Search by Name

Search by Name

Joseph DeLuca Obituary

Joseph Frank DeLuca "Coach"

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.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 24 to Jul. 25, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph DeLuca

Not sure what to say?





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.

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Joseph DeLuca's name

Memorial Events
for Joseph DeLuca

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

TraditionCare Funeral Services - Pleasant Hill

2255 Morello Avenue Suite 124, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Joseph DeLuca's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more