Obituary of Joseph Arthur Werner

Joseph Arthur Werner, 65, passed away peacefully at his home in Aptos, CA on April 1st 2017, surrounded by friends and family. All who knew him enjoyed his delightful spirit, keen intellect and mischievous nature. The son of Lillian Caputo and Irving Werner, Joe was born in the Bronx, New York on May 21, 1951. While attending Staten Island's Wagner College, Joe studied music and led the marching band with trombone in hand, rallying the student body at school events and even appearing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. He graduated in 1975 with a degree in philosophy from Herbert Lehman College of the City University of New York, and maintained contact with fellow students and professors throughout his life. Joe also attended the JFK School of Government at Harvard University, earning a certificate in Executive Leadership and Innovation. After graduation Joe worked for the NYC Board of Education. In 1979, he and long-term partner Susan Mauriello travelled to Santa Cruz to start a life together on the left coast. He worked as a teacher in San Jose until he changed his focus to youth programs serving the disadvantaged community in both Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, becoming a community leader who was ultimately appointed as the Executive Director of Monterey County Office of Employment Training. His extraordinary vision led the County to secure millions of dollars to serve unemployed adults, youth, veterans and seniors in the county. Working with educational institutions and businesses, Joe was able to impact the lives of generations of Monterey County residents while strengthening the region's economic base. Joe had a deep commitment to public service and was respected by all those who worked with him. Despite his blindness resulting from a motorcycle accident in 1985, Joe was a devoted supporter of the arts. His commitment, skills and creativity led to the establishment of the Monterey One Voice Project. The project included the creation of numerous well-known murals by young people throughout Monterey County as a tribute to history, people, places and events of the county. The murals have been enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and stand today as a testament to the project's sustained legacy. In response to the 9/11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center, Joe worked to gain the support of the Monterey County community to create a beautifully carved, 50-foot totem that was donated to his hometown Bronx Zoo to honor the victims of the attack. The pole was carved by disadvantaged youth in Monterey County and erected at the entrance to the zoo during a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and with scores of NYC police, firefighters, and first responders in attendance. The totem is a Native American symbol of peace and hope that still stands today. Joe's love of music and lyrics continued throughout his life. With his amazing ear for talent, he turned friends and family alike onto many artist before they became famous, including James Taylor, Bob Dylan, The Byrds, Laura Nyro, Carol King, and many more. In 1999, Joe became a father to his remarkable son Alexander Mauriello Werner. Alex was the best part of Joe's life and their loving relationship was truly extraordinary. Joe attended virtually all of his son's basketball and baseball games and encouraged Alex to work hard to achieve his dreams and change the world for the better. Joe is survived by his son, Alex Werner; his longtime partner and friend, Susan Mauriello; his cousins, James "Muffin" Yessian, Elaine Shore and Daniel Yessian; and many special friends. The family would like to thank his extraordinary medical team including the amazing oncologist Julie Jaffe, MD, his internal medicine specialist Thomas Deetz, MD and his loving caregivers from Visiting Angles of Santa Cruz. A private memorial will be held later and in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Dominican Hospital Foundation for the Cancer Center, 1555 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065.