Joseph Allen Ovick passed away unexpectedly early Wednesday morning. His passions in life were his family, friends, education, and serving the community.  By doing what he loved, he was able to influence and cherish what he valued in life.
Joe was a fourth generation Bay Area resident born in San Jose, CA., where he graduated from Blackford High School.  He then began his journey as a lifelong educator and found his passion to public service by earning both his Bachelor's and Master's Degree as well as his Administrative Credential from San Jose State University, and his Doctoral Degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne.  He worked for 45 years in public education. Joe began his career in Santa Clara County, where he taught Special Education, served as an assistant principal and principal, and was the director of Special Education.  He and his family moved in 1989 as Joe worked for the Contra Costa County Office of Education as the Director of Special Education, the Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, and Associate Superintendent for Business.  Joe's commitment to public service in both his community and the world was evident in his work as a member of the Pleasant Hill Rotary Club.  Most recently, Joe served as the Contra Costa County Superintendent of Schools for 18 years until he retired in 2014. Since his retirement, Joe  spent his time teaching at Brandman University, serving on the guidance council at JFK University, serving on the board at the John Muir Land Trust, and establishing the Ovick Family Institute which focused on improving and protecting the lives of families and children in the East Bay Area.  Joe cherished his many friendships; he especially loved playing golf, playing the drums (performing with the 'Contra Band'), advocating for children, and spending time with his family and grandchildren.  Joe was an avid Bay Area sports fan and rooted for all Bay Area teams. He had a special place in his heart for both the San Francisco Giants and the San Francisco 49ers.
Joe is survived by his loving wife, Debbie; his son, Bjorn of San Francisco, his wife, Marissa, and their children Rory (9) and Julianna (7); his other son Jon of Brentwood, his wife Robin, and their children Poppy (9) and Landon (6).  Also, surviving is his brother Mike of Crescent City, his wife Marla, and their children, Megan and Douglas.   Elin, his loving wife of 39 years and his parents Joseph and Freda preceded Joe in death.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to The John Muir Land Trust at http://www.jmlt.org/becomeadonor.html , The SPCA of the East Bay at http://eastbayspca.org/ , The Bonnie J. Addario Lung Cancer Foundation at http://www.lungcancerfoundation.org/contribute/donate/ , or the Kennedy-King Memorial College Scholarship Fund at http://www.kennedyking.org/ .