RACINE - Joseph A. Matranga, 83, passed away at Woodstock Health & Rehabilitation Center of Kenosha on Wednesday, January 4, 2012. Joseph was born in Racine November 16, 1928, the son of the late Joseph and Marie (nee: Petavino) Matranga and was a lifelong Racine resident. He worked for the City of Racine Department of Public Works retiring In January 1991 after 38 years of service. Joseph was married to the former Sophie Baranek in 1972 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was a past member of Roma Lodge. Joseph enjoyed life to his fullest, including the Racine Interfaith singles dance at Knights of Columbus on Sunday nights, including his many gambling adventures to area casinos in the state. Joseph will be dearly missed by all who knew him and his warm hearted nature. Survived by his sisters, Angelina McCarthy of Racine and Mary Luethner of Pleasant Prairie; his brothers, Tony (Francis) Matranga, and Charles (Diane) Matranga, all of Racine. Further surviving are many wonderful nieces, nephews, relatives, and to the many friends to numerous to mention. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Sophie Matranga in 1994, brothers, Johnny and George Matranga; sisters, Minnie Kaschinski, Josephine M. Nau and Nancy Berchem.A Memorial service will be held at the funeral home on Sunday January 15, 2012 at 4 p.m. Private Family interment will be held at a later date. A visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 2 until the time of the service.