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JOSEPH R. "JOE" MARUCA

1936 - 2021

JOSEPH R. "JOE" MARUCA obituary, 1936-2021, El Centro, CA

BORN

1936

DIED

2021

JOSEPH MARUCA Obituary


A new star lights the night sky and will shine forever. Joseph "Joe" R. Maruca, 84, of San Diego, CA and formerly of Imperial, CA. joined the stars in the sky on Friday, February 5, 2021. Joe was born March 17, 1936 in Uniontown, PA. He served in the U.S Army after graduating high school and was stationed in Germany. He later attended St. Vincent College in La Trobe, PA. where he obtained his teaching credential and played football. He came to California and taught in the Los Angeles School District and in Mono County. He served as Principal of Mammoth High School for 12 years and also served on the Mammoth Ski Patrol where he assisted with numerous rescues and patrol duties. Joe's love for Baja California, bike riding, and flying his airplane eventually led him to the Imperial Valley, where he met and married his wife, Patricia "Pat" Maruca. An advocate for students and mentor to many new teachers and administrators, Joe served as Superintendent of the Central Union High School District (1985-1993) and the Imperial Unified School District (1993-2000). In 2000, he was elected to the Imperial County Board of Supervisors where he served for 8 years, proudly representing District 3 and the residents of Imperial and surrounding areas. Joe was an active member of the Rotary Club of Imperial and served on the board of the Salvation Army. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Marie Maruca of Connellsville, PA. He is survived by his wife Pat and son, Joe Jr. of San Diego, CA; brothers Barry (Joyce) of Connellsville, PA. Frank (Bonnie) of Leesburg, VA., and Tim and (Renee) of Greensburg, PA.; father and mother in-law, John and Lupe Moreno Jr. of El Centro; Joe is also survived by his sisters and brothers in-laws, Sylvia (Mike) Quintanar of Rancho Cucamonga, Barbara (Scott) Mejia of Delano, John (Lupita) Moreno III of El Centro, Ernie (Martha Meza) of Imperial, Lupita (Joel) of El Centro and Irma, Vincent and Chris Moreno of El Centro and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. Services will be held on Friday, March 19, 2021 at the Immaculata Church, University of San Diego, 5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA. Rosary will begin at 9 a.m. remembrance and celebration of life at 10:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Michael J. Sinor presiding. Family suggests donations be made in memory of Joe to the Salvation Army of El Centro or the American Cancer Society.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Imperial Valley Press Online from Mar. 3 to Mar. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH MARUCA

Not sure what to say?





Greensburg friends

January 22, 2023

look over your brother Tim for his birthday. You loved him very much!

Dick and Juli

March 18, 2021

Joe lived a rich, full, very interesting life. It was always enjoyable talking with him, and we'll miss Joe and his stories.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Pat and Joe Junior.

Norma Sierra Galindo

March 17, 2021

Happy birthday, Joe!
Love,
Gus and Norma

Exquisite Tribute Standing Spray

We love you, Pat and Joe Joe

Sent Flowers

Ken

March 13, 2021

Pat and Joe, my condolences. Joe was the best friend I had in California. We met in 1960 and as teachers from Pennsylvania. Thanks for great times: volleyball and body surfing at Santa Monica, Monterey Jazz Festival, basketball at Northridge Park, “Angel” games at Dodger stadium in their inaugural year, always grateful for the opportunity Karen and I had to teach summer school in Mammoth, thanks for helping Jim on the slopes, framing a couple homes, and jogging to the main lodge. You and your family are in my thoughts...Ken

Suzanne McQuaide

March 13, 2021

Joe was such a solid, giving, kind and responsible soul.
He left such a legacy. He is missed in so many ways.

ALICE M ABATTI

March 11, 2021

Pat and Joe Joe
My deepest condolences. I remember Joe from the days when he was the Superintendent at CUHS and would keep an eye out for my brother Freddi, to when you, Priscilla and I took a trip to Ensenada to meet up with Joe at his trailer on the beach where he liked to fish to a Sunday dinner at your place in SD. Joe made an impact on many lives at the various chapters of his life. Both of you are in my prayers.

Irma Moreno

March 10, 2021

Joe, I was fortunate To have the Opportunity of having You as A Brother inlaw. Thank You, For being A Good Husband To My Sister, Pat. And A Super Dad To Joe Joe. You Will Be Missed By All.

Alma Estrada

March 8, 2021

My condolences to Pat and Joe Jr, I was a long time resident at Imperial Valley, I met The Marucas back there building a very good friendship.

Dolores Gallardo

March 8, 2021

Rest in peace. A very nice man. Condolences to the family.
Gallardo Family. (Ruben from Winchells el Centro Ca).

G F

March 6, 2021

I’m very sorry for your loss. May you find the strength to get through this difficult time. Mr. Maruca touched many lives, and helped so many . He will always be remembered and surely missed.

Angelica Ybarra

March 5, 2021

Condolences to Mr. Maruca's family. He was my principal in HS. RIP

Paula (Smith) Rice

March 5, 2021

My deeply heartfelt condolences extended to all
Joe’s loved ones. Joe was my first principal when I began a 25 year career @ CUHSD. I will always remember him as a well respected leader whom I admired, always a kind & thoughtful gentleman.
May the memories you shared
soften your sorrow now & forever.
Paula ( Smith) Rice
San Jose, CA

JONATHAN H DRIFFILL

March 4, 2021

so sorry to hear of your loss, pat. joe touched the lives of thousands of students, teachers, and parents. may his legacy and all the memories you shared together confort you at this time.

Martha Rael-Loera

March 3, 2021

Pat and Joe Jr.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. It was a pleasure having Dr. joe Maruca as my Superintendent for Imperial Unifies School Dist. I also appreciate the opportunity Joe and you Pat gave me in teaching Joe Jr. in 2nd grade. May the Lord strengthen you both. I will cherish the fond memories I had of your husband and father Joe Maruca.

Gloria Ovando

March 3, 2021

Pat my most sincere and heartfelt condolences. May God give you and your family strength in this time of grief.
Gloria Ovando

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

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Memorial Events
for JOSEPH MARUCA

Mar

19

Rosary

9:00 a.m.

Immaculata Church, University of San Diego

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA

Mar

19

Service

10:30 a.m.

Immaculata Church, University of San Diego

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, CA

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