John L. Maresca Jr.

United States Army Specialist John L. Maresca Jr. passed away on June 28, 2025, surrounded by family, following a courageous battle with service‑connected cancer attributed to burn pit exposure. 

Maresca Jr. was raised with the love and support of his parents, grandparents, three sisters, and extended family, including aunts and uncles. He was working in the corporate sector when the nation was shaken by the events of September 11, 2001. As a proud New Yorker, he felt the impact deeply, and in the years that followed, he felt called to serve in a capacity beyond a corporate setting. He enlisted in the United States Army and served from February 10, 2005, to November 25, 2014, where he found a strong sense of brotherhood and the opportunity to serve with purpose. 

Throughout his military career, Maresca Jr. demonstrated exceptional professionalism and technical expertise, earning numerous awards reflecting the breadth and quality of his service. His overseas contributions were recognized with the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star and the NATO Medal, while his outstanding performance earned the Army Commendation Medal and the Joint Service Achievement Medal. His sustained dedication was further acknowledged through the Army Achievement Medal (Second Award) and the Army Good Conduct Medal (Third Award). He also received the National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, and Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon. In addition, he achieved specialized qualifications including the Parachutist Badge, Parachute Rigger Badge, and Driver and Mechanic Badge, underscoring his operational readiness and commitment to mission success. 

Maresca Jr. was truly one of a kind, exemplifying unwavering dedication to both his work and the mission he served. He arrived early, stayed late, and approached every responsibility with the highest level of professionalism, giving his full attention and effort regardless of the task. Even while enduring significant physical pain, he continued to report for duty each day—a powerful testament to his strength, resilience, and character. A true New Yorker at heart, he spoke with honesty and clarity and held integrity in the highest regard. Guided by determination, faith, and love, he faced each day with courage and conviction. Those who had the privilege of knowing him remember his quick wit, approachability, and genuine kindness, always willing to share a story, offer guidance, or lend unwavering support. 

Maresca Jr. met his wife, Lisa, through a blind date arranged by mutual friends—a simple beginning that quickly became a defining moment in both of their lives. Their first outing, a lighthearted game of mini golf in which he ensured Lisa would win, became what she fondly remembers as “love at first swing.” At just 18, she knew she had found a love that would remain steadfast. Together, they navigated life’s greatest joys, including their wedding day and the birth of their three children, as well as the most challenging chapters marked by the loss of parents, long military separations, and ultimately Maresca Jr.’s cancer diagnosis, treatment, and passing. In every season, his love remained steadfast—sweet, caring, and unfailingly capable of bringing a smile to Lisa’s face. 

The legacy Maresca Jr. leaves behind is most powerfully reflected in his family, particularly his three children, Jonathan, Jena, and Joshua, who carry forward his name, his values, and his enduring love—an inheritance that can never be taken from them. He lived his life free of anger, guided by strong resolve and a profound sense of purpose, leaving a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His presence was meaningful, his character unmistakable, and his absence deeply felt. While there will never be another Maresca Jr., he will always be remembered for the profound and lasting impact he made on his family, his team, and all whose lives he touched. 

 Maresca Jr.’s family honors his memory each day by continuing to live with strength, purpose, and resilience, even during moments when moving forward feels overwhelming. They speak his name often, share his story openly, and strive to uphold the values he instilled in them—values rooted in pride, love, and faith. They further honor his legacy through meaningful service to the community, particularly in support of veterans, including volunteering at a local veterans’ home and participating in fundraising efforts benefiting veterans and their families. Though he was one individual, his impact reaches far beyond a lifetime, carried forward by his family through the lives they lead, the values they uphold, and the legacy they continue to honor in his name. 

United States Army Specialist John L. Maresca Jr. is survived by his devoted wife, Lisa, and their beloved children, Jonathan, Jena, and Joshua. 

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation has paid off the mortgage on the Maresca family home through the Gold Star Family Home Program.