Obituary of Joseph DeLuca

Joseph Frank DeLuca "Coach", 81, of Martinez passed away July 21, 2013 after a brief courageous battle with melanoma. He is survived by his wife of 49 years Marcia (McCall), son Scott (Jaymie), daughters Melissa and Michelle DeLuca, grandsons Cody, Dustin and Shane DeLuca. Proceeded in death by his parents Frances (Belcastro) and Jim DeLuca and brother John. Born in Weed, CA June 6, 1932 he graduated from Weed High School in 1951 He attended Olympia JC and graduate from University of Montana in 1955 where he was a football Little All American and a member of Sigma Chi. He played professional football for the British Columbia Lions in 1955 then joined the Army serving at Fort Ord, CA. Earning his Masters degree from California State, Chico in 1962. He was a teacher and a football coach for more than 35 years at various schools including Fullerton College, Long Beach State, San Jose City, San Jose State, St. Mary?s College and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Inducted into the Montana Grizzly Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Weed High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Along with his passion of football he was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. He was a man of faith, family and football; impacting many lives through his coaching, character, love, friendship, and support. He will be remembered and missed by many. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to University of Montana 1954 Athletic Fund, Hospice of the East Bay. Services will be held at 9:30am on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill, CA