Joseph J. Maroni, 68, of Boardman, Ohio, died Thursday morning at the Hospice House after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

Mr. Maroni was born July 20, 1940, in Butler, a son of Anthony and Della Litz Maroni.

He was a graduate of Youngstown State University, where he received his bachelor's degree in music education and master's degrees in secondary administration and elementary education.

He taught music at public schools and gave private music lessons. He also was the owner of the Neapolitan Music Co. and was a professional performing musician. Joe had authored 34 books relating to music.

Surviving Joe are his wife, the former Judy Young, who he married July 20, 1963; three sons, Joe of Boardman, Tony of Leetonia, Ohio, and John of Greenford, Ohio; two brothers, Anthony of Butler and Mike of Long Island; five grandchildren, Justin, Mathew and Emily Maroni and Maria and Ian Squyres; and many loving nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marie Maroni.

<B>MARONI </B>— Friends of Joseph J. Maroni, who died Thursday, July 25, 2008, from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at the <B>Davis funeral Home</B>, 4996 Market St., Youngstown, Ohio. Services will follow at 11 a.m. Monday at the funeral home.The family requests contributions be made to Hospice of the Valley, 5190 Market St., Boardman, OH 44512.