Joseph Paul DeMaestri Sr. Born December 9, 1928, passed away peacefully from natural causes on August 26, 2016 in San Rafael. Born in San Francisco, Joe's parents moved to Marin County where Joe attended and graduated from Tamalpais High School. Joe was a standout baseball player at Tam and went on to play shortstop in the major leagues for the Chicago White Sox (1951), St. Louis Browns (1952), Philadelphia and Kansas City Athletics (19531959) and New York Yankees (19601961). He had a front row seat to watch Maris and Mantle chase Babe Ruth's home run record in 1961. In an 11-season career, Joe was a .236 hitter with 49 home runs and 281 RBI in 1,121 games played. He was a member of the American League All-Star team in 1957 and was a member of the World Champion New York Yankees in 1961. Joe retired from baseball after the '61 season and began working at DeMaestri Distributing Company with his father, Silvio DeMaestri, in 1962. Joe sold the business in 1991. Joe was an avid golfer and member of the Marin Country Club in Novato where the family lived since 1960. Joe was respected by all and held in the highest esteem by those who worked with him or enjoyed his company socially. Joe was happily married to Margot (nee Jehly) for 56 years until her death in 2007 and preceeded in death by his parents, Silvio and Lillian DeMaestri. Joe is survived by his devoted children, Christine Lea (Preston), Joe DeMaestri Jr (Julie), and Donna Peltz (Matthew). Joe was adored by his grandchildren Cassandra Dyke, Mandy Selwyn, Margot Lea, Joelle Lea, Lindsey Patrick, Carl Patrick, Jay DeMaestri (Joseph Paul III) and Russell DeMaestri. Joe also leaves six great grandchildren and cousin, Eddie DeMaestri of Fairfax, CA. Friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Wednesday, September 28 at 11:00am at Keaton's Mortuary, 1022 E St., San Rafael with a celebration of life immediately following at San Rafael Joe's, 931 Fourth St., San Rafael. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 94949.

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Published by Marin Independent Journal from Aug. 31 to Sep. 25, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DeMaestri

Sponsored by MarinIJ.com.

17 Entries

Ernie Giono

October 3, 2016

Joe, I remember fondly many an afternoon in my parents basement listening to the old Victrola. My Mom upstairs fixing a snack for us in her great kitchen. Sil and Lil were great friends of my parents along with Babe and Marie. I cherish those memories.
Ernie Giono

Tami Butcher Ingerson

September 28, 2016

It was so wonderful spending time with everyone today honoring Joe and his legacy! He has touched so many lives and will always be in our hearts and thoughs. Much love!! Xoxo

Rebecca Parker

September 16, 2016

I just heard of your loss. I loved your parents. They came to my mothers 50th birthday and my wedding. They were always wonderful hosts. Though I hadn't seen them in years they were always in my thoughts and memories. Your so lucky to have such a wonderful family.

stephanie connor

September 12, 2016

My prayers go out to the family and friends isaiah41:10

Ed Mitchell

September 11, 2016

Joe DeMaestri, one of the "boys of summer"
a kid form Tam Hi, you were a real gamer
one day you laid down your bat and glove
to begin family life with you and your love
in this league there are no rings to be won
a life well lived when all is said & done
your legacy is the pride of your progeny...
your crown of glory for all eternity.

Have a wonderful journey!

Gene Bleasdale

September 4, 2016

Hey joe
This candle will help light your way .
Gene Mari. Bleasdale

Gene Bleasdale

September 4, 2016

I have been honored by having known Joe during the early years of our lives. We were on the same basketball team @ TAM in 1945 & 1846. I had moved from S.F. a year earlier & Joe befriended me since we were both S.F natives.
I last saw Joe in 1982 @ a shared class reunion, we had a long chat about 'old times.'
He would pick me up in his Model A & we would go down to TAM for practices.
Joe never had a bad word about anyone & it was always great to see him again.
You will be missed, Joe & may you RIP.

CHARLENE BURGI

September 1, 2016

My husband and I worked on the front landscaping in their home many years ago and enjoyed the love they shared with each other and their two pugs. In later years, Margo was in the same facility as my sister and Joe would come see her daily. Again, the love and respect they had for each other. We were blessed knowing such lovely people. Joe, rest in peace.

Joe Murphy

September 1, 2016

Joe and I shared many meals at Atria Tamalpais. He was always a gentleman and a pleasure to be with. I know he was devastated when he lost his beloved Peaches. May he rest in Peace.

Joseph Thaler

September 1, 2016

One heck of a gloveman. I remember when he went 6 for 6 in a ballgame.
Rest in peace, Mr. Demaestri.
Joseph Thaler
Enumclaw, WA

September 1, 2016

I never got tired of listening to Joe's stories about his playing days. I will miss him very much. Jeff Mishoe

Pam Mishoe-Chisholm

September 1, 2016

So many memories.... Love you all. So glad the DeMaestri's moved to Fairway Dr. and started the life long friendship with the entire Henderson family. What a wonderful place to grow up, Joe you were the best! Love you, Pam

Carol Allen

August 31, 2016

Condolences to the Joseph Paul DeMaestri family i met Joseph at Chris and Preston Lea's wedding. My thoughts and prayers for all of the family. Carol Allen

Jody Bushton-Thalhamer

August 31, 2016

I have such fond memories of your dad. I am so sorry for your loss. To this day I still tell the story of dinners at your house on fairway and listening to your dad and stories of baseball. May you all find peace and cherish all the great memories of a Great man! I feel blessed to have known him!

Bill Burhess

August 31, 2016

As a grade school friend of the family I remember Joe Sr. a bit and have fond memories of hanging with Joe Jr. at their Marin Country Club home. RIP Joe DeMaestri Sr.

David Witter

August 31, 2016

I remember Mr. DeMaestri and as generous, kind, and friendly. He was a true gentleman. I never heard him say an unkind word to anyone. My family grew up with yours and remembers the stick ball games when Fairway was a dead end Street and after dinner ball toss on the 4th tee box. Larry, David, Kathy and Bob are grieved by your loss and filled by memories of better days on Fairway Drive.

David Starbuck

August 31, 2016

I was honored to have befriended this great gentleman. On behalf of my family AND his many friends and fans with the Kansas City Baseball Historical Society, we extend our thoughts and prayers to the entire DeMaestri family. Thanks for the memories, Joe.

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