Lt. Col. Joseph John Ferluga U.S.A.F. Retired

Lt. Col. Joseph John Ferluga, U.S.A.F. Retired

March 18, 1932 - October 15, 2025

Joseph John Ferluga passed away on October 15, 2025 in Tacoma, Washington at the age of 93.

Born on March 18, 1932 to the late Giusto Ferluga and Katherine Vucinovich, he grew up in Seattle, Washington attending St. Margaret’s Parish and School and graduated from Queen Anne High School class of 1949. His father, maternal grandparents and numerous relatives had immigrated to the United States and he grew up with the influence of the Croatian community as an important part of his life.

Joe attended the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Washington and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Fisheries. He was also a member of the Theta Delta Chi fraternal organization. Upon graduation from the University of Washington, he proudly entered military service as an officer in the United States Air Force. During his service, he furthered his education earning a Master’s degree in Aerospace Management from University of Southern California.

In 1955 Joe married Diane Quinn. They met in San Francisco at the ages of 2 and 3 when his father took a fishing boat job in the area. When Joe’s family moved back to Seattle, he and Diane kept in touch over the years. They started their married life together stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada where they welcomed children Christopher and Suzanne. The family then was assigned tours in Japan and Hawaii. Their third child Cathryn was born while the family was stationed in Oregon. Joe and his family were then transferred to Washington State where Joe retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of military service. Joe and Diane celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this past June.

Joe’s military career also led to a tour of duty in the Vietnam conflict at a classified air base. During his career he also served as an Air Force liaison to the Boy Scouts of America where he was honored for his years of service to the organization. His commitment to his country was unwavering. Following his distinguished military service, Joe worked in the private sector and was employed by Icicle Seafood, U.S. Postal Service and the City of Tacoma.

In his retirement, Joe continued to enjoyed fishing and traveling with Diane. Joe also had spectacular collections of many things including his admiration of vintage firearms. He was often reading and collecting articles of interest to send to his family and friends based on their interests. Joe enjoyed a good game of cribbage especially with his dear late friend Frank Karwoski. He had a love for gag gifts, funny toys and t-shirts. He was an avid University of Washington Husky Football fan and was a team manager while attending the University. He was a member of the Big W Club at the University, Queen Anne High School Alumni Association, supporter of the local Veterans, and a member of the Republican Party. A lifelong Catholic, he attended St. Charles Borromeo Church.

Joe is survived by his wife Diane; his children, Christopher Ferluga, Suzanne Liffring (Mark), and Cathryn Carini; his grandchildren, Elizabeth Ferluga, M.D. (James), Callan Hostetler (Caleb), Sophia Carini, and Joseph Carini. He is survived by a brother, Justin Ferluga (Phyllis) and nephew Joseph Ferluga and many extended family members. He is predeceased by his daughter in law Mary Wishkoski Ferluga and son in law Mark Yarawsky.

Military Funeral Honors and burial were held at Tahoma National Cemetery.

A funeral Mass followed by a reception will be held December 4, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Tacoma, Washington.