RIP Inspector and Detective
We've seen two different spellings of his name and we thought it was spelled differently ourselves, so forgive us if it's wrong - we'll correct it when we can.
Retired Inspector Joe Maratto passed away either late Sunday or early Monday. For all you youngsters who have no idea what an Inspector was, Joe wasn't one of those. He was without a doubt, one of the most easygoing and down-to-earth bosses to walk the face of the earth. Districts actually looked forward to his visits, because they knew they weren't getting one of the other inspectors. We often wondered how such a nice guy got to be an inspector when so many of the others were, quite frankly, out to get "movers."
So deepest sympathies to Joe's friends and family during this difficult time. He was one of a kind.
- A Chicago policeman who’d been with the department for 30 years was found dead in the lobby of his South Loop apartment building Sunday night.
Det. Patrick Finucane’s death did not appear to be suspicious, police said.
An e-mailer told us he had recently beaten cancer. RIP Detective.
Labels: we got nothing
posted by SCC at 12:03 AM
78 Comments:
We' ll always have a spot open for you at George's! We'll miss you, Pat...
Pat Finucane had cancer nine years ago and had it beat. I talked with him at the Area Four Reunion party a couple of weeks ago. He was turning 55 and retiring in January. Good policeman and fantastic guy.
R.I.P Pat. Luv ya man.
Patrick you will be extremely missed. May the Lord keep you safe at his side. God bless you and your family.
E.R. 630
Rip inspector
Yup, Inspector Joe was one straight guy. He "caught" me about a block away from where I was supposed to be and hadn't come up on the air. I was eating my "lunch" and hadn't gone down on the air yet. remember those days before PDT's? He said it was no big deal, but I should always use the radio to my benefit just in case "something" should happen and my location was important. He told me he did the same thing and wouldn't gig somebody for bs stuff that he used to do, too. I, too, wondered why he was an inspector. I even asked him and he said it was offered to him and at the time he just couldn't turn it down. I saw him a couple times after that and he was friendly and polite. Not a bad guy . I had worked Special Employment with Pat Finucane a couple times. He was opinionated, fun, and a nice guy to be around. I used to ask him when he was going to retire because he was an "old timer" . I didn't know that he came on the job at such a young age and was planning on retiring next month. So, for all you young'ns out there.... there is a life outside the job that is worth living. You won't be around to hear all the nice things people will say about you when you're gone--- or will they say nice things? RIP, guys.
Ahh inspectors a necessary evil on this job. But there were one or two that when they got you, you didnt mind that much because they were professional, didnt talk down to you and explained why you got the whackin. And deep down you knew you were wrong anyway.
Joe Marrato was a class act. He never wrote you up just to get his heads for the day. He was fair in his observation, gave you the benefit of a doubt and he was always willing to listen to your excuse. He was a class act.
Joe Muratto "Gentleman Joe" was a prince. A lot of bosses could have learned a lot about being a boss from him. An all around terrific guy (and a good policeman too), it's heartbreaking to hear he's passed away so soon after his retirement. God must truly have been in need of an angel or two.
I can never repay Joe for the kindness he showed me
over the years; I've lost a good friend. Rest easy, Joe.
You're missed here, but you're in a better place.
SCC, or anyone else out there, please post funeral arrangements as they become known. May God bless Muratto and his family. I know the loss has to be a tough one.
I knew Joe Maratto as a sgt in Traffic. Didn't make sense to me when I heard he was going to be an Inspector. After all, Inspectors were all pricks, right, and Joe was a prince!
Later, I was a desk sgt in 019. Whenever we saw an Inspector approach the station, we'd let people know (eg. the lock-up, wc, front office and the detectives upstairs). Whenever it was Joe Maratto, though, we'd mention that, and it'd be like saying, "don't worry, he's not one of the a**holes!"
One day, we spotted an Inspector outside and sounded the alarm. In walks Joe, all smiles, and we reminisced about the old days at Traffic. We keep getting interrupted because he is saying hi to lots of guys he knows, ALL on a first name basis. He asked me to visit the locker room and let everyone know he was there, because he didn't want to gig anyone for any bs uniform stuff. Great guy!
He was also a collector of police memorabilia and used to go to shows and display and sell stuff. If he knew you and saw you were interested in something he had for sale, he'd practically GIVE it to you. Just the kind of guy he was. Sad, this happening during the holidays. Condolences to the family. I know he had at least one brother, Sal, who is a retired P.O.
Though I didn't know Det. Patrick Finucane, thoughts and prayers to his friends and family, as well.
God bless and Thank You to the good guys and all of our troops and civil servants on this Christmas holiday!
truly was nice guy, when he walked its people would "oh its ok" in a relieved fashion.
RIP Inspector Joe; you were truly one of the good guys. I had the pleasure of working with you while I was in Unit 121. You will be missed by all who knew you.
Joseph M. Maratto, 64 years old. Previous Star #214.
I think he had a sister Maggie from Bridgeport that ran the Benton Community House for years.Nice family.Sorry.
Pat was a great guy. You were lucky if you called for a dick in area 4 and he showed up, you knew you were gonna get a fair case. RIP Pat, you were one of the good ones and lets hope it rubbed off in the others
Joe Moratto was simply a gentleman... A great guy who actually had a really difficult time writing anyone up because he understood the job and the working copper.. He would give you “hints“ before he would ever write you and a great guy to talk with...funny... RIP Joe, you were really one of the good ones. Sgt. Gogo
I remember that Inspector Marrato stopped me in the station hallway as a young patrolman. Like the other guys, I had a pair of cuffs hung on a belt keeper. He said to me, "Y'know officer, when I was a patrolman, we didn't wear our cuffs like that...". He said it in a a friendly reminiscent sort of way, but the message was clear, that was a gimme that he could've gotten me for, but instead took me aside and gave me the play. He was a class act and a gentleman. I guess his reward is spending Christmas with Jesus. RIP boss.
GRAND CROSSING GUNSLINGER
I had the honor and pleasure of working with Joe Maratto as an inspector. Joe was undoubtedly one of the finest people I ever had the opportunity to work with during my career. Not only did Joe really, really believe in the goodness of the vast majority of police officers but he was also truly devoted to his family ... his wife and one son who he was always very proud of. We used to have long conversations about our children and I know how much Joe loved his wife and son.
Joe was always there for us with a smile and a story, making our days (and nights) so much better. He LOVED being an inspector because he felt he could help, not hurt coppers. I learned a great deal from Joe and I will always be grateful to him for teaching me the humility one should have in the inspector's role but seemed to have gotten lost somewhere along the line as time passed us by and they just "threw" people into inspector's positions. An era gone by.
G-d bless you Joe. You earned the right to eternal peace now ...
A Retired Inspector
God bless both of them. I always liked to say that I never really had a bad day on this job but this is news that I(we) have lost two friends.
There is a lot of insight that both of those Old Timers could and did pass on to younger people on this job.
RIP PAT FROM A OLD TIMMER FROM THE 12TH DIST.
VERY NICE MAN. RIP
I believe Joe was an Aviation Police officer at O,Hare Airport also. He worked part time there after Retirment .
"Gentleman Joe" as he was called, was best described by SCC as 'down-to-earth' in his duties.
A department historian and supporter of the men of women he worked with, giving of his time to volunteer for our Memorial Foundation activities and functions. A class act.
I'm sorry I never had the opportunity to know Pat Finucane but he will also remain in my thoughts and prayers, as will ALL my brothers & sisters 'on-da'job' especially during the holidays.
THANKS for all you do and the many memories of over 40 years working arm-in-arm with 'Chicago's Finest' some of the BEST in the nation.
God Bless you one and all.
Rest in Peace, Joe and Pat.
Joe is going to be miss just all around nice guy always out in the field backing up the troop and finding those stolen cars. Rip cousin Sam
I've known Joe Maratto for over 20 years. Nicest man you'd ever want to meet. R.I.P. Joe. You'll be missed!
Joe passed away Sunday the 23rd of December around 1500 hours. I had the honor of visiting him and his wife Kathy earlier that afternoon.
I had the pleasure of knowing Joe for 32 years. Joe came from a Police family. His dad and brother were on the job and his older brother worked for US Customs. Joe and I worked together in the Traffic Safety and Training Section at 54 W. Hubbard and at the Kraft Building. We were members of the Solo Motor Cycle Team and I have many found memories of our times together on those details.
Joe was part of dinner group of old Traffic men that retold stories over and over again until any semblance of truth was gone. That's what was so much fun about the gatherings as you tried to remember what actually happened. Joe recollected things differently than me but that was the fun part. I have never heard anyone utter a bad word about the man.
So please keep Joe and his family in your prayers today. I guess he's lucky in a round about way because he actually gets to be with Jesus on Christmas whereas all we do is celebrate his birth.
Rest in peace old friend. You will be missed.
Tony Caruso CPD 1968-2001
Sorry,There are 2 police men in this post.Patrick Funnicane is the one that is from Bridgeport and has a sister Maggie.Pardon.
Joe, may you RIP. Thank you for all the pizza parties. Time holds still for no one. You were a true gent. I was written up once in 29 years and I'm glad it was by you. Professional and all around great guy. And I was wrong on that long ago day. BF
Insp. Joe got me a couple of times, too. No hat once and not coding a job right away the other time. Back then those were worse than felony offenses to some bosses.
Off topic: Actors Jack Klugman and Charles Durning passed away yesterday. Both WWII vets. Durning was wounded a few days after D-Day, sent to hosp. in England. Recovered and returned to unit just in time for the Battle of the Bulge where he was wounded again. RIP
Remember the days when you didn't dare get caught exiting your vehicle or involved in a foot chase without wearing your hat with shield, it happened one day while chasing some train burglars. Caught the bad guys and Inspector Maratto was there on scene, guys were running to get their hats on LOL, long story short about a month later at rollcall my partner and I received an honorable mention for the arrest...the Honorable mention was from Inspector Maratto, couldn't believe it! He left a great impression with me in my early career.
RIP Inspector and Detective. Joe Maratto was a kind and gentle family man. We knew each other at CPD but became very good friends at the Aviation Police. I will miss the laughs and ribbing he gave me. We talked or texted every day. God got the best of this deal. Bye bud. Don Bertini
Rest in peace Joe,
You were a Policeman first and foremost and it was always a pleasure to see you and talk with you. You remembered where you came from and never spoke down to any blue shirt.
Years ago you assisted us in capturing an Armed Carjacker on the westside and helped us chase him down. You even wrote up a nice salute for us which turned into a Department Commendation.
Thanks for the memories Joe and for being a Cop
PO/CPD Gold Star Family Member
I'm truly saddened by the news about Joe. He really was a prince and will be sorely missed. I did not know the Detective but my condolences go out to the family and friends of both of theses men.
If you didn't know Pat, it's your loss. Great guy.
Inspector Joe was a prince. We had to do one of those bullshit evacuations drills. He was the inspector in charge. Of course, nothing went as planned. Joe just laughed it off.
Pay knew my name before I met him. He was that type of guy. You will be missed. My heart sank when I saw the news. Godspeed brother.
RIP Lt Joe Maratto , good copper and a friend to all . Joe you will be missed .
Insp. Joe was a "class act" and the unofficial dept. historian. One of the last true princes.
What a gentleman and tremendous example of how to excel in, if not enjoy as he did, this job of ours. The world is a lesser place without him here and he will be missed! Rest In Peace my friend.
Joe was one of the few Inspectors that would write up a complimentary report.He did it a lot when I was a Sgt. in 007.
I don't remember the Detective.
RIP and Peace to the Family of both men.
CPD(Ret)
We lost two very good people in the last two days. Never did I think that the last time I saw either of them would be the last time....
I am better for having known both of them.
Treasure the moments Guys and Gals
laugh ur ass off. Don't let this job get to you. Tomorrow me or you. Life is good enjoy, just like Pat did. He will be truely miss by all.
The old Area Four/ The new Area Central
RIP Patrick,good guy.
I'll bet Big Bird was jealous of him!
Everyone hated Big Bird Inspector!
Joe was always a relief to see around the stations!
R.I.P. Joe
Joe Marrato a guardian angel. When you picked up the phone to talk to Joe it didnt matter how many years you had on the job he was always there to help. My heart grows heavy with the loss of such a great man. They dont make them like this anymore. May you rest in peace, even in heaven i know you will look down on us and keep us safe. Thank you for everything my friend.
Pat, you will be missed by your many friends. God bless you my friend. I am a better person to have known you. To your family take solace in knowing what a great gentleman he was. I will miss our trips to New Orleans.
I like to say Ira's, Pat, and I and a whole bunch of friends that I miss very deeply. God Bless you Pat and thanks for memories...xo
I'm Dan, Joe Maratto's son.
I just saw this website, and I want to thank you all so much. Especially reading the comments, I laughed my ass off, and it made me so happy to see all the fun memories and stories.
I knew my dad had many friends, and everyone knew he was a good cop, but to see all the things written here, all the comments from people, the kind words and funny anecdotes, warmed my heart.
CPD was his family. He never wanted to do anything but be a policeman. It was more than a job, more than "The Job," it was part of his soul. He sped through this world at 90 miles an hour, and he made his own life. Not many people can say that!
I am so fortunate that he is my dad, and though I am sad I shall have to wait to see him again, I am a happy man because of all the good he did while he was here.
Thank you all so very much.
Anyone is welcome to attend the services for Joe:
The wake (visitation) is Thursday, 2-9 pm
The funeral is Friday, 9 am
Both at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 W. Archer Ave., Chicago
I never knew Detective Pat Finucane; I have to presume Joe did, because he knew everybody. I am sorry to hear he died, and I wish comfort to his family and friends.
"May angels lead you in"
I knew both of these men. Got chased by an unmarked one Sunday morn in 1999 while bringing a car back from area 4 with no beat tag. He laughed and joked saying it was Sunday so it was ok. Detective was one of our negotiators and was a very good one to listen to when on a long barricaded subject job. They will both be missed R.I.P.
May you rest in the Lord's loving arms Lieutenant Joe Maratto. Prayers and deepest sympathies to Joe's family and friends and Brothers and Sisters in Blue.
The only Inspector that I/we and many officers really liked and looked forward to seeing if there was ever an inspector in the district. He would be at roll calls to speak with us rather than look to gig anyone, he always said there were only a few things he would gig us for and that was- not wearing your vest and he'd tell us about how it could save your life and all, not wearing your seat belt, and would tell us about how he would not write us up for the small things that were minor in his eyes but that he would rather speak to us to make us aware of the infraction so as to not get cuaght up by other inspectors. CLASS ACT !!!! RIP Inspector Maratto
They say you can tell a man by who he befriends, but that was not so with Joe. He was head and shoulders atop the people from traffic, iad and inspections, yet he tried to make them better people by his example and his friendship. Even though it did not work with most, he never gave up. Lieutenant Joe Maratto was a great man. He will be missed.
I recall him zipping around the neighborhood on his too small bike and his kid like helmet. People that didn't know him didn't believe me when I told them the had been a Chicago Police Dept. inspector. RIP He will be missed not only by his family, but by anyone that ever had the honor to work for him.
Pat was a great bear of a guy who could laugh at himself and make anyone feel good. God only takes the best. R.I.P. Patrick
Joe was a prince
I knew and worked with both Joe and Pat. Both great guys. I always loved to run into Joe while working special at O'hare as he became an Aviation P.O. right after he retired. Pat was in my class and he was a great P.O. as well as a first class Detective. Both deaths were a shock to me. R.I.P.
I had broken my leg and was on crutches while on a mandatory IOD visit to the medical section when I had accidently locked my keys in my car. Lt. Joe Marrato sees me struggling to get into my car through the back/hatch which was unlocked. He climbs through the back and into my car and hands me my keys.... Several years later we meet up again while he was working for DOA police at ORD. I come to find out that I have been issued his P.O. star that he and other family members had been also assigned prior to their promotions/retirements.
I wear it close to my heart... and fondly remember you. Lt. thanks again. RIP and may your memory be eternal.
Sorry for your loss from a retired MPD guy.
There is a huge gulf between a LEADER and a boss/manager.
Sounds like you lost a great leader.
RIP to both of these good men
RIP to both officers. I didn't know Joe, but sounds like a wonderful person. Pat was a good friend, a great detective.. you will be missed dearly. Just saw him at the area 4 reunion, said he was going to retire soon. He left this earth way too fast, but I know he is up there in heaven. God bless you Pat.
Joe gave me an appearance award once. A little doodad to pin on the uniform. Now I was no kid when he did this, 20 on, and I had to laugh when he did it, shit didn't match on my typical field uniform of the day and my pants weren't exactly clean, pressed, sharply creased etc. It was a gimme, he said well, you ever get written up when you didn't deserve it? He did that stuff, wrote people up in a positive way, I guess he asked the WC who to give an award to and WC said me, I figured WC was fucking with me but it was better than some nonsense inspector's beef. We both had a laugh. This would be a different department if we had lots more bosses like that.
They wer both great men. Inspector Marrato observed me and another P.O. transporting an offender(theft of service) in a squad car without a cage(she was hypoglycemic and needed a sandwich from women's lock up, but was too big to be transported in a cage car and no wagon was available). We could have been written up for all those many infractions, but he just advised us to get a beat tag. He was a real gentleman.
Joe and his cousin Mike, were both police officers. Mike was my fathers partner for many years, and also my uncle.Well, unfortunately, Mike died at a very young age. I now wear Mike's star. Every time I would run into Joe and start talking with him (Lord knows he could talk) if someone would approach us he would always introduce me as his cousin, a member of his family. I ran into him one time in particular at a neighborhood festival and I had several of my kids and their friends with me. I introduced my kids and talked for a while and went our separate ways. A little while later I saw my kids and all their friends running around with these huge ice cream cones. I asked the kids how they were able to buy all that ice cream. They said " Well, that man you just introduced us to bought it for us".
Both sound like great men. RIP
Our guardian angel Joe will be watching us ever so vigilant from from heaven. For years after my husband Jim Mullen was shot and disabled Joe would call me, wish us well. One example of Joe's thoughtfulness is that for years he reminded me when my license plates were up for renewal and again with the city stickers. A friendly reminder for a busy wife and working mom. He has a heart of gold and he is in Gods arms now.
Athena Mullen
Joe and Pat were both the nicest guys you could ever hope to meet. true gentlemen. I will miss them and my prayers go out to their loved ones.
R.I.P. Pat....you were a class act and a gentleman everytime I had the pleasure of crossing paths with you, both on and off-duty. Your no-bs sense of humor and outgoing personality will be sorely missed. I didn't know Inspector Joe personally, but I do know he didn't give the honest, working cop a hard time. That type of "boss" is sorely lacking in today's cpd. May God rest you both and give comfort to your families during this difficult time.
RIP Pat,
You were always a gentleman and lit up the floor at Area Four with your smile. You will be missed.
Lt. Joe Maratto was a great boss, had the privelege to work for him in 021. Loved hot cars. Great boss, but more importantly a great human being.
I was working days in 10 and responded to a domestic. The guy was big and started to fight. We called for help and in came the cavalry including Joe, who helped subdue the offender. The officers were worried that the inspector would gig them for no hats. Joe shook hands with all the officers and said great job! RIP Joe
Cindy
Joe & Pat Both true professionals and class guys.
Both will be so missed.
Rest in Peace.
I was coming out of Filene's Basement downtown with some things i bought while working and i see the unmarked pull along side me as I was getting into my squad. I said to myself, Oh shit! The window rolled down and it was Joe. He told me that my license plates on my personal car were expired. He saw my car car parked in the lot earlier in the week. Did not make a big deal about it and never mentioned the bags i was carrying. Joe, they do make any better than you. I will always remember you. The job could use a few more people like you. May God welcome you into his kingdom and bless your family.
I did not know the detective, but I DID know "Gentleman Joe". I've been told that if a person is fondly remembered, then they will never truly die.
It sounds to me like both of these men will live forever if only in our hearts.
May they both rest in peace.
I just read the funeral arrangements for Joe. I'm so sorry that I'm not able to make them because he was always, always there for anyone who needed support. God bless you Lieutenant, you were one of the best bosses we had. I'm sorry that you didn't get to enjoy your retirement.
two gentlemen who have earned our respect and their reward wherever "good coppers" go
Blogger Dan Maratto said...
I'm Dan, Joe Maratto's son.
Nice Post Dan.
Your Father helped young Sgt's like me back in the day to become better supervisors.
Your Dad was one of the good guys.Be Proud of your Dad.
"Rootin, Tootin" Pat Finucane...
R.I.P. Patrick...
JB
To Dan Maratto:
I am sorry I was unable to make the services. I would have been proud to shake the hand of the son of the finest Inspector the Chicago Police Department ever had.
I worked for Lt. Joe Maratto in the 021st District in the mid 90's; not only was he one of the finest police officers I have ever had the privilege of working with, (he could find a hot car better than anyone), he was one of the most genuine and pleasant people I have ever known. I am so very saddened to hear of his passing, and it is with a heavy heart that I type this condolence, knowing that I will not bump into him and exchange a cheerful handshake and a story or 2 again in the future. I am a better person through knowing Joe and he is someone that I will emulate throughout the rest of my career and life.
-Robert Pet
Thank you all so much, once again. "Be careful out there!"
Lt.Joe knew me when I was a kid, he and his then partner Jerry Rusnick on then beat 1224. They both treated me like one of their own. I later saw Joe and he was still the laid back smiling person I knew so many years before. I have always kept the men andwomen of the 12th district in my heart, Thank you Joe for saving me from the streets and teaching me how to be a better person and Police Officer. My prayers to Joe's family and friends. Ditto to Det. Pat's family and friends.Heaven is now much safer. Godbless both of these men and their families for their service and sacrifice.
Post a Comment
<< Home