May 16, 1933 – April 17, 2026
SERVICE DETAILS
Star of David Chapel Date: April 19, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM
CEMETERY DETAILS
New Montefiore Cemetery: 1180 Wellwood Ave., West Babylon, NY 11704
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OBITUARY
Lewis Joseph, known lovingly as “Lew,” passed away on April 17, 2026, at the age of 92, after a courageous battle with vascular dementia. Born on May 16, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Julius and Estelle Joseph, Lew lived a life defined by his devotion to music, his warmth toward others, and his deep love for family.
Lew’s exceptional musical talent led him to earn a Bachelor of Science in Music Performance from the Juilliard School of Music in 1958. From 1954 to 1956, he proudly served his country as a member of the US Army Band, stationed in Japan. Following his military service and completion of his studies, he went on to earn a Master of Arts from Teachers College at Columbia University in 1960. In 1961, Lew began what would become a remarkable thirty-year career as an elementary band teacher in the Lindenhurst School District, retiring in 1991. After retirement, he continued his teaching, giving music lessons at both Musicland and Family Melody Center. He also played with many groups over the years including the Radio City Music Hall orchestra, the Sammy Kaye big band, the Grossinger’s hotel band, and across Long Island, including the Stardusters Swing Band and the Huntington Community Band. Through his patience and dedication, he introduced countless young students to the joy of music, leaving an indelible mark on their lives.
On December 24, 1970, Lew married Mindy, and together they built a beautiful life and family. He was a kind, friendly, caring, modest, giving, good-hearted, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and uncle.
Lew was passionate about sports, remaining a lifelong and loyal fan of the New York Giants in both baseball and football, even when his beloved baseball team moved to San Francisco. He loved playing tennis and golf, and he proudly made a hole in one at Brentwood Country Club in 1985. He also enjoyed the thrill of the casinos, whether it was gambling on horses, playing blackjack, or betting on sports. He was a longtime member of B’nai Israel Reform Temple of Oakdale, New York, and the Suffolk County Music Educators Association.
Lew was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Florence Schoenberg. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mindy Joseph (nee Dreznik); his son, Eric Joseph (Lisa); his daughter, Jodi Neuman (David); and his cherished grandchildren Leila, Dahlia, Chaim, Miryam, Aharon, Daniel, Eitan, and many nieces and nephews. His family wishes him to know: we are so proud of you for how you handled this horrible disease over the past few years and hope you are at peace remembering everything. Dingawanga!
May his memory be a blessing.
Funeral services will be held on April 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM at the Star of David Memorial Chapel, with interment to follow at New Montefiore Cemetery, 1180 Wellwood Avenue, West Babylon, New York