CPO Jose S. Maralit, Jr., USN(Ret.) - Obituary

ith sadness, love, and profound gratitude, the family of Joe Maralit announces his passing at home on April 14, 2026. Jose “Joe” Maralit, Jr. was born on November 7, 1939 in Lipa City, Batangas, Philippines, to Jose Maralit, Sr. and Emilia Sales Maralit. His life was defined by dedicated service to his country and his unwavering devotion to family and friends. A proud native of Dagatan, Lipa City, Batangas, Joe lived through World War II in the Philippines. During high school he moved to San Pablo, Laguna, to study and later earned a Bachelors of Arts in English at Laguna College. Following the example of his late older brother, Pamfilo Maralit, who enlisted in 1960, Joe joined the Navy at Sangley Point Naval Station in Cavite, Philippines, in 1962 at 23. Their younger brother, Rolando deCastro, continued the tradition by enlisting at 22 in 1967. While in the states, Joe met the love of his life, Avelina “Lina” Sanchez, through mutual friends in 1966, while stationed in New York. They traveled together to the Philippines to meet each other’s family in 1967. They married on January 26, 1968 and soon thereafter started their family. As a storekeeper and logistician, he ensured fellow sailors had mission-critical equipment and supplies they needed. His naval career took him and his family to duty stations worldwide, including Quonset Point, RI; Norfolk, VA; Agana, Guam; Pensacola, FL; and Charleston, SC. He served 24 years, eventually retiring as a Chief Petty Officer with the Naval Investigative Services in Suitland, Maryland. His assignments included Pacific and Mediterranean cruises, as well as unaccompanied tours in Diego Garcia and Reykjavik, Iceland. After retirement, he applied his logistics expertise as a U.S. Government contractor in Washington, DC, and Cairo, Egypt. He later served as supply and logistics specialist for the Architect of the Capitol, working late nights with colleagues after September 11, 2001, to secure reinforcements for the U.S. Capitol. Before retiring from federal service, he took great pride in helping lay the groundwork for the new U.S. Capitol Visitors Center in the early 2000s. While Joe was immensely proud of his career in the U.S. Navy and federal service, his greatest joy was his family. He loved his grandsons to whom he endearingly referred to as his “four aces.” Fondly known as “Lolo Magic,” he delighted his grandchildren with his magic shows. He was a devoted Yankees fan who enjoyed old TV Westerns, fishing, and sharing Maryland blue crabs. He woke up early to make pancakes for breakfast for visitors and willingly lent a hand to friends and neighbors. He volunteered with the local retired Navy groups, St. Philip the Apostle Church, and with Camp Mabuhay, a camp for Filipino adoptees. He is survived by his wife Avelina Sanchez Maralit, Marie Belle Legaspi and her husband, Manuel Legaspi, Mary Jo Maralit and her husband, Ricky deLeyos, and son Marlan Sanchez Maralit and his wife, Leslie Abalos Maralit. Joe also leaves behind his four grandsons, Manuel Legaspi, Jr., Roel Jose Maralit, Maximo Legaspi, and Cruz Abalos Maralit. He is also survived by his younger brother, Rolando deCastro, his wife, Emerciana, the wife of his late older brother, Illuminda Maralit, and countless loving nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren; as well as all of our relatives and friends. Joe will be remembered for his generosity, warmth, and friendliness. Though we say goodbye today, Joe will never truly leave us. His love, kindness, and the memories we shared will stay in our hearts forever. May he rest in peace. Relatives and friends are invited to Joe's Life Celebration on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 2 to 8 p.m. at the KALAS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 6160 Oxon Hill Rd., Oxon Hill, MD 20745 and another visitation will take place on Monday, April 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. until the start of the Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at St Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 5416 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD 20746. Interment with Military Honors will take place at Arlington National Cemetery on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 10 a.m. Please arrive at the Administration Building no later than 9:15 a.m. Please note you must have transportation as Arlington does not allow uber/lyfts. Anyone 16 years old or older that is planning on attending must have their government issued Real ID with them.