Obituary of Joseph Martorana

Doctor Joseph Martorana, Joe of Vernon Hills, left us sadly on November 26th, 2024.  Joe was an extremely talented and versatile dentist, caring, fantastic husband, and a strong often incredibly funny father. He was born on October 25, 1959, in Chicago to Dolores and Nate Martorana.  After graduating from Saint Patrick High School, Loyola University with a Bachelor of Science degree, and from University of Illinois Dental School, he was awarded a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.   Joe was brave and ambitiously started his own dental practice after only briefly working for another dentist.  

Joe was loved by many including his brother David, David’s wife Barbi and their children Rachel and Maddie Martorana, but did not begin his own family until he was 40 years old when he met Terri.  They married in 2002 and were extremely proud to have Nathan Martorana, Joe’s son, in 2003.  

Joe enjoyed providing excellent dental care serving four generations of patients at his Norwood Park dental practice for over 30 years until at 58 years old, he was diagnosed with Frontal Temporal Dementia.  After 7 more years of fighting the disease, he finally is at peace at only 65 years old.  

To celebrate Joe, his burial will be held at the Fort Sheridan National Cemetery on December 20th at 2 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in honor of Joe to AFTD, the Association for Frontal Temporal Degeneration. 

Instead of sadly mourning Joe, consider dressing comfortably as he would have.  You can even come in your favorite t-shirt with a sarcastic saying, a picture of a beach paradise or some other fun location.  Consider attending to tell a story about Joe who was known by all to be warm, unassuming and friendly.   He always said he was just plain Joe, as proud to display on the wall his bartender’s license as his dentist’s license to practice.  Contact McMurrough Funeral Chapel for more details (847) 362-2626.