Joel M. Karp

Joel M. Karp Chelmsford Justice of the Peace Joel M. Karp died Friday afternoon, August 22, at Lahey Clinic. He was 63 years old. For 38 years, he was the beloved husband and best friend of Sandra C. (Klapovitz) Karp and often said they were joined at the hip. He was the most loving and caring father and grandfather anyone could hope to have. He will be deeply missed by his children, Shelby Blanchet and her husband, Mark, and Evan Karp and his wife, Kathy; and his grandchildren, Kacie Samantha and Riley Lou Blanchet, whom he loved more than life itself. Joel was born in New York City, on February 11, 1945, the son of the late Ruth (Fischman) and Sam Karp. He was a graduate of New York University and earned a Master of Business Administration from St. Johns University and a Master of Arts in Higher Education and Administration from Columbia University. Joel resided in Chelmsford for 24 years. He was actively involved in town issues and served on a number of boards and committees. He was a Chelmsford Justice of the Peace and took great pleasure in officiating at his children's weddings. While living in New City, NY Joel served as President of the New City Chamber of Commerce. In his adopted home of Chelmsford, Joel was a member of the Chelmsford Land Conservation Trust and the Chelmsford High School Alumni Association. He served on the Chelmsford Democratic Town Committee as Corresponding Secretary. Joel was also an associate member of the Chelmsford Commission on Disabilities and a former Town Meeting Representative. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2008, at 1:00 PM at New Montefiore Cemetery, Pinelawn, Long Island, NY. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions in his name to the VNA of Middlesex-East & Visiting Nurse Hospice, Development Office, 607 North Avenue, Suite 17, Wakefield, MA 01880, www.vnaofme.org