Thomas Martorana

Thomas Martorana (97) of Venice, FL passed away on July 17,2024. He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Dolores Martorana, children Margaret and Jeffrey Martorana, four grandchildren, Tommy, Nick, Christina, and Gina along with nine great-grandchildren. He was a resident of Venice for over 40 years and active in the Italian American Club, VFW, Knights of Colombus, Tin Can Sailors, American Legion, Lions club in addition to several other volunteer and service organizations. Tom was born on April 11, 1927, in Trenton, NJ and grew up in Bayonne, NJ and is predeceased by his parents Margarita and Francesco, sisters Jean, Anne and brother Joseph. He was a true American hero serving 23 years in the US Navy during World War II, Korea and Vietnam wars. He was a navigator aboard destroyers and ended his naval career in the burgeoning field of computers, as a systems analyst with the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon. During his naval career he sailed around the world three times vising a myriad of ports in Australia, Europe, Asia, Southeast Asia, South America and beyond. He loved the sea and he and his wife Dolores continued to sail the world with their family, as they were avid cruisers in retirement. Tom was an avid fisherman and could frequently be found fishing the jetties in Venice and Nokomis. His grandkids were regularly included in fishing outings throughout the states. He frequently noted that nothing was more enjoyable than to take a kid fishing. Whatever Tom may have missed early in his children’s life while he was aboard ship, he more than made up in his grandchildren’s lives by forever attending baseball, soccer, football games, school activities, cheerleading competitions and dance recitals. Tom took great pride in watching his children and grandchildren grow into responsible men and women and was blessed to attend every important event in their lives including high school, college graduations and celebrate their weddings. Tom was active in the community serving in a variety of board positions including treasurer, president, secretary in the various service and community organizations spanning over six decades of service. He was an active member of his church in Virginia and here in Venice at the Epiphany Cathedral. Tom was generous of both his time and service. He was a patriot, steward of the community, husband, father and friend are just a few things that describe the richness and fullness of Tom’s life. His passion for life was larger than his personality. He cherished every moment with his family, whether it was cheering them on at sporting events, serving at church, or pulling a fishing hook out of a hand or finger. His memory will be cherished by his extended family and friends. As we mourn his earthly departure, we celebrate that he lived a long, full, and accomplished life. He was rich in the love that he received and more importantly gave. We take comfort in knowing that Tom rests in the eternal peace of God's presence. His faith has been fulfilled, and his lifelong example of compassion continues to shine brightly in our hearts. A Memorial Mass will be at Epiphany Cathedral, 310 Sarasota St Venice Florida on 8/24/2024 scheduled for 10:00 AM.

Tributes

Thomas Martorana

July 17, 2024