Joseph Lawrence Mara

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joseph "Joe" Mara, a beloved husband, stepfather, brother, and friend who was born in 1958 and departed from us on May 28, 2024. Joe was a man of significant presence, known for his warm, joyful, and witty personality. He was an avid ice and street hockey goalie during his high school days and after graduation. As a Licensed Realtor during the latter part of the 1990s until 2015 Joe exemplified kindness and generously dedicated his time and thoughtfulness towards others and so was in his most current and last position as an IICRC Certified Technician at Restoration 1 of Charlottesville, VA. A company Joe always spoke favorably of and was proud to be a huge part of nearly from day one. The camaraderie among the coworkers was amazing and Joe cherished it to the point he felt more like they were family. Thank you.

Joe is survived by his wife, Patricia Mara, and his stepson and daughter-in-law, Matthew Scott O'Brien, and Cheri O'Brien, respectively. He also leaves behind his siblings, Francis Mara, Thomas Mara, Susan Parent, Trisha Mara, Sheila Phipps, and Virginia Ederle, as well as their respective spouses, Delight Mara, Jerry Parent, Thomas Phipps, and Douglas Ederle. Joe's sister-in-law, Carol Mara, 20 nieces and nephews, and 6 grand also survive him along with a host of family members on his spouse's side, close friends, and coworkers.

He is predeceased by his father William J. Mara, his mother Marjorie H. (Curry) Mara, his brothers William J. Mara Jr. and Robert A. Mara, his aunt Sister Joseph Ellen (Virginia) Mara, his grandfather, Dr. Joseph L. Mara, and his grandmother, Mary E. (Oakley) Mara.

Joe was the spiritual backbone of his family, regularly attending Calvary Chapel Fluvanna. He actively offered his time and energy as a volunteer at Awana and Habitat for Humanity, showcasing his strong belief in service to others. Joe's faith permeated his interests and activities, teaching God's word on social media platforms and enjoying religious performances like 'The Greatest Story Ever Told', 'Passion of the Christ', and 'Sound of Freedom.' He was a gifted Bible teacher in diverse settings. His passion for Christian music was evident in his preferences for Praise & Worship, Kathleen Carnali, Chris Tomlin, Michael W. Smith, and Christian Rap. His favorite song of all time was Amazing Grace.

Joe was a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and author. His love for Jesus Christ and leading persons to his loving Savior was evident in his work and everyday communication with others personally and professionally. 

He was known for his love of Italian pasta, steak, chicken, veggies, salads, pizza, Chinese & Mexican foods, and his favorite drinks were fake beer, cold ginger ale, black tea, and coffee. His preferred hobbies included playing Bible Word & Puzzle Games, teaching God's words on social media, and spending quality time with his family and cats.

His favorite sports teams were the New England Patriots and Bruins Hockey. He loved it when he once vacationed in Greece and several times in Florida, and his favorite local spots were the Downtown Mall, Coffee House, and Theatre.

A God-fearing man, Joe was deeply in love with Jesus and cared about the welfare of others without reservation. Joe passionately supported several causes, including Students For Life, Behold Israel, The Jewish Jesus, the Cat Action Team of Charlottesville, VA, and the Christian Animal Rights Association. On a personal note, Joe was a Cornea and Tissue Donor thus we pray that someone will benefit greatly from it. Anyone, please feel free to donate to any one or more of these important causes. Finally, his legacy lies in his favorite quote from Matthew 6:14 (NIV), "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you". Forgiveness was not just a choice for Joe, it was a commandment from God that he deeply revered.

In remembrance of our cherished Joe Mara, the words from Philippians 1: 3-4 (NIV) echo our sentiments, “I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy.” Remember everyone "keep praying, keep smiling, never let worldly conditions steal your JOY!"

Services will be announced later.

Thacker Brothers Palmyra Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Family and friends may share memories at www.thackerbrothers.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Lawrence Mara, please visit our floral store.