Joseph Edward Derse ’88 a lifetime Ventura, Calif., resident, was called home to heaven Friday, July 31, 2009 at the age of 43 after a brief battle with cancer. Joe was born on November 15, 1965 in Ventura to the late Dr. and Mrs. Jon Derse. After attending St. Bonaventure High School he went on to graduate from Santa Clara University receiving a bachelor’s degree in English. Joe was a very hard worker and enjoyed his current position at Von’s in Ventura. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, and is survived by and will be missed by his brothers and sisters: Ann, John, Paul, Mary, Jane, Mike, Meg and their spouses, along with many nieces and nephews. Joe was a beautiful writer, enjoyed bingo and officiating at the local high school football and basketball games. He truly enjoyed baseball and attended many Angels and Dodgers games. He and his brother made it a point to visit a different pro ball park each year across the United States and Joe was about halfway to his goal of visiting every pro ball park.