Joseph Israel, born October 1, 1925, in Seattle, Washington to Isaac and Sarina (Leon) Israel. Joe was, first and foremost, a devoted husband of 62 years to his beloved wife, Mary, whom he met while they were both studying theatre at the University of Washington. After graduation they moved to New York to pursue acting. Joe was the father of three daughters: Sarina Walden, Dulcy Israel, and Susan Bensen. He never let any of them forget how proud he was of them, always. In addition to being a husband and father, Joe was many other things: a WWII U.S. Navy veteran who served as a 3rd class radioman in the Pacific; an active member of The United Synagogue of Hoboken; a good friend; a lover of jazz with a wonderful singing voice, classical music and all things Frank Sinatra; a jokester whose humor was guaranteed to produce groans and genuine laughs all around; a man who was modest, self-deprecating and generous to a fault. He was kind, warm-hearted and compassionate to everyone he met. Without a thought he would drive miles to find just the right flavor of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for Mary. Anyone who knew him was aware of how ethical and principled he was. When faced with a moral dilemna, his daughters found guidance by asking themselves what he would do. Joe was also a doting grandfather to his six grandchildren: Joe, John and Tillie Walden, Peter Bensen, and Aster and Terefech Johnson.
In addition to his grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews, Joe is survived by his wife, Mary; his three daughters and sons-in-law: Sarina and Charlie Walden of Austin, TX, Dulcy and Mark Johnson of Brooklyn, NY, and Susan and Tom Bensen of Missoula, MT; and by his brother, Menache Israel of Seattle. He will be dearly missed, and remembered, always.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (www.lls.org).
Funeral service was held 1pm on Tuesday January 7th at our funeral home, Gutterman and Musicant Jewish Funeral Directors, 402 Park Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601.
Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Saddle Brook, NJ
A 7pm Prayer service will be held on Thursday January 9th at the United Synagogue of Hoboken, 115 Park Ave, Hoboken, NJ 07030
Please take a moment to sign this online guestbook. You may leave a note for the family or perhaps a memory you would like to share. A Virtual Candle may also be placed in the guestbook if you wish. We at Gutterman-Musicant wish to express our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the mourners for your support during this difficult time.
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