Joseph “Joe” B. Liscano, a longtime, dedicated and much beloved former Department of Kinesiology employee, passed away on Sept. 13. An announcement of memorial services is pending.

Liscano had been a university employee for 42 years, retiring in July 2019. He worked in the College of Natural Sciences’ Department of Kinesiology for 39 years, most recently as its equipment technician. Liscano’s son, Ben Liscano, currently serves in his prior position.

“Joe was loved and admired by everyone who recognized his deep commitment to students, staff and faculty,” said CNS Dean Sastry G. Pantula. “His loss is a heartbreak to all of us, and we will celebrate his life and honor his service with all of our hearts.”

Department and college staff, faculty and others fondly recalled Liscano as “a friend to everyone he met,” kinesiology chair Bryan Haddock said.

“He will always be remembered as a kind, caring, thoughtful and vibrant individual who knew how to make a complete stranger feel like a lifelong friend,” he said.

Liscano’s support of faculty, staff and students was acknowledged many times over the years.

In 1991, he hand-made all of the equipment for rounders, a precursor to the English game of cricket, for the university’s Summer Entertainment Series. Liscano was named the recipient of the CSUSB President’s Annual Staff Award for 1995-1996. He was also a member of the 2007-2008 Grad Days team that received the President’s Team Achievement Award.

Liscano was so beloved by student athletes that in 2010, the Coyotes volleyball team, during a special pregame cancer-awareness ceremony, presented him with a commemorative pink-and-white volleyball signed by all the players to honor his wife, Maggie, who was battling the disease. He also received the 2013-2014 College of Natural Sciences Outstanding Service Award.

Condolences can be sent to the email of Ben Liscano at BLiscano@csusb.edu.