81, passed away July 21, 2013 after a brief courageous battle with melanoma.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years Marcia (McCall), son Scott (Jaymie), daughters Melissa and Michelle DeLuca, grandsons Cody, Dustin and Shane DeLuca.
Proceeded in death by his parents Frances (Belcastro) and Jim DeLuca and brother John.
Born in Weed, CA June 6, 1932 he graduated from Weed High School in 1951.
He attended Olympia JC and graduate from University of Montana in 1955 where he was a football Little All American and a member of Sigma Chi.
He played professional football for the British Columbia Lions in 1955 then joined the Army serving at Fort Ord, CA. Earning his Masters degree from California State, Chico in 1962.
He was a teacher and a football coach for more than 35 years at various schools including Fullerton College, Long Beach State, San Jose City, San Jose State, St. Mary's College and the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Inducted into the Montana Grizzly Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Weed High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Along with his passion of football he was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman.
He was a man of faith, family and football; impacting many lives through his coaching, character, love, friendship, and support. He will be remembered and missed by many.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to University of Montana 1954 Athletic Fund, Hospice of the East Bay.
Services will be held at 9:30am on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill, CA. Additional information can be found at www.traditioncare.com
TraditionCare Mortuary
925-827-2911
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
William Gaillard
October 1, 2013
I knew Coach for perhaps a year from the Pleasant Hill dog park where I spoke with him at length many times. His faithful dog, Monte, was always at his side. For the little time that I knew Coach, it was obvious to me that he was a fine man; and I will miss him greatly. Condolences to his family.
August 4, 2013
There are so many memories of our beloved Coach to recall but he lives on in all the men he touched with his straight forward Leadership and direct honesty, punctuated by his many cliches. he is a one of a kind Man's Man!!!!!! With much love to a great man and his family.....from all those Gaels he endeared himself to....Tom, Mary, Matt and Andy Bruce
July 30, 2013
Dear Marcia and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.God Bless you and keep you and surround with his love. K.Erickson
Sharon & Gunnar Jenson
July 30, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Sharon had a wonderful visit to California in May. Joe was such a tease and fed her too much, or so he said. Rest in peace, Brother-in-Law!
Al and Carol Feola
July 29, 2013
We're sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. We have some great memories of Joe & Marsha at Fullerton College.
Go Gaels!
Kent Jordan
July 29, 2013
Joe was a legendary figure at St. Mary's College. He loved to roust the football players every morning during training camp. You could hear him coming down the hall knocking on every door and barking "rise and shine pencil necks!". He was a heck of a coach who got the most out of his players, often ranking high in NCAA DII in various defensive categories in the early 80's. He loved to razz the offense and it was a fun place to play because of Joe. May his voice ring down those dormitory halls forever. Kent Jordan - SMC Co-Captain 1982
Scott Singer
July 28, 2013
"Hey pencil neck Singer! That's the best you can do?". Coach was fondly remembered at the SMC 5th Quarter Football Alumni Picnic Saturday. The stories were plentiful. He will always remain in our hearts.
Scott Singer
July 28, 2013
Coach was fondly remembered by many at the Annual SMC 5th Quarter football alum picnic held Saturday at the Grove. The stories were plentiful! He will always be in our hearts.
Terry Cottle
July 27, 2013
The Cottle family sends our condolences to Marsha and family. Joe was an excellent coach, great man, a mentor to a lot of us, and a loyal friend. May he rest in peace.
Elena & Leroy Cortese & Sayas
July 26, 2013
My condolences to the family of Joseph Frank Deluca. May the Lord Jesus Christ except Frank in your kingdom of glory, happiness and life everlasting and always wish him well.
July 26, 2013
Marsha
We were unaware of Joe's issue and did not know of his passing until today. He was a great friend to my parents and we will miss his sense of humor and friendship.
Jim Callane
July 26, 2013
Sharon. Jackie and I were so sorry to hear about Joe. We share in your loss. The Callanes
Sandy Day
July 25, 2013
Coach was part of our team here at Diablo Creek Golf Course for many years. He will be greatly missed by us all.
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TraditionCare Funeral Services - Pleasant Hill2255 Morello Avenue Suite 124, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
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