Joseph Dawson

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Dr. Joseph Dawson on September 10, 2026. He was a wonderful man, who filled the lives around him with joy, laughter, faithful presence and a deep appreciation for life.

Joseph was a wonderful husband, father, uncle and grandfather and is survived by his wife, Dulcie Dawson, his children Sandra, Noel, Tony, and Andrew, Noel’s wife Shannon, his grandchildren Kabir, Simran and Theo, and his many nieces and nephews.

Joseph was born in Belgaum, India and soon moved to Hyderabad. He was a rambunctious brother who filled his family’s home with all kinds of adventures – his little brother falling in the annual Christmas cake, chasing chickens, and spending time in church. He moved to Jaipur with his sister, where his insatiable curiosity led to a love of medicine and a lifelong interest in gemology, one of many interests he cultivated. Joseph studied hard and became a very successful doctor, serving as the representative for The Catholic Medical Association of Andra Pradesh. He even opened his own clinic to help those in need in his community. While living in Hyderabad, Joseph had the wonderful joy of being an amazing uncle to his many nieces and nephews, watching them grow, helping them learn, and loving them with his big, amazing heart!

Joseph and Dulcie were married on May 23, 1983, with friends and family as witnesses, and began their new life in America. They started their journey in New York with Dulce’s sister, Francina, and soon moved to warmer weather in California. Joseph began his next chapter in life as a dad and husband. He filled his family’s home with laughter, delicious food, and a booming voice that sang exuberantly and prayed so loudly that God definitely heard his every word! He drove his children to school, every practice, every hang out, every grocery store – it was how he made sure they had time together as a family, eating donuts, saying the rosary and catching up on the day’s journey. Joseph taught his children that people matter and believing in their best was always the winning choice. He also taught them to always look for joy, especially when life was hard. Sometimes that meant that Joseph chose to be the joy that carried all of us through. Anyone who walked in through our doors immediately became family and was soon added to the lovely list of people who he always answered the phone for, even in movie theaters.

Joseph was blessed to be immersed in the joy of being the best grandpa in the world! He danced for his grandchildren to bring out all the giggles, taught them how to do yoga, and held them on his belly as his breathing slowly rocked them to sleep. He sang to each of them, celebrated every victory, helped them through hardships, and spent hours listening to their stories. Kubs, Simi and Theo will truly miss their grandpa.

Joseph lived a life rooted in profound faith. It helped him through the hard days and gave him purpose and meaning as he journeyed through life. Joseph is now resting with God, filling all our lives with spirit and belief.

Eternal rest grant upon Joseph Dawson, Oh Lord. And let the perpetual light shine upon them. And may the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

Visitation will be held at DeVol Funeral Home, 10 East Deer Park Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20877, US, on September 18, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at St. Francis of Assisi, 6701 Muncaster Mill Rd, Derwood, MD 20855, US, on September 19, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will follow at All Souls Cemetery, 11401 Brink Rd, Germantown, MD 20876, US, on September 19, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.