Rev. Joseph I. Martin
Deceased: 2016-10-16
Diocese: BOSTON
Seminary Graduation Year: 1957
Reverend Joseph I. Martin, 85, of Boston, died peacefully on Oct. 16 2016
Fr. Martin was born on July 24, 1931 to Michael and Mary (Cummins) Martin. He was raised in Somerville and graduated from Boston College High School. Fr. Martin was ordained a priest on Dec. 16, 1956. He had attended the North American College in Rome. He became an Archdiocesan Priest and was stationed briefly at St. Mary Parish in Chelmsford and then in Roxbury at St. Joseph. In 1959, Cardinal Cushing formed the missionary group, the Society of St. James the Apostle, to answer the need for priests in Latin America. Cardinal Cushing believed that “we are all missionaries” and that diocesan priests could play a role in bringing the Gospel to the people of Latin America. Fr. Martin was one of the original priests to volunteer and left Boston in March 1959.
After attending language school in Bolivia, he was stationed in Andahuaylas in the Andes Mountains. He dedicated his entire priesthood to the missions. Fr. Martin worked for many years in Miraflores-Lima at the parish of San Ricardo. He was also stationed in Carabayllo in the parish of Cristo Lug del Mundo. Fr. Martin was always grateful for the love the Peruvian people shared with him. He was happiest when at work in Peru. His patience, generosity, integrity and great sense of humor brought joy to all. His time in Peru gave him the gift of many beautiful and lifelong friendships. His warm and loving ways will never be forgotten.
In April 2009, Fr. Martin celebrated his final Mass in Peru and returned to Boston after 50 years in Peru. To the people of Peru, he was known as “Padre Jose,” but a long time ago his 3-year-old great niece, Meredith, gave him the name “Peru Joe.” Even she could see that we shared our love of him with the people of Peru. This name stayed with him through the years.
Fr. Martin loved his family and was always grateful of their love and support. His family treasured every moment with him. His retirement gave them an opportunity to share holidays, spend time and enjoy family celebrations with him. They rejoice in having been part of his life.
Fr. Martin was the brother of the late Mary Landerfin and her husband Daniel; and the late John P. Martin and his wife Louise. He was the uncle of Peggy M. Trainor of Melrose; Joseph I. Martin II of Beverly; John P. Martin Jr. of Revere; Kathleen L. Vilas of Ohio; Mary E. Zahner of Connecticut; Daniel M. Landerfin of Florida; Patricia A. Pike of Vermont; Rita M. Landerfin of Connecticut; Eileen M. Kirk of Alabama, and Joseph P. Landerfin of Connecticut. He is also survived by many loving great nieces and nephews.
Visiting Hours were held at the Regina Cleri Residence, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston on Thursday, Oct. 20. Visiting Hours will be held again on Friday, Oct. 21 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St., Melrose, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 1155 Main St., Wakefield, at 11 a.m. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Society of St. James The Apostle, 24 Clark St., Boston MA 02109 or to the Regina Cleri Residence, 60 William Cardinal O’Connell Way, Boston MA 02114.
