Joseph J. Maruzo Jr, 78, formerly of Norwich, CT, died on Thursday, March 24 at L&M Hospital in New London, CT.
He was born in Norwich, CT to the late Joseph and Kathleen (Chausse) Maruzo Sr. Joe served his country for 20 years in the US Navy until his retirement with Honorable Discharge. He qualified on USS Growler SSG 577 and also served on USS Plunger SSN 595 and the USS Abraham Lincoln SSBN 602. He taught Sub School before his retirement from the Navy and afterward worked as a Systems Specialist for civilian defense contractors. His love of teaching took him to teaching at the high school level after retiring. He also drove trams on the Ocean City, MD boardwalk, leading a happy tourist to dub him the Goodwill Ambassador, a nickname that stuck.
Joe was a consummate people person. He enjoyed socializing and made everyone feel welcome and a part of his social group whether it was at home, where he was affectionately referred to as The Mayor of Anchor Chain Road, or at his favorite watering holes.
Joe is predeceased by his wives Dorothy, Anne, Jackie, and Marty.
He is survived by his daughters Hope Maruzo and her husband Gerry Shultz, and Ann FitzSimons Partridge, brothers Lou and Michael Maruzo, sister Kay Faro, grandson Morgan, nieces Lyn, Kathy, Brenda, Amber, Kim, Megan and Kaitlyn and nephews Stephen and Joe along with a multitude of friends.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, April 17, starting at 1:30 p,m, topside (in the upper hall) at the Groton SubVets Clubhouse, 40 School St., Groton, CT. Please check www.churchandallen.com for upcoming MD memorial service information and to leave an online condolence or share a memory. Joe’s family actively seeks memories to be shared during his services.
In lieu of flowers, Joe asked that memorial donations be made to USSVI SubVets Groton Base, 40 School St., Groton, CT 06340