Joseph DeRubertis

Joseph A. (Joe) DeRubertis, age 92, of Madison, passed away Friday, March 7, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Born August 9, 1921 in Cleveland, he was the son of Carmela (Santone) and Luigi DeRubertis. He married Rose Marie Marano at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Painesville on April 30, 1949. He was a 1939 graduate of Madison High School and also attended The Ohio State University. He later served in the U.S. Army during World War II stationed in the South Pacific. A builder by trade, in 1952, Joe founded Modern Masonry Products Co. manufacturing the bricks and blocks that he and his father used to build the homes and business on DeRubertis Drive in Madison. DeRubertis, Inc., as it came to be, also manufactured blocks and specialty concrete products that were used by builders in the area for many years. He was the owner of several restaurants and businesses including The Chalet (now Cebars), Centurion's Quarters, Mr. D's Pizza, Angelo's Cellars and the DeRubertis Party Center. His current project was a dome concept house that he spent his last few years building. Joe was proud of his Italian heritage, traveling to Italy often, and even created his own Carmela Brand Spaghetti Sauce. He also organized the Italian American Social Club in Madison. Joe loved his country and was an example of true patriotism writing many letters to the editor honoring all who served. As a member of VFW Post 8548 he was proud to participate in the local Memorial Day parades and was a strong supporter of the Disabled American Veterans. A man of faith, he was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Madison as well as a member of the Madison-Geneva Knights of Columbus. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Rose DeRubertis of Madison; sons, Daniel (Patricia L. Izzarelli) DeRubertis of Madison, Joseph (Patricia A. Kennedy) DeRubertis of Madison; daughter, Charmaine (Josef) Kotar of Madison, Lorraine (Danny) Pettit of Madison; grandchildren, Daniel (Liz) DeRubertis, Alecia (Ryan) Dragon, Angela (Jeremy) Bartlett, Christina (Michael) Petric, Fr. Kevin Estabrook, Ashley (Scott) Row; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters, Jeanne Dubsky of Geneva and Louise Croff of San Diego, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Daniel and infant sister Rose. Friends will be received 4-8 PM on both Thursday, March 13 and Friday, March 14, 2014 at THE BEHM FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 15, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Church, 2846 Hubbard Road, Madison, Ohio. Final resting place will be in Madison Memorial Cemetery. Contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans, P O Box 15099, Columbus, OH 43215-0099.