Joseph A. Demarco passed away peacefully at his home near Castella on August 2, 2010. He was 87 years old.
Joe was born in Boomer, West Virginia to Nick and Amalia Demarco.
Having come to the States from Italy, the family then traveled to California to be with other relatives there. Joe grew up on the ranch near Castella where the family raised goats and made cheese and butter.
He went to school in a one-room schoolhouse, and later joined the Army. After traveling the world, he returned to the ranch. He married his wife, Irma, in 1951, and they were together for 57 years until her death in the fall of 2008. He worked in the local sawmills for many years until his retirement.
Joe never knew a stranger; everyone was a friend he hadn’t met yet. When the family went to town, it could take awhile because he had to speak with every person he saw.
Joe was like the Energizer Bunny, taking care of his animals, working in the garden, making repairs and hefting the chainsaw to cut wood. He enjoyed hunting and flyfishing on the Sacramento River when he could find the time. You had to be fast to keep up when he walked in the woods and you could always recognize him by his yellow hard hat! He truly enjoyed visiting with people and trading stories with family and friends.
Joe is survived by his son, Nick Demarco of Castella, his daughter, Rita Haas, of Yreka, his sister Katherine Chiodoof Carmichael, and many nieces and nephews.
At his request, no services will be held. Contributions in his memory may be made to Mercy Hospice Mt. Shasta, 914 Pine Street, Mt. Shasta, or the charity of one’s choice. Mt. Shasta Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
