Joe was born August 14, 1947, in Farrell, PA. He was known by all his friends and family as a dedicated man of service and an advocate for others. Joe was successful in so many ways because he never met a stranger and to know him was to love him. He joined the Navy in 1964 and retired as a Chief in 1979 after his first difficult battle with cancer. After his retirement, Joe served his community in a magnitude of ways including joining the International Association of Laryngectomees (IAL) where he helped others like himself realize there was life after cancer. With the IAL, Joe served in many leadership capacities including Past President. He was instrumental in growing the Tidewater Lost Cords Club helping his fellow laryngectomees with their recovery journeys. His service to the club included working alongside ENT doctors as well as the American Cancer Society (ACS) to develop and implement proper procedures for pre-op and post-op visitation for new laryngectomees. Joe worked alongside many to help teach esophageal speech which he mastered soon after his own surgery. His extensive volunteer work with the ACS earned him the Lifetime Achievement Award. Joe was also very proud of the volunteer work he did in the school systems throughout Tidewater where he shared his experiences helping students understand the impact of smoking. He traveled the country giving motivational speeches about life choices and how they affect your health, all with his special sense of humor and spiritual side.
A devout Catholic, Joe was an active member of Christ the King Catholic Church for over 50 years where he served on Parish Council, the schools’ Board of Directors, the cleaning team, Usher, and Extraordinary Minister as well as many other committees. After attending a Cursillo Retreat in 2001, Joe felt called to take his ministry into Portsmouth Naval Hospital, where he volunteered with the Chaplain’s Office for over 20 years. He regularly visited Catholic patients, praying with them and taking them communion.
Joe was a dedicated member of the Knights of Columbus, Council 367, the First Council in the South for more than 40 years. He worked diligently alongside his brother Knights on numerous projects including KOVAR, the NEST Program, and cooking and serving for various events and fundraisers. Joe was proud to be a 4th Degree Member and Past Grand Knight.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents Francis & Irene Marasco, his siblings, Pasquale Marasco, John Marasco, and Mary Jo Sed, and his grandson, Clayton Suggs.
Joe is survived by his adoring family including his devoted and loving wife, Elnora (Ellie) Marasco, his 4 children, Frank Marasco, Gina Morlino (Angelo), Shelly Rogers (Rick) and Joey Marasco. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren, Vito Morlino, Vincent Morlino, Rose Morlino (Chris Johnson), Tony Morlino, Bradley Suggs, Nieko Burdell, Anna Marasco, and Tori Marasco as well as his 2 great-grandchildren, Wyatt Suggs and Nixan Burdell, and numerous nieces, nephews, church family, and close friends.
The Wake/Visitation service will be Friday, July 19, 2024, from 6:00-8:00pm at Smith & Williams Funeral Home – Kempsville location and will include a Chalice Ceremony and Rosary led by the Knights of Columbus.
The Funeral Mass/Celebration of Life will be held at Christ the King Catholic Church in Norfolk, VA, Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 10:00am. Immediately following will be the Burial service with Military Honors at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Norfolk.
The family invites all to a Reception at the Knights of Columbus Council 367, First Council in the South on Kennebeck Avenue in Norfolk.
In lieu of flowers, the family has set up a scholarship fund at Christ the King Catholic School. Donations can be made to Christ the King Catholic School, c/o Joseph Marasco Service Scholarship, 3401 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, VA, 23509.
