Joseph DeMarco
Joseph James DeMarco, aged 99, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family in Jay on Nov. 11, 2025. He was born on May 22, 1926, in Garfield, New Jersey, to Salvatore DeMarco and Rose Pelleteri.
An avid skier, Joseph traveled throughout Europe to pursue his passion for the slopes and cherished his time skiing at Whiteface Mountain. Alongside skiing, he loved to golf and spent many joyful hours on the greens. Joseph’s enthusiasm for sports extended to his support for the New York Yankees and New York Giants.
Joseph’s greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather, always cherishing time spent with loved ones. He is survived by his children Joseph (Mary Ann) DeMarco, Jr. and Gary (Judy) DeMarco; his grandchildren Chantalise DeMarco, Jennifer (Greg) LoBalbo, Michael DeMarco, Adriane (Lawrence) Baylis, Kristie (Jason) Pound, Sarah (Daniel) Davis; his great-grandchildren Joseph, William, Doc, Toler, Kaelyn, Luciano, Anthony, Jaxson, Thomas and Jonesy; as well as his dear friends who were a part of his family for many years Phil and Marilou Dooley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 74 years, Norma and his granddaughter, Chris Garfield.
During World War II, Joseph honorably served with the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He participated in the pivotal Battle of Iwo Jima, offloading mechanized units and Marines onto the beach and remaining until the island was secured and the atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. Following Japan’s unconditional surrender, Joseph sailed to Sasebo in the Kyushu Islands with a contingent of occupation Marines, witnessing the historic surrender aboard the USS Battleship Missouri.
In his professional life, Joseph worked as a draftsman and contributed to the 1980 Olympics held in Lake Placid and at Whiteface, taking pride in supporting these landmark events.
Joseph was deeply committed to honoring veterans and served as a volunteer with the Honor Flight program for eight years, helping fellow veterans make memorable journeys to visit national memorials.
Visitation will be on Friday, Nov. 14, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home. A Funeral Service to honor his life and legacy will be on Saturday, Nov. 15, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Honor Flight program or the Wounded Warriors in Joseph’s memory.
Services were entrusted to Heidrick-Zaumetzer Funeral Home, PO Box 127, 3 College St., AuSable Forks, NY 12912.