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John Joseph Obituary
August 23, 1920 - December 27, 2012
John J Joseph (92) passed away peacefully in his sleep to join his loving wife of 58 years Esther in heaven who he lost in 2002. At home with his family by his side, he passed from complications resulting from an infection. He was born in Omaha, Nebraska to Paul and Julia Joseph one of 13 children. In the mid 1920's the family moved to Los Angeles. He graduated in 1938 from Garfield High School where he was captain of the football team and earned all LA City honors for 3 seasons. He also lettered in baseball and track. He served as a Chief in the United States Navy from 1939 to 1945 in both the Pacific and Atlantic theaters of operations during WWII. Upon discharge he enrolled at LA City College where he earned MVP, All Conference and All Coast Honors in Football. He accepted a football scholarship to UCLA as a 6'1 240 lbs. offensive lineman. His college and most likely professional football career were cut short by a devastating knee injury that required several surgeries. He continued as a graduate assistant under the legendary UCLA coach Red Sanders. In 1950 he accepted a teaching and coaching position at Santa Monica City College and purchased the family home on North Maria Ave in Redondo Beach where he remained until his death. For the next 42 years he coached football and swimming. Although never having participated in the sport he became one of the most successful and more importantly respected and loved swimming coaches at any level in United States history. He has been inducted into several halls of fames, coached 306 All American swimmers, 13 undefeated seasons, 21 conference coaches of the year awards and was named State and National Coach of the Year on several occasions. He was an avid skier, scuba diver and was playing golf up to 3 times a week until his passing. His family was his life and somehow he found time to sometimes coach and always attend the many athletic and cheer events of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is survived by his son John (Claudia) and daughters Jeffri Ann Mallett (Ron) and Jeanne Marie Wade (Jim) grandsons Brett and Johnny Joseph, Michael Mallett (Erica), Tyler Wade (Vanessa), granddaughter Missy Mallett-Manlove (Bill) and four great grandchildren.
A memorial mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church in Redondo Beach at 10:00 AM Thursday January 3, 2013 with reception immediately following in the church hall.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Joseph
Grant Christie
December 28, 2024
Coach Joseph left a lifelong mark on me that I will always cherish and never forget.
John Kaper
December 28, 2024
My name is John Kaper and I played football in the fall of 1964 at SMCC under Coaches Joseph and Powers, who were amazing and inspiring coaches. I remember that we played El Camino College that year and Coach Joseph's son played for El Camino, unfortunately we lost 32 to 28. Coach Joseph was an unbelievable great coach, friend and mentor. I always remember him as being kind and fair, even though as a football coach he had to be stern and firm at times to get the players to learn the plays and win games. One of my most memorable memories of Coach Joseph is after I came back from Vietnam. I played football at SMCC in 64 dropped out of school to join the Marine Corps and go to Vietnam, where I was seriously wounded and almost died. I spent 8 months at the Long Beach Naval recovering from my injury and my injury was such that I could no longer play football. Coach Joseph learned of my being wounded and hospitalized. I had planned on going back to SMCC and was unable to physically register for the upcoming semester. Coach Joseph personally took my mother around campus and registered me for all of my classes. I will never forget his kindness and thoughtfulness. He took his own time and efforts to help one of his football players. He was a prince of a man, an amazing individual. He will be remembered in hearts for ever...
Warmest regards, John Kaper USMC Retired
Grant Christie
January 10, 2023
JJ was one of the greatest and most influential men in my life.
Tom Phillips
December 28, 2022
John WAS a great man. To many of us on SMSC or SMCC he was a second father.
To this day, I attribute much of my success in life to the guidance I got from him.
I know he is cherished by many.
Jori Rowe
March 4, 2013
John...I wanted to send you and your family my condolence's. I was not aware of Big John's passing. I will always remember his kindness and the love he gave so naturally to me and my brothers when we were growing up. He always had a smile..was very happy and content..so good to people.
I enjoyed visiting your mom..she was so gracious with her time for me as a child..such pleasant neighbors to have. I have so many delightful memories.
Your parents will forever be in my heart.
Jori
Bill Sullivan
January 26, 2013
Just heard of Johnny's passing today. A great guy and excellent coach who had many great meets against Pasadena City College and Ron Ballatore when I swam there in the late 60's. Both Stix and JJ are gone and are missed by many. Two of the best who touched the lives of many.
Steve Haberfield
January 17, 2013
Big John growing up in a single Mom family your family brought back some happy memories in my college days. Your Dad and Mom always made you feel welcome. Your Dad was always pleasant to talk too and always interested and concerned for my future. He was an example of a model coach... professinal and a mentor to all of us John. Thanks for all the memories. Steve Haberfield
January 8, 2013
John, to you and your family, my condolences and prayers are with you and yours.
Arba Ayakatubby
Prescott, AZ
Nancy Cowden
January 5, 2013
So sorry for your loss John and family. I didn't realize your Dad was a fixture at SMCC. My Dad was a fixture at Cerritos College so I am sure our Dads knew each other. There is a special place in heaven for coaches, at least this is what I believe:) God Bless you all.
Paula Miers
January 5, 2013
So sorry I missed my Uncle John 's funeral, I was there in spirit and prayer .....xoxo
Don Rosenthal
January 4, 2013
John: How proud I am to have been on your first swim team at SMCC. I am even more proud that you were my friend over the years. Your at peace now with Esther, we aoo oove you both and will never forget you.
January 4, 2013
What a great person our prayers go out to the FAMILY.
John Held
Steamboat springs, Co
January 4, 2013
All our prayers go out to the FAMILY.
John Held
Vic R
January 4, 2013
JJ, you helped to shape so many lives, long after your passing, your legacy will hold true, you made this world a better place, God Bless!
don held
January 3, 2013
To the entire Joseph family: The thoughts and prayers of our family are with you. The South Bay has lost a legend of a man. God Bless you during this difficult time.
John & Pat Kaper
John Kaper
January 3, 2013
I am sorry to have missed the Mass for Coach Joseph as I would like to have paid my respects to a truly great coach and gentlemen. I played football at SMCC in 1964 and Coach Joseph was one of our coaches along Coach Powers. Coach Joseph was fair, honest and a great motivator, kind of a gentle giant with a big heart. I remember that we played El Camino College while his son, John (I believe that it was him) played at ECC and we lost 24 to 22 or something like, But it was something to play against ECC knowing that his son played on the opposite side. After playing at SMCC for the one year, I joined the Marine Corps and went off to Viet Nam and was almost killed by a gunshot wound to my femoral artery. When I got out of the Long Beach Naval Hospital, I went back to SMCC and took a swimming class from Coach Joseph as I could no longer play football, but the thing that I will always remember is that due to my injury it was very difficult to walk at the time and Coach Joseph took my mother around the SMCC campus and helped personally register me in all of my classes. It meant so much to me that he would take his time to do that, but it also showed his true character and his willingness to help others. I wish to extend my condolences to his family, as his passing is a great loss of true gentleman and friend. God Bless Coach Joseph.
Wishing you peace and rest,
John P. Kaper
Karoline Martin-Sato
January 3, 2013
Thought of JJ all day~ Took a swim after work in his honor~ Awesome memories~ an awesome man. Love you and will dearly miss you, Coach.
Henry Burke
January 3, 2013
I am delighted to have had your family for friend all of these
years God Bless Everyone
January 3, 2013
We are so sorry we missed John's mass as we just read it in the paper late this morning. We have so many memories of such fun times with he & Ester. Hendi will never forget the football games they officiated together. Lots of good chili and fun after games at the Joseph home. Lots of memories of a wonderful man and his family. We send the familys all our love and sympathy, Hendi and Sharon
Ryan Gray
January 3, 2013
I'm really sorry I missed the mass as I just now saw the obit and service details this afternoon. "Baba" was a great, great man and I thoroughly enjoyed my talks and visits with him when we were neighbors. My deepest condolences to the Joseph, Mallett and Wade families and to all his other family and friends.
Rob Melendrez
January 3, 2013
My condolences and prayers go to the family of coach Joseph. If there were a role model for role models, as a teacher, coach, and human being, it would have been coach Joseph. God bless you, coach, Corsair football alumnae will never forget you.
January 3, 2013
John, Sorry for your loss.
Tom Frobisher
Christine Phillips-Doyle
January 3, 2013
Thank you for being such an amazing coach. You were a dear family friend who will be greatly missed.
kathleen shortridge
January 3, 2013
Dear Jeffri, i am sorry for the loss of your wonderful dad..please accept my condolences and all of the extended Quigley family...love Kathleen Crowley Shortridge
January 3, 2013
With my heart felt sympathy.
Paula Samkey Wilson
Tom Phillips
January 3, 2013
John & Jenffri Ana, I hope you remember me. I am deeply saddened to hear of Johnny's death. Auggie text me a couple of days ago. I am sorry I could not make the trip to California but my heart is there with you. As you well know, Johnny was a second father to many of us growing up as teenagers under his tutelage. My success in life can be directly attributed to the lessons I learn from him and my dad (who also love John very much). At 70, I am retired from DuPont now for 5 years but continue my volunteer swim coaching (going on 45 years now) because of the love of the sport so endeared by Johnny. Our prayers and thoughts go out to you but as said in the obit, know he is in heaven with Esther and my folks. God bless.
I will treasure this picture the rest of my life!.
William Asturias
January 3, 2013
It was an honor and privilege to have had you as a coach and friend, the world will not be the same...Descanse en Paz JJ.
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