Joseph R. ‘Joe’ Maruca

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 (19851993) 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 motherin-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. Please sign the Guest Book online obituaries.sandiegouniontribune.com