Joseph E. Claretto

Joe Claretto passed away July 27th in Zionsville, Indiana. He was born in Terre Haute, Indiana to Joseph and Josephine Claretto in 1933. He married Martha Jean Smith and had three sons. He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents, his stepmother Adeline Claretto and his youngest son Gregory. Survivors include his sons Jeffrey (Sharon) and Bradley (Mary Ann), grandchildren Emily Adamson (Rob), Audrey Falkenstein (Nick), Anna Stayer (David), Ethan Claretto (Dailyn), Dustin Claretto (Abby), Mario Claretto and Mia Claretto and eight great grandchildren.

Joe was a proud class president and graduate of Garfield High School. He organized numerous class reunions and trips for his classmates. He started working at West Drug Store in Terre Haute at the age of twelve and he returned to manage that store after graduating from the Purdue University School of Pharmacy. For many years he co-owned Ash Pharmacy with his business partner Curt Eisman. He built a very successful business and was trusted and admired by doctors, nurses and clients alike. He was a long-time member of the North Terre Haute Baptist Church.

Joe was a loyal fan of all Boilermaker teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Indianapolis 500. He attended 56 straight races and even took rides around the oval with Johnny Rutherford, Arie Luyendyk and his favorite driver, Mario Andretti. He loved to travel in the US and Canada by station wagon with his family and in retirement he and wife Martha Jean made many trips to Europe and South America with the Terre Haute German club. He loved new adventures and learning about other cultures.

As much as he loved his sports and travel, he loved his family and friends even more. He was a dedicated husband and a truly loving, generous father and grandfather. He made friends wherever he went and he made everyone around him feel special. He liked nothing more than having a good meal surrounded by his loved ones.

A visitation for Joe will be held Sunday, August 6 from 10am to 12pm at Callahan and Hughes Funeral Home, 605 S. 25th St., Terre Haute, IN followed by a private burial service at Roselawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers make a donation to the charity of your choice.