born March 7, 1938 in Baton Rouge LA, died the Sunday morning of January 24, 2016. Joseph, well-known as Papa Joe, was a long time resident of Mobile. He was a founding member and active parishioner of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, a 3rd degree lifetime member of Knights of Columbus, and a member of Ironworkers Local #798. Papa Joe was very proud to work as a superintendent and felt very blessed to know his fellow ironworkers. He deeply loved LSU and was purple and gold throughout. He loved driving down to the boats and playing video poker. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Angelina and Vincent Mortellaro of Baton Rouge, and has two living sisters, Anna Morris and Lena Jordan, also of Baton Rouge. Additional survivors of Joe are Margaret Ortosky Mortellaro, the love of his life and wife of fifty-seven years; their six children, Joey (Patty) of Mobile, Pam (Ken) of Semmes, Tina of Woodstock GA, Danny (Patty) of Grand Bay, Ann (Gil) of Mobile, David (Sherri) of Austin TX; nine grand-children, Robyn, Elizabeth, Troy, Andrianna, Alisha, Hannah, Jack, Davin, Luke; five great-grandchildren; Elijah, Abigail, Joshuah, Jacob, Makennah; and his only cat of nearly twenty years, Angelina.
Joe was very involved in his children's lives and was often a coach of one or more of their youth sports teams. He attended every game and never cared of the outcome, only that they gave their best.
Joe was a father, son, brother, and friend. He taught us how to live with integrity, courage, compassion, and love. He didn't tell us how to live, he showed us everyday.
Services will be held Thursday with visitation at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church from 11 - 12, mass from 12 - 1, funeral at Mobile Memorial Gardens immediately after, celebration of Joe's life at 2 at St. Vincent de Paul Depaul Center.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Mobile Alabama or Sacred Heart Southern Missions in Walls, MS, in Joe's honor.
Be not afraid, I go before you always, come, follow me, and I will give you rest.

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