Joseph Maruca Obituary
March 17, 1936 - February 5, 2021
San Diego
Joseph 'Joe' R. Maruca, 84, of San Diego, CA, 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, 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, teaching in the Los Angeles School District and in Mono County. He was principal of Mammoth High School for 12 years, and also 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 eight 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, and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.Services will be 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., followed by memories and remembrance at 9:30 a.m. and Mass at 10:30 a.m., with the Rev. Michael J. Sinor presiding. The family suggests donations 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.
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
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
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
Make a Donation
in Joseph Maruca's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
How to support Joseph's loved ones
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
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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
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 moreWays to honor Joseph Maruca's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
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
