Joseph Maron

1932 - 2021

Joseph Maron
July 22, 1932 - June 20, 2021
Willow Spring, North Carolina - It is with great sadness that the family of artist and former art professor, Joseph John Maron, announces his death on June 20, 2021, from complications relating to chronic heart disease. His death occurred not only on Father's Day, but also on what would have been his 62nd wedding anniversary.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, in 1932 to John Joseph and Agnes Fürst Maron, he was a 1950 graduate of St. Augustine's Diocesan High School. He graduated from Brooklyn College in 1954 with a B.A. in Fine Arts. In 1955, he was drafted into the US Navy. Not long after he completed Basic Training, he attended Officer Candidate School and was commissioned as a Communications Officer. After a stint at sea, he was assigned to the Joint Chiefs of Staff Office at the Pentagon. It was there that, in 1959, he met Margaret Brown, a young college student from North Carolina, who was working as a summer secretary in the office next to his. He proposed after one date, and six months later they began what was to be a nearly 62-year-long marriage. After a three-year tour of duty in Naples, Italy, he was honorably discharged and they returned to Brooklyn, NY, where he obtained his MFA from Brooklyn College and where their only son was born.
They built a vacation home on a corner of Margaret's family farm in Johnston County, NC, and moved there permanently in 1972. It was there that Margaret honed her skills as a mystery novelist, ultimately writing 30 books, including the Judge Deborah Knott mystery series. Joe accepted a position teaching art at Meredith College in Raleigh, all the while perfecting his considerable skills as an artist. Prior to his retirement from teaching in 1989, his work had been shown in several North Carolina galleries and are part of several private collections.
Accurately described as a "true Renaissance Man," Joe had a deep intellect and was extremely knowledgeable and conversant in art, ancient and modern history, music, literature, religion and how they all intersected. He also had a keen sense of humor and inventive imagination. He never stopped being curious. He was an avid gardener and took particular pleasure in being able to produce fresh lettuce through the winter. But he was most proud of his blueberry bushes and pear trees, as well as his two granddaughters.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Margaret, and his younger sister, Margaret Quaranto of Calverton, NY. He is survived by son John, daughter-in-law Andrea Cumbee Maron, and their daughters Julia and Natalie, all of Raleigh; his sister-in-law Edna Brown Reynolds of Garner, NC; several nieces and nephews, and dozens of close friends.
The family is grateful for and humbled by the outpouring of love and support received since both Margaret's and Joe's deaths. They both received excellent care from Transitions LifeCare of Raleigh. Donations to that facility would honor their memories.
Funeral arrangements are private.