Obituary of Michael Joseph

Michael Joseph, Jr. was born on September 26, 1934 to Michael Joseph, Sr. and Mary Abraham Joseph. He passed away peacefully on March 2, 2023, with his wife Marie at his side. Keeping true to his spirit and deep love for family, he asked about each of his immediate family members shortly before he passed. In the final moments of his earthly journey, Michael reminded his loved ones just how much they meant to him. Mr. Joseph is survived by his wife of over 65 years, Marie, his children Michael (Maria) Joseph, III, James (Renee) Joseph, Stephen (Colleen) Joseph, Nancy (Keith) Pitman. His Grandchildren Daniel and Susana Joseph, Andrew, Karlie, Sara and Jamie Joseph, Matthew Joseph, Lucas (Rosemary), Isaac, Simon (Sydney), Therese and Rose Pitman. Sisters Dorothy (Gordon) Churchill, Diane Khouri, sister-in-law Josephine Joseph and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his sisters and brothers-in-law Mabel (Abraham) Issa, Katherine (John) Nicholaus, Barbara Joseph, and brothers and sisters-in-law Richard (Anna) Joseph, George Joseph, and James Khouri. Michael Joseph, Jr. was the proud offspring of Syrian immigrants. He never forgot the sacrifices of those who came before him. In his numerous lectures and public speaking engagements, echoes of this profound perspective would be summed up with a simple phrase, “We stand on the shoulders of those who came before us.” Honoring the opportunities his parents were afforded as immigrants, he made the choice to show gratitude and serve his country by enlisting in the US Army and is a Veteran of the Korean War Era. Michael Joseph, Jr. was a fierce advocate for children, especially the most vulnerable. He was a powerful and unrelenting voice for under-resourced rural schools within New York State (NYS). When he was awarded the Canandaigua Academy Alumni & Graduates of Distinction award in 2001, the selection committee had this to say about Mr. Joseph: “Champion of equity in public education. Preeminent leader in rural education issues.” Mr. Joseph was named Executive Director of the Rural Schools Program at Cornell University in 1990 and immediately used this opportunity as a platform to passionately and tirelessly affect change. In 1960, Mr. Joseph began his career in education as a junior/senior high school teacher in Homer Central School District where he became the district’s first department chair. In 1966, he moved to the Marathon School District as High School Principal, and shortly thereafter, was named Chief School Officer; a post he held for twenty-four years. After Mr. Joseph's retirement, he was bestowed the distinction of Superintendent Emeritus by the Marathon Board of Education. For many years, he was an adjunct professor in educational administration at SUNY Cortland. Highly engaged in the community, he was named to numerous local and county wide committees, panels, and boards. In 1992, the New York State Council of School Superintendents named him as the recipient of their Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor his colleagues bestow. Recognized well beyond Cortland County for his expertise, and as an informative and entertaining speaker, he regularly addressed school board and administrator gatherings around the state. Among his major, voluntary contributions to both his profession and his community were a gubernatorial appointment to the New York State Board of Real Property Services and a NYS legislative appointment to the Rural Education Advisory Committee. It also must be noted that he served as the Chairman of the Board of Catholic Charities for many years, stepping down shortly after his 80th birthday. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Stephen’s Church in Marathon, NY. Calling Hours will also be held at 10:00 a.m. on March 18th at St. Stephen’s Church. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to HOSPICARE of Cortland County, MAVAC (Marathon Ambulance) or the Marathon Central School Scholarship Fund.