Dr. Joseph DeMartino, affectionately known as "Dr. D." by his patients, passed away on January 26, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family. He will be deeply missed by his wife of thirty-five years, Anne-Marie (née Finelli) DeMartino, his son Joseph Vincent DeMartino, his daughter Angelica Marie DeMartino, and his dog Sofia whom he always referred to as "the best dog in the world". He was predeceased by his father, Antonio DiMartino, his mother Michelina Mastellone, his brother, Michele DiMartino, and his father-in-law Vincent Henry Finelli. He leaves behind several close cousins whom he always looked forward to visiting when he returned to Sorrento, Italy. He also leaves behind his mother-in-law, Anita Finelli, and brother-in-law, Vincent Finelli. He also leaves his dedicated best friend, chosen brother, and surgical partner of over fifty years, Dr. Frank Pensa.

Born in Teaneck, New Jersey, he and his family moved back to Italy where he grew up. He encountered many challenges but found a way to attend the University of Naples where he received his medical degree. This dedication to medicine would last him the rest of his life as his greatest passion was medicine. In his nearly forty years of practice, he delivered thousands of babies and helped countless people. He served as an Adjunct Professor at Brown University and each year the OB/GYN residents would honor him with an outstanding teaching award. He had an extraordinary mind and was a gifted surgeon. He was a board-certified fellow with the American College of Gynecology, and he was recognized as one of the Top Docs in Rhode Island Monthly. He was always seeking more knowledge and skills to help his patients. He and his wife managed a thriving private practice in Providence, RI in which every patient was treated like family. Even outside of his practice, people knew they could count on him, and he helped friends and family here and in Italy to get the best medical care possible when they needed it. All in all, he was truly one of the last of the old-fashioned doctors who prioritized his patients, getting to know them and even making house calls.

Outside of medicine, he had a variety of interests. He was an avid gardener with a green thumb that, like his surgical skills, he was always honing. He was always proud of his tomatoes and would try to share them with everyone he encountered. He loved visiting museums of all kinds and was obsessive about learning as much as he could. He dove into history, linguistics, geography, sociology, anthropology, politics, and so many other subjects and managed to memorize an incredible amount of information that he was always happy to share, whether you wanted to hear it or not. His quest for knowledge was something he sought to pass on to his children by traveling extensively with them from a very early age and expanding their horizons. When summer came, he could be found quahogging and was the scourge of every quahog at Plum Point, having an uncanny ability to home in on exactly where they were hiding.

He will always be remembered for his quirky behavior. He didn't always conform to expected social norms, but he didn't need to as his sense of kindness made sure that he tried his best to take care of those around him. He was affectionately considered as a studious nerd by his family, a trait that he passed on to his children. He truly believed and would always tell his wife that, "If I can help someone every day, that is my purpose on this planet." His family will always be inspired by his dogged persistence through years of illness and the unwavering strength and determination he showed until the very end.

The family would like to thank Dr. Vito Ferri and Dr. Joseph Mazza for their exceptional care throughout the years. The family would also like to extend a special thanks to Stacey, RN of Hope Health for her kindness, guidance, and dedication through this difficult time.

The family welcomes family, friends, colleagues, and those whose life Dr. D. had touched to their home at 123 Staples Road, Cumberland, RI on Friday, February 2nd between the hours of 3:00 - 7:00 PM to remember and celebrate his life. We the family, would love to hear your story of how our beloved husband and father impacted your life.

Donations in his honor, can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Heart Association .