Joseph P. Albertina, 83, of Collinsville, Ill., born Jan. 21, 1929, in Collinsville, Ill., died at 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012, at Anderson Hospital, Maryville, Ill.

Joseph was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving his country from 1951 to 1956. While in the Army, he received a Commendation Ribbon with Metal Pendant for meritorious service as a mess steward maintaining an outstanding mess for which he received two Division Best Mess Awards and five Regimental Best Mess Awards. After Joseph's honorable discharge he worked with his brother John as a co-owner and chef at the Club Plantation Restaurant in Springfield, Ill., and then in Collinsville at the Claymor Restaurant. He was also a Shelter Insurance agent in Collinsville, retiring after 46 years. He will be fondly remembered for his cooking, especially his pizzas. Joseph was a member of the Collinsville Unit 10 School Board from 1968 through 1970 and Our Lady of the Snows Shrine.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John M. and Pierina, nee Cerutti, Albertina; and sisters and brothers, Alma Albertina, Ann Maddalino, Liberty Giovando, Albert Albertina, Arnold Albertina, Alma Zysk, John Albertina and Hiram Albertina.

Surviving are his sons, Mark J. Albertina of Collinsville, Ill., and Kyle (Tamra Lynn) Albertina of Farmington, Mo.; grandsons, Joshua J. (Kelly) Albertina and Justin V. (Heather) Albertina; a sister, Atheis Ruf of Van Alstyne, Texas; and brother, Frank Albertina of Collinsville, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com

Visitation: A memorial gathering will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, 2012, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill.

Funeral: Per his wishes he was to be cremated.