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David Little posted a condolence
Monday, March 20, 2023
Mike was one of our Rural Schools Association's pioneers. He laid the groundwork for our service to rural school districts and set an example of dedication, service and excellence that we attempt to continue today. Michael is an inspiration to all of us who carry on that tremendous legacy of service. Thousands of our state's rural children have a better future for his work. I'm honored to carry on his mission. Please know that all of RSA is with you in feeling his loss-but proud and humbled to stand on the shoulders of such a giant.
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Suzanne (Brown) McCutcheon posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
My siblings and I were honored that Mr. Joseph spoke at our father's funeral. My dad thought very highly of him and his commitment to the youth of the Marathon community. Knowing the pain of losing a beloved parent I hope that your memories bring you some peace and that God helps to ease your burden.
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Barbara Chubb posted a condolence
Sunday, March 12, 2023
Just heard the news about Mr. Joseph’s passing. First words that came to mind were I love that man. Knew him as my teacher at Homer HS. He was the best! RIP
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Ann Caratelli posted a condolence
Friday, March 10, 2023
Dear Marie and Family,
Josephine and I have many fond memories of you and Mike at St. Stephens and St. Margarets. We especially enjoyed when your family visited St. Stephens. God Bless you.
Ann Caratelli
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Paula Marshall-Riese posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Remember Mr Joseph seventh grade Homer school, he was a great teacher and I think my favorite, taught me gently what a racist is, will never forget his gentle way of making me think of comments I had made that were definitely on the racist edge, thank you, RIP “Mr. Joseph
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Fred Preston posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Mr. Joseph was one of my favorite and most memorable high school teachers. He was always “on” in our history class and looked to make the subject interesting to everyone. At the beginning of every marking period, he would stand in front of the classroom with a blank grade book, encouraging everyone to do their best. May the memory of his remarkable life be a blessing to all who knew him.
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Carl T. Hayden posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Mike Joseph was a friend, an inspiration and a great American. As Director of the Rural Schools Program at Cornell University, he was New York's preeminent voice for rural education before the Regents, the Governor and the Legislature.
When Mike retired as Superintendent of the Marathon Central School District, the community convened to honor him. People were asked if they might wish to say a few words. As midnight approached, the accolades were still flowing. Mike Joseph was beloved.
Rest in peace, my Honorable friend.
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Sandy Brown posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Mr. Joseph was a very special, and unique person. Mike had a way of expressing his knowledge on something that made you want to know more about that subject. Mike also was great on encouragement to his staff as well as his students. I will miss that infectious smile and his beautiful singing voice. God Bless.
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Virginia (Carroll) Glezen posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Mr. Joseph touched my life three times: Homer High School as my homeroom teacher; at Cornell through a fire drill we learned we were in adjoining buildings, then at Marathon school when I went in to vote for school board and he was there smiling and greeting folks by name! I am so glad that he was a part of my life. He will be missed by many. We meet so few “real” people in our lives.
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Yvonne Moore posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
He was a WONDERFUL Superintendent during all my school years at Marathon! He was a great man all around. Love and prayers to the family.
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Eileen Reusch Ledger lit a candle
Monday, March 6, 2023
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My condolences to the Joseph family. Mr. Joseph was a fantastic person as well as the best principal of Marathon Central School. He was not only a princiPAL of the school but an advocate, adviser and just a caring person. I remember one time (the only time) I skipped school with Nancy Niggli and got caught. He brought us into his office and said, “I don’t know why you decided to skip school especially the lunch period! Marathon has some of the best lunches! Don’t do it again, now get to your classes.” I never skipped again. I as well as many others not only respected him but loved him. He always greeted us with a smile and a hello. He will be greatly missed. Rest in peace Mr. Joseph.
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Melissa Brown Fox posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
Mr Joseph was an amazing man! I have fond memories of him in my school years but my fondest of him was when he spoke at my father’s funeral. A true man of integrity who will be so missed in our community. Love and prayers to his family.
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Chip Stewart posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
I am not sure there is enough space here for me to let his family know how I feel about him and what he meant to me. I was fortunate enough to become friends with two of his sons and for him to become another "Father Figure" I needed as I matured and grew up. Over my career he was one of my biggest supporters, as he would either send me a card or give me a ring to congratulate me and my teams on their successes! He was there for advice when I needed, whether I liked or not but he was honest and led me down the right road. I will be forever grateful for his advice and support and I would not be where I am today without him--period!! To Mrs. Joseph and the rest of the family I say Thank You, for letting me have a little piece of what you received everyday! I will miss him dearly and God Bless!!
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Janet Watros posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
Sincere condolences to Mrs. Joseph and the family. Mr. Joseph was a true champion of students and educators. He could have gone anywhere but he stayed in Marathon and strengthened every aspect of Marathon Central School. He was tough but fair and compassionate. He became a friend to my dad, Duke Watros, and Dad treasured their talks. Mr. Joseph was a great man and one I was proud to know and admire. Rest In Peace, sir, you will be missed. Janet Watros
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Monday, March 6, 2023
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Wendy Means posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
Mr. Joseph was a really wonderful person. He was the foundation of Marathon Central School and he will be missed. While I no longer live in Marathon, there have been many times when I attended mass at St. Stephens and it was just so nice to look back and see Mike and Marie...steadfast and true. My prayers go out to Marie and her sons.
Wendy Wheaton Means.
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Susan Canfield posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
Mr. Joseph was a very kind, caring principal and Superintendent for Marathon Schools. He was a good listener, making a fair judgement upon hearing all parties of an issue. He was very helpful to my family whenever we had concerns. He was a beacon of faith and a wonderful father to his children. Blessings to Marie and family. May you rest in peace Mr. Joseph, your jobs well done. Susan Keene Canfield MCS Class of 1970.
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Ralph & Jill Wheaton Smithling posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
I don't think anyone who knew Mike can say their lives weren't touched by the kindness of this man. Many years after my school days he still greeted me with with a big smile and asked about my family, whom he knew through church. Our condolences to Marie and the Joseph family. Praying that time will replace your heartbreak with loving memories that warm your hearts and replace tears with a smile. May God be with you all
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Diane DiLella posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
I left Marathon in 1975 but I remember Mr. Joseph. He used to quiz me on state capitals when he saw me in the hallway. I remember him as being a very nice man. Condolences and prayers to his family.
Diane (Howard) DiLella
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Connie Cutler posted a condolence
Monday, March 6, 2023
Mr. Joseph hired me to work at the elementary school. I was a teacher’s assistant, loved my job.
I worked there for 22 yrs. Plus have wonderful memories from all of the kids I worked with, plus the teachers.
I am sure he will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy