Joel Dan Lehman II, 66, of Washington, D.C., passed away peacefully on Friday, October 16, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Annapolis, Maryland, on October 31, 1959, Joel was the son of Joel Dan and Edith Mae Lehman. He attended Anne Arundel County Public Schools and graduated from Southern High School in 1977. He continued his education at The Catholic University of America, earning a Bachelor of Music degree in 1987, followed by a Master of Music Education degree from Shenandoah University in 1998.
Joel devoted his career to sharing the gift of music with students in the District of Columbia Public Schools. He taught at Lincoln Junior High School, Raymond Elementary School, Brookland Education Campus at Bunker Hill, and Barnard Elementary School, where he concluded his classroom teaching career in 2024. Through his dedication and musical talent, he helped generations of students discover the joy of music and express their creativity.
Joel’s contributions extended beyond the classroom. He served as an accompanist for the renowned D.C. Boys Choir and the Region V Chorus, working alongside Eleanor Stewart. As a collaborative accompanist, he performed with numerous vocalists and instrumentalists in recitals for the Friday Morning Music Club in Washington, D.C. Ever committed to growing as a musician, he had recently begun studying with pianist Frank Conlon, a member of the piano faculty at George Washington University. Joel dreamed of presenting concerts for local churches, clubs, and music organizations, bringing people together through the music he loved.
Although he retired from the classroom, Joel continued teaching private piano lessons to children and adults. He also shared his musical gifts with several churches in the area, including Annunciation Catholic Church in Washington, D.C.
Joel found joy in life’s simple pleasures: enjoying a cup of coffee in the park and spending time with family and friends. He shared a particularly cherished bond with his dear friend and godsister, Dr. Gladys Hetherington.
Brilliant, generous, and kind, Joel brought warmth and music into the lives of those around him. His memory will live on through the students he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the loved ones who will forever hold him close to their hearts.
Joel was preceded in death by his parents, Joel Dan and Edith Mae Lehman. He is survived by his sister, Marlyn (Larry) Marvel; his niece, Carrie (Eddie) Farrall; his nephew, Robin Dorsey; and a loving circle of extended family, friends, former colleagues, and students.
Visitation will be held at the John M. Taylor Funeral Home, 147 Duke of Gloucester Street Annapolis, Maryland 21401 on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm. A Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, October 30, 2026 at 11:00 am. Interment Lakemont Memorial Gardens, 900 West Central Ave, Davidsonville, MD 21035. A reception will follow in the Funeral Homes Catering Room on Friday, October 30, 2026 from 12:45 pm to 2:45 pm.
