Deacon Joseph Daratony, a Melkite rite deacon who ministered in the Archdiocese of Detroit over the many years of his diaconate, passed on from this life on Feb. 6, 2025, at the age of 90. Deacon Daratony is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie, five children, 20 grandchildren, and 24 great grandchildren.
Deacon Daratony was born Aug. 27, 1934, and was ordained to the diaconate on Oct. 12, 1975.
In addition to his Melkite rite assignments over his almost 50 years of ordained ministry, Deacon Daratony served in the Archdiocese of Detroit at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, St. John Neumann in Canton, and Resurrection Parish in Canton. Deacon Daratony’s ministry was also highlighted by his faithful service at the Western Wayne Correctional and Phoenix prison facilities, as well as a secondary assignment as an adjunct member of the staff at St. John Center for Youth and Family.
Visitation for Deacon Daratony will be held at Our Lady of Redemption Melkite Catholic Church, 29293 Lorraine Ave, Warren, MI 48093, on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 3-8 p.m. with a Trisagion (prayer service) starting at 7 p.m.
The funeral service for Deacon Daratony will also take place at Our Lady of Redemption Melkite Catholic Church, 29293 Lorraine Ave., Warren, MI 48093 on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025, with Instate beginning at 10 a.m. and the funeral service starting at 11 a.m.
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