Robert Joseph
Robert Joseph
February 18, 2020
Robert Joseph, 96, of Calumet Township, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, surrounded by his family during his last few days.
He was born on November 23, 1923, in Gary, Indiana, the son of Assyrian immigrants. He attended Emerson High School, where he played tackle on the Norseman football team. Bob continued his education at Indiana University, where he earned a bachelors of science degree and was a member of the 1945 Big 10 Championship football team.
After graduation, Bob commenced a teaching career at Calumet High School, the beginning of more than 50 years of service to the Calumet Township Schools. He met his wife Mabel, a fellow teacher, at Calumet. In 1957, Bob started the Calumet High School football program from scratch and served as its coach for 11 seasons. He went on to become an administrator, serving as assistant principal for Lake Ridge Junior High School and principal for Calumet High School. After Bob retired, he was elected to the Lake Ridge School Board, where he served for twelve years.
Bob was proud of and knowledgeable about his Assyrian heritage, but he also embraced his wife’s Italian heritage, becoming a family expert in Italian history, travel, cooking, wine-making, and other family traditions. He followed a fitness regimen his entire adult life, working out almost every day until a few weeks ago. He maintained lifelong interests in history, travel, football, cooking, wine, and politics. In his later years, Bob took joy in his grandchildren, seeing them weekly and coming to Chicago to attend all of their significant events, up to the very end of his life.
Bob is survived by his son Robert, of Gary; his daughter Elizabeth (Jonathan) Bohlen of Chicago; 2 grandchildren—Anna and Dominic Bohlen; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 47 years, Mabel Ann (née Largura) Joseph; his parents, Absalom and Evelyn Joseph; his siblings Samuel (Annabell) Joseph and Evelyn (William) Gill; his mother-in-law Ida Largura; and his siblings-in-law Elio (Ruth) Largura and Delores Largura.
Visitation will be at Rendina Funeral Home (5100 Cleveland Street; Gary, IN 46408) on Thursday, February 20, 2020 from 4 pm to 8 pm, and Friday, February 21 from 9 am to 10 am. The funeral service will be at Rendina Funeral Home on Friday, February 21, 2020 at 10 am, Bishop Ronald Hicks officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SHARE Foundation with the Handicapped, PO Box 400; Rolling Prairie, IN 46371. SHARE is an organization that served Bob’s sister-in-law Delores over many years.
Visitation
Thursday, February 20, 2020
4:00 - 8:00 PM
*Additional visitation Friday, February 21, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Rendina Funeral Home
5100 Cleveland Street, Gary, IN 46408 VIEW MAP
219-980-1141
219-980-1142
Service
Friday, February 21, 2020
Visitation 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
10:00 AM
Rendina Funeral Home
5100 Cleveland Street, Gary, IN 46408 VIEW MAP
219-980-1141
219-980-1142
My condolences to his family, and my thanks for sharing him with so many of us over the years. I’ll always remember the hot August days on the Calumet HS football practice field, his encouragement and guidance, and the fruits and frustrations which we realized on the fall Friday nights.… Read more »
My deepest condolences to Bob’s family and friends. Bob was a great administrator and friend. He will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to the family of Mr Joseph. I played football for Mr. Joseph,at Calumet, in 1958,59,60. He was a great influence in my life. what a wonderful man.
Mr. Joseph – You will be well remembered. My football coach, who taught so much more than how to play the game. -paisan
Mr. Joseph was a sweetheart! He ended his teaching career as the gym teacher at Hosford Park and the kids loved him.
My deepest condolences to Mr. Joseph’s family. He was one of my favorite regulars at DeRosa Imports in Griffith, IN. Such a friendly spirit and always came in with an interesting story to tell. May he rest peacefully.
When I was in Jr High at Lake Ridge, girls were not allowed to take shop or mechanical drawing class, we were required to take cooking and sewing. I had no interest in these classes and wanted to sign up for shop, so I wrote a letter to Mr Joseph.… Read more »
My condolences to his family. He was the best principal during my years at Calumet, 1977-1981. He was firm but fair, such a gentleman.
Mr. Joseph was the kindest, most fair, most encouraging and humble administrator in all of The Lake Ridge School System. May he rest in peace.