Joseph A. Macauley

When someone is identified as a natural leader, certain images come to mind. First thoughts are of a no-nonsense, tough-minded, dedicated, and disciplined person. This describes Joseph A. Macauley who was indeed one of that rare breed, a true leader. He will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic, someone who was a born manager. Joe was a man who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Possessed with traditional “old school” morals, he was an individual who clearly communicated to those around him, and let it be known just what stood for and what he was all about. Everyone acquainted with Joe knew him as a well-respected man who was a stable force in the lives of those around him.

Joe was born on September 30, 1954. He first greeted the world in Newton, New Jersey. He was the son of Donald and Geraldine Macauley. He grew up in California. Even as a child, Joe learned to be objective and decisive. His faith in the principles of authority and dependability was strong and meaningful. His early life was filled with many interesting experiences and he was able to put his natural abilities into play. Joe was raised with four siblings, older brother Douglas, older sister Catherine, and two younger brothers, Francis and John. Joe tried his best to allow for the older members of the family to be the most responsible and respected. For him, this was the natural order of life.

Joe's matter-of-fact attitude about most things was developed during his childhood. Some of the sports he enjoyed playing while in school were skateboarding, riding mini bikes and kickball. Joe liked being socially active and was a member of the Indian Guides.

While high school was serious business, Joe certainly knew that there was life outside the classroom. He enjoyed auto shop and wood shop; his personal motto could have been "do it right the first time". He approached all of his leisure activities with gusto and enjoyed camaraderie of being with a group of friends. His interactions with friends inspired joy and laughter. Those close to him came to know and appreciate his high standards.

Being a hard worker who praised efficiency, Joe was always striving to make improvements when they were necessary or productive. He was able to analyze situations and problems, keeping everything and everyone on track. An excellent foreman, he was a man who could quickly make decisions based on the information available. He worked cooperatively and expected the same from his coworkers. In both his personal and work environments, Joe upheld high standards. Joe's ability to take command of any type of task made him worthy of his popularity on the job. He was most definitely a team player. Given any job, he would without a doubt get it done. His primary occupation was as an Operating Engineer out of Local 12 for over thirty years.

Joe approached his leisure time in the same manner that he approached other aspects of his life. A person who enjoyed neatness and order, as well as one who understood the nature of things, he appreciated the hours he was able to devote to his wife, Mary and various hobbies. Some of those included his riding his Harley Davidson and gardening. Joe and Mary enjoyed watching boxing matches and baseball games. He also loved his twelve acre ranch in Corona.

He was sociable and friendly. Because he was so straightforward in how he communicated, friends and family know that what they saw was always what they got. This is how he maintained his many friendships. Joe felt comfortable in just about any situation. Weather it was at home or away, he maintained a take-charge attitude. When traveling or vacationing, he was always prepared.

Joe was the type of person who could look at a situation and determine the best route to take. His perspective on retirement was no different. He made sure every detail had been preplanned and attended to. He loved visiting museums and exhibits and had travel plan scheduled. In retirement he managed to keep in touch with old friends and make new ones. He loved his pet, Wally Macauley, a basset hound, and Lucy, a small black cat. In many ways Joe reveled in his retirement. It provided him with the time to catch up with his friends, attend functions, group outings and tackle new, interesting projects.

His Christian faith was of utmost importance to Joe. He was a member of Crossroads Christian Church for more than twenty years, involved in the choir, Teen Ministry, building homes in Mexico and sponsoring a child in Kenya. He held high moral standards and was worried about the moral decay he saw around him. Joseph A. Macauley held deep spiritual beliefs he was willing to share for the glory of God and to benefit others.

All who knew him would agree that Joe was a pillar of the community and church. He lived his life with his feet firmly on the ground. Joe had a strong marriage and work ethic, was pragmatic in his thoughts and actions, and constantly sought the means for self-improvement. He was happy to share his ideas and knowledge for the good of others, so they could accomplish more in their lives. Joe did his best to ensure that his family, loved ones, co-workers, and everyone whose life he touched were given a chance to become better people.

Joe was ever watchful of Mary, friends and family. He worried about them and was deeply concerned how each person was doing. Some may have believed he was a bit overprotective, because he maintained a firm hand in most family matters. However, he would give his stamp of approval to any request, as long as he could see how it might be a benefit. He also had the ability to encourage compliance if it should be deemed necessary.

Joe’s most endearing qualities were his childlike sense of wonder and appreciation of God’s blessings, as well as his unending enthusiasm for organizing celebrations for his family and friends. Joe and Mary made new friends in their years together.

Joe Macauley joined the Lord on April 25th 2011. He passed away of a heart attack at his home in Corona, California. He survived by his wife Mary, Sister Catherine, and Brother, John. Joe had one son, Zackary, who preceded him in death. Joe was a proud father; he was often delighted with Zack’s antics and missed him dearly. They are now joined together. A conscientious individual, Joe gloried in the security of knowing his Lord and Savior.