MCNAMARA, JOSEPH E.

Joseph Evans McNamara, 79, died at Riverside Community Hospital, October 26 [2003], of coronary heart disease. Born in Phoenix, Arizona, on February 17, 1924, Joe McNamara graduated from Riverside Poly High in 1943 where he played both offensive & defensive right tackle football. In early spring of 1943, Joe joined the Marines and became part of K Company 3rd Marine [Raider] Battalion. He fought in Guadalcanal, Emirau Island, Guam, Okinawa, and Japan. He later was part of 6th Marine Division, which rescued the 4th Marines at Bataan. He received a Purple Heart in Okinawa and was honorably discharged as a corporal squad leader. He attended Riverside City College from 1947 to 1948 and then received a football scholarship to Fresno State College. In subsequent years he owned Western Liquor, La Cadena Liquors, and Magnolia Liquor. He belonged to Marine Raider Association of which he was director and treasurer. He enjoyed playing bridge. His wife of 53 years, Rose Marie McNamara, passed away on August 2 of this year. He is survived by a daughter, Christina A. Schneck of Piedmont, California; two sons, Daniel J. McNamara of Little Rock, Arkansas and James M. McNamara of New York, New York; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Andrew Newman Center on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 2:00 p.m. Contributions may be sent to St. Andrew Newman Center in Joe McNamara’s name or to a favorite charity. Preston & Simons Mortuary, Funeral Directors