Joseph P. "Joe" DeMarco Jr., 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 3, surrounded by his family at his Ashland Farm residence in North Andover.

Joe was born in Lawrence on September 30, 1925. He was the son of Joseph P. DeMarco, Sr. and Janet (Tullis) DeMarco of Lawrence.

He was the brother of the late Vincent DeMarco. Joe was married to Lila Ruth "Jensen" DeMarco, who passed away in 2013. Joe and Lila were faithfully devoted to each other for 65 years.

Joe was truly a member of the "greatest generation." He was drafted into the U.S. Army while he was in high school and was a World War II Combat Army veteran, serving in Germany, France and Austria with the 65th Division. Upon discharge from the Army, Joe worked at New England Telephone and Telegraph for his entire working career. He and Lila were accomplished ballroom dancers and won many competitions throughout New England.

He was quick witted, with a tremendously infectious laugh. He loved the beach and spent countless days fishing, walking and enjoying nature at his completely self-built cottage in York, Maine. He and Lila also enjoyed winters spent at their home in Venice Beach, Fla. Joe was a dedicated father who instilled his outstanding work ethic, as well as his advanced carpentry skills onto his sons, "Dick and Dave."

Joe was passionate about his family and most of all his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He never missed a birthday, recital or other family event. Visits with the great-grandkids always brought a smile to "Grandpa Joe."

Joe was also a friend to many and brought compassion and understanding to all who knew him.

Joe is survived by his two sons, David DeMarco of Phoenix, Ariz. (predeceased by his wife, Vickie Eaton) and Richard "Dick" DeMarco and his wife, Nancy of Haverhill; his four grandchildren, Derek DeMarco of Glendale, Ariz., Kai DeMarco and his wife, Trudy of Exeter, N.H., Craig DeMarco and his long-time partner, Sarah Coletti of Merrimac, Kara DeMarco and her fiance, Ryan Putnam of Bradford; his five great-grandchildren, who were the light of his life, Derek DeMarco, Jr., Tyler DeMarco, Collin DeMarco, Kingston Morse and Lila DeMarco.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his calling hours on Sunday, May 8, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Bradford Funeral Home, 210 South Main St. (Route 125), Bradford. His funeral service will be held on Monday, May 9, at 11 a.m. at the H.L. Farmer & Sons Bradford Funeral Home. Interment with military honors will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery, Bradford.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association for Alzheimer's Research, 480 Pleasant Street, Watertown, MA 02472.

To share a memory or for more information, please visit www.farmerfuneralhomes.com.