Joseph Edward DeLoca Jr.

Born in Jamaica, NY on September 10, 1942, Joseph grew up in Queens, where he attended school.

In his youth, he had a love for cars, started working at the very young age of 12 and by the time he was 16 had earned his Diploma from Delahanty Automotive Institute as a certified Master Mechanic.

While growing up in Richmond Hill, he met the Love of his life, Mary, they were married in 1961 & started a family.

In the early 60's, he owned & operated East Coast Header Corp, at the same time started building & racing dragsters, competing as a professional NHRA driver & becoming a record holder in 1966.

Soon after, he retired from racing and moved the family to the West Coast of Florida in the early 70's.

Eventually settling in Boca Raton in 1976 & continuing in the automobile industry, opening JD's Auto Repair in 1982, where he owned & operated the family business until he retired in 2017, leaving his legacy in the capable hands of youngest son, John.

Joseph is preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Mary M. DeLoca, father Joseph E. DeLoca Sr., mother Eugenia (Tompkins) DeLoca, brother James DeLoca & grandson Christopher Wright.

Survived by his daughter Holly (DeLoca) Wright & son in-law Daniel Wright of Boca Raton, grandson Daniel Wright & great granddaughter Sophia Grace Wright of Chicago, IL, his sons & their loving life partners, Joseph E DeLoca III & Sharon Hunt of St. Petersburg, FL, John DeLoca & Marlene Mindel of Boca Raton, FL.

He is also survived by, brother John DeLoca and countless other friends and family.

A dual memorial service & celebration of life for Joseph & Mary will be held Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, followed by a reception from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Babione - Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 1100 North Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.babionesouthflorida.com for the DeLoca family.