Obituary of Joseph L. Yosafat

Joseph Yosafat (Joe), age 90, died peacefully on July 23rd at Lewis Gale Hospital.

Joe was the youngest of five children born to Lee and Elvera Yosafat.  In his late teens Joe joined the Army Medical Corps. and served in Frankfurt, Germany from 1946 to 1948.

He met his wife, Carol Hazel Taube, in 1952 in Cincinnati.  They married in 1954, and later had two children, Karen and Lee Martin.  Carol and Joe celebrated 64 years of marriage this past June.  In 1964 Joe moved his family from Cincinnati to Roanoke, Virginia, where he began work at the GE plant in Salem.  He retired with 30 years of service and then began a new career as a tax preparer.

Joe was active in Beth Israel Synagogue, serving over the years as President of the Congregation, Chairman Of The Board, and Director of Education.  Characterized by his sense of honor and integrity, Joe knew the dignity of hard work.  He had a deep concern for others and graciously provided support for many family members and friends

Joe was predeceased by his parents and siblings, and by his beloved son Lee Martin.  His love for and pride in his wife and family knew no bounds.

Joe is survived by his devoted wife Carol, cherished daughter Karen, adored grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Yosef, Eliahu (Aviva), Shira (Moshe), Ze’ev (Hadassa), Shai, Gavriel, and Odelia Malka.  He will also be missed by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Victor and Sheila Taube; and his “adopted” daughter Barbara Jones, all of whom will treasure his memory.

The family would appreciate donations made in Joe’s memory to Tomorrow’s Rainbow, a counseling organization which uses miniature horses to help young children cope with grief and loss.  Joe and Carol have established a water play area there in their own son’s memory.  The address is 4341 39th Street Coconut Creek, FL  33073.

Joe was buried at B’nai Israel Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland, where most of Joe and Carol’s family live.  Arrangements plus superb and caring support were provided by Allen Simpson and Simpson Funeral Home.