Obituary of Gerhard Joseph

Gerhard Joseph, age 89, of Fort Lee NJ died on Saturday January 23, 2021 in his home. Husband to the late Eileen Joseph nee: McGee. Devoted father to Lisa Joseph, Elaine Joseph, Miriam Kinzhuber and her husband, Alexander Kinzhuber. Beloved grandfather to Nicholas and Brian Kinzhuber.

Gerhard was born in Frankfurt Germany to the late Jonas Joseph and Elly Joseph. The Joseph the family emigrated to New York when he was a small boy. He spent the last 50 years living in New Jersey.

He is remembered by family and friends for his kindness, generosity ,and sense of humor.

Gerhard liked to say he never stopped going to school. After earning his PhD, he began his career as a college professor and continued teaching up until he retired at the age of 85. During his career he taught at Georgetown University, University of Minnesota and for the last 45 years on the faculty at the City University of New York. He was known as a passionate Tennyson Scholar, caring mentor, and supportive colleague and friend.

 After retirement he continued to travel, audit classes, write a daily blog with friends and engage in spirited conversations.

He loved writing, movies, theater, hiking, travel , pasta, The Dickens Universe, supper or brunch with a friend, a good tennis match, and  most of all  an interesting conversation with literally anyone he came across. He was blessed with good cheer, good friends, a love of life, and a curious spirit.

Gerhard loved teaching and learning and was known to say:

 it is indeed “the best of all possible worlds”—or as I’ve often also said “in my next life I want to come back as an English Professor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Doctors without Borders, Amnesty International or a charity of your choosing.