Joseph Damian Luyben, Sr.

Joseph Damien Luyben Sr. entered this life on March 9, 1959 to his parents John and Rosalie Luyben. Joe is the sixth of seven (boys) children, John, Jim, Greg, Morris, Thaddeus and Martin, Joe was a very active child, known for bouncing around and being very involved in his community. Joe attended St. Cyprian Catholic School, eventually transferring to Bancroft Junior High School and then to Lakewood High School where he played basketball, ran track and field and was awarded best personality in his senior class. Joe participated in multiple school organizations and was very social. Joe then went to Long Beach City College to play basketball and even broke the school high jump record. Joe continued to play basketball until he married Frances Marie (daughter of William and Ethel Schneeweis). Many knew him as “Jumpin Joe” highlighted by his ability to jump over Cadillacs to win money to pay for his children’s diapers. Joe worked very hard to support his family, at times working multiple jobs and eventually starting his own company, JDL Packaging Systems Inc., creating opportunities for many.

Joe and Frances grew their family with their five children in the short time of eight years, Joseph, Lisa, Patrick, Ross and Kevin. Joe and Frances had a very active family where Joe coached the majority of his kids sports teams, took his family on many amazing vacations, threw many “master blaster” parties at their freshly renovated homes in Lakewood Village. Joe had a special relationship with all of his children. Joe was like a father to more than just his biological children, allowing kids to stay at his house and feed them and they all felt very welcome like they were family. Joe and Frances’ family extended when they became Papa and Grammy to their children’s spouses and grandchildren.

Joe was a pillar to Long Beach, dedicating his time and talent to coaching at St. Anthony’s donating all of his coaching money back to the program. As head coach, he guided the boys team to its first-ever basketball CIF championship. His selfless commitment and passion not only shaped the team’s success but also left a legacy of generosity and impacted everyone he coached and inspired countless young athletes.

After Joe’s wife of 37 years passed away, he continued to be a father, grandfather, son, brother, friend, coach and mentor to many. Joe went to his 40th Lakewood High School reunion where he would run into his wife Lisa (formerly Caraway). Joe and Lisa married and they enjoyed the last seven years together traveling, walking the pier, watching concerts and shows, simply talking and being grandparents to their grandchildren.

Joe is preceded in death by his father John, wife Frances, and brother Greg. Joe is survived by his wife Lisa; children Joey (Melissa), Lisa Joyce (Matt), Patrick (Reanna), Ross (Amanda), Kevin (Emelie); grandchildren Wyatt, Avery, Ella, J.D., William, Madalyn, Trey, Connor, Bronson, Wesley and baby due March 2025; mother Rosalie; and brothers John, Jim, Morris, Thaddeus and Martin.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Precious Life Shelter in Los Alamitos.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401