I attended Regina during the 2007/2008 academic year and I had the great pleasure of knowing Coach D. He was a funny, charming, and straight-up cool dude, so I was very saddened upon learning of his parting.

To his family, I extended my deepest condolences. May coach DeMarco rest in eternal peace knowing he was loved, respected, and admired by all who knew and spent time with him. Godspeed, coach.

My son Rob Marchetti played football at Boca Raton High School when John coached. John was one of a kind guy. I had the pleasure of meeting John many times. John had a major impact on my sons life all for the better. R.I.P. John and thank you for all your dedication you instilled in your students.

Bob Marchetti

Coach DeMarco was the definition of a fabulous coach of Football and a wonderful PE teacher. I had no idea that he and Diane Chapela married, and am very happy to hear of the news. I had the opportunity of having Miss Chapela for my gymnastics coach at Boca High School. Because of the excellent teachings of PE from the PE staff of Boca High school, I wanted to pursue a career in PE teaching. Coach DeMarco was a great influence (although he may not have known me as a student). My condolences and prayers go out to Diane Chapela DeMarco and Coach DeMarco's family. Sending positive thoughts your way!

Both Coach D and his wife Diane were so supportive and kind to me at BRHS. They were both a part of the extraordinary team of teachers and coaches that we were all so fortunate to experience. There is no doubt he touched many lives in a positive way and will be missed, but always remembered for his dedication and kindness,

Coach Demarco touched my life at BRHS where he coached football and physical education. His tough actions and caring way showed what a true gentleman and special man he is. I looked up to him and it’s with a heavy heart I write this. God bless him and his family.

Respectfully,

Douglas Gerdts

John was the heart and soul of a true, honest, kind man. If you were lucky to know and to be in his friend, that was a true gift.

Cannot express our deep abiding sadness in his passing. You never know the lives you touch in this journey of life.

Make a difference, walk as though there is no tomorrow. Honor this man and walk a little taller knowing that spirit can be in all of us today and everyday of our lives.

Judy Barkalow and Donald Brown

As a student at Boca Raton High School I remember Coach DeMarco as a PE teacher and coaching the offense, including Mark Richt, to the state playoffs for the 1977 football season. His future wife Miss Chapela was my 9th grade PE teacher. I remember them both as well liked young teachers.

Diane,

Our heartfelt sympathies to you during this time. John will forever be loved by all who had the wonderful opportunity to get to know him and call him a friend. You and John embodied what a loving marriage and partnership is ... true soulmates. Kirk and Shelly Deutsch

The Csutoros Family

Thoughts and Prayers for the DeMarco family from the Csutoros Family at this very difficult time.

We know that while Coach was at Boca High, he was with a fun group of Coaches, Teachers, and Administration. We know he and Dad are talking up in Heaven about the great times at Boca High and Football! Between My Dad, Bill Lowe, Jim Banim and Bill Barnes....the stories and lies are never-ending...while showing him the ropes which puts him in good hands.

I became a Phys.Ed. Coach because of the great example Coach DeMarco lived in front of me. I am so thankful I was able to tell him that a few years ago. Mrs,DeMarco I am here if you need anything and I am praying for you. May God give you peace at this time.

We are so sorry for your loss. I (Amy Svoboda Thomas) have fond memories of Mr. DeMarco when I attended Regina. He was always positive and made PE so much fun. Although it’s been a long time since I attended Regina, he is the one teacher that I remembered from my time at the school.

My husband, daughter and I recently moved back to Iowa City. A couple of months ago, we were touring Regina, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Mr. DeMarco was still teaching at Regina. We are so sorry to hear of his passing.

We extend our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.

Sincerely,

Amy, Robert & Claire Thomas.

Coach D was my football coach, teacher and finally someone I got to teach with at Regina.

I am going to miss talking Iowa sports, news , and weather(were we going to have school)

He would always say "Hey K" in the mornings, the school is going to be different with out him

in the gym. Rest in Peace Coach D, I am going to miss you

Kevin Kahler '87

Our most heartfelt condolences to the DeMarco family. John DeMarco embodied every trait of a wonderful family man and educator. We are grateful for his many years of mentoring our children. John could command a room with a booming voice or his wonderful smile. We recall his wisdom, humor and guidance that were the cornerstones of his time at Regina. We grieve the passing of John DeMarco and we are thankful for the blessing of having known him. May God bless you, Coach D.

Linda and I met John and Di many years ago in Mexico when our joint travel agent filled the plane back to the US and told the four of us to come back to the airport the next day. That evening we had dinner together, and it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship. We came to Coralville from Ohio when the football teams played at Iowa and John and Di came to Columbus when they played in the Shoe. We had many good times. We enjoyed many good meals. We saw many good games. We miss you John. You certainly did make the world a better place. Linda and Charlie Kurtz

Two Boca High grads (Class of ‘81 and ‘82) send their deepest sympathy to the DeMarco family. We both remember Coach DeMarco well. He was a great PE teacher, coach and mentor. We are so sorry for your loss.

I taught with Coach D at Regina from 1999-2003. He always showed he cared about his students and co-workers. He really saw people and had a gift for being able to say and do the right thing to make their day better. I always liked his New Yorker accent and found it to be a little ironic that he sounded so tough, but had a heart of gold.

He made the world a better place and will be deeply missed.

Run to Jesus, Coach D!

Kellie (Kohler) Jorgenson

For the last fourteen years, John has been a part of my daily life. He was always ready to talk. I will miss standing next to him in the hallway in between periods as students passed by the gym. He had a big heart and a big voice. He left his mark at Regina and in the students who continue to think about what Coach D taught them. I will miss him sitting just outside my office and talking with Marlene and Kara every day about the weather, politics, Hawkeye sports, or how to be live a healthy life (after he snuck another candy from the drawer).

I was intimidated by Coach when I saw him in 7th grade. He was 8 ft tall, had a massive chest and a strut. He had a bark and a stern tone but over time I realized he was a teddy bear. He cared about his students and he left an indelible impression on me. He was kind and led by example. He is and will be missed. God give you the rest and peace you’ve earned Coach and I hope to see you again.

John and Diane were regular customers at the Coralville Perkins when I was there from 2002 to 2007. They were such kind souls to all of us and were greatly appreciated and loved. Prayers for all of John's family and friends.

Regina has lost a living legend and icon! Coach D was not just a coach for athletes, he was an advocate for all kids’ health. He wanted to push kids to their potential and see them succeed. He was a pep rally legend who bled blue and gold for so many years. I was blessed to have him throughout my high school years. Sincerest condolences to the entire DeMarco family!

We appreciated how he got to know our kids. My kids loved him. The kids thought it was neat how he shared the joy of watching horror movies; he caught us bringing Victoria and Daniel at young ages to horror movies. Julie Vaughn

p.s. We will miss you at the movies, coach.

John allowed me to join his Regina staff as an assistant football coach in 1993 - 94. I truly enjoyed and appreciated the opportunity that John provided. It was easy to become a supporter and fan of John because of his positive and inclusive personality. My condolences to the family on the passing of John. He will certainly live on in the many lives he impacted. Diane my prayers are that God will comfort and give you peace. Dan Dickel

I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Mr. Demarco was a tremendous influence on all the Regina student body as well as the parents. He will be so missed. Praying for Diane and family as they mourn his loss!

Diane

I’m so sorry for your lose. John was a great guy and will be missed by many.

Stay strong

Dr Cowles

Coach D was a constant. He was the Rock of Gibraltar. From my first days at Regina to what seems like every post-Regina visit to Kinnick, his smile and booming voice was there. I was intimidated by his bark until years later I realized he would not bite more than giving you a lap (of which I earned quite a few).

His Rock of Gibraltar lesson as taught to defensive linemen was (to paraphrase) - when you find yourself without resistance on the other side of the line, become the Rock of Gibraltar and firmly stand your ground... as you are about to be hit from the side by a pulling lineman. This lesson has proved true many times after and beyond football.

Whether he realized it or not, he became part of the DNA of countless people. His broad smile... his raised eyebrow instant analysis... and the echoes of his voice live on through our interactions with our kids and co-workers.

Coach D, you will be missed - but never forgotten.

Diane,

You may or may not remember me, my name is Rick Clarahan, but I coached and taught with John from 1981-1988 at Regina. John was a great friend to me during those years and we became close friends and because we both taught and coached together much of the year spent a lot of time together. He was such a great person and always had such a positive attitude and gave that to so many students and peers. I always remember how his eyes lit up every time he would talk about you and how he enjoyed your teams at Iowa. You were certainly the light of his life and even after I had left whenever I had a chance to visit with him I always saw that same light. I was able to keep in touch with John for the first 10 years or so but as usual we lost touch these last few year. I had really hoped to see him when I was back for the class of 88 reunion a few years ago but missed him. John will be greatly missed by all who ever got to know him because he always left an impact on those who knew him. I always ask my nieces who are at Regina how Coach D was doing and to tell him hello for me. We will be keeping you and all of John's family in our thoughts and prayers.

Rick Clarahan

When I became the Girls Soccer Coach at Regina, he was one of the first to great me. He was kind, and offered any assistance he could offer. He was a true LEGEND. He will be missed. Thank you, Coach DeMarco. Coach Burgess