Joel Andrew Field

Joel Andrew Field, age 62, passed away on March 26, 2021. He grew up in Fair Haven, NY, youngest of 4 children. He attended Red Creek Central School, graduating in 1976. He was active in choral singing, his high school play, intramural wrestling and science club. He received the the Bausch and Lomb science award at graduation for making telescopes and hand grinding lenses for them with his father. He was active in Presbyterian Church and especially enjoyed being part of the choir. He attended Cayuga Community College for science and graduated in 1978 with his mother who was pursuing a law degree. He then attended Clarkson University in Potsdam,NY, where he met his wife Kathleen, and graduated in 1981 with degrees in chemical and electrical engineering. He went to work for the Bechtel company as a control systems engineer, starting in the petrochemical division in Houston, Texas. After a few years, he transferred to the power division. He then made his his home in Derwood, MD.

He was active in the Shady Grove Presbyterian Church, teaching an adult Bible study. He loved science fiction, genealogy, Scottish games and music, he was an avid gardener and home cook. He and his wife traveled to Scotland, and enjoyed cruises, but his favorite place was Alaska. He trained his sheltie dog for therapy and did visitation at nursing homes. Joel was devoted to his family and looked after their needs selflessly over the course of his life. He assisted his nieces to obtain college educations. His kindness, caring, and generosity will be greatly missed by his loved ones.

He was predeceased by his father, Clifford Field, his mother, Dorothea Field and his sister, Denise Patchen. He leaves behind his beloved wife Kathleen Gurke Field, his sister Claudia (Gordon) Wendell and Lisa (Alan) Stirpe as well as deeply loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service may be scheduled at a later time.

Donations can be made to the Maryland Food Bank, Fisher House Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project.