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Joe Steinberg Obituary
March 30, 1921 - October 19, 2010
Joe Steinberg never nibbled at life; he devoured it! His enthusiasm for people, causes, and life-enhancing activities was positively contagious. All who were privileged to know him could not help but be drawn to him by the sheer force of his personality. There was Joe the real estate developer, the film maker, the builder of low-income housing; Joe the raconteur, the tap dancer, the actor, the musician, the clown; Joe the soccer coach, the gardener, the magician, the world traveler, the political activist. Joe served his country during WWII as First Lieutenant in the US Army Infantry. He was awarded the Purple Heart for efforts during the Battle of the Bulge. In the 40's Joe was involved in the establishment of the Independent Progressive Party. Throughout his life, he joyously provided financial assistance that enabled many family and friends to start or sustain a business. He helped black-listed writers in the 50's and was a strong advocate of affirmative action. In his later years he became involved with Humanistic Judaism, helping to prepare many youngsters for their bar or bat mitzvah. Joe produced three full-length feature films as well as educational films dealing with topics such as incest, date rape, and teen suicide. No wonder his time with us has finally ended; he must have been exhausted!
Joe's many family members and friends cherished his intelligence, his wit, his unique spirit, and his eternal optimism. He was devoted to Gladys, his wife of 66 years. Both lifetime advocates for education, together they owned and ran the Creative Center for Children preschool in West LA.
Our hearts are saddened as we say goodbye to Joe who has profoundly enriched all our lives. Joe constantly told people how lucky he was and what a good life he and Gladys had enjoyed. However, we are the lucky ones to have basked in the warmth of his love and adoration for so many years.
Joe is survived by his loving wife Gladys, daughters Roberta (Ray) Klein, Jane (Dan) Gold, grandsons Seth and Micah Grossman, Grant (Renee) and Andy Gold, great grandson, Reid Grossman, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, and admirers who will forever recall Joe's laughter and wisdom.
Services will be held Friday, Oct. 22 at 2:00pm at Hillside Memorial Park, 6001 Centinela Ave., Los Angeles 90045. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Adat Chaverim Congregation for Humanistic Judaism, P.O. Box 261204, Encino, CA 91426, or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Steinberg
November 1, 2010
Dear Joe:
Since we met at Marshal High School in Chicago. you've popped up in my life periodically, in different contexts. The last was when I made a cold call to Adat Chaverim, and you took the call! Your warmth, enthusiasm, talent and intelligence have infused the congregation. You and Gladys made Evelina feel welcome, you encouraged Marc to participate. Your presence will be sorely missed, but your influence will be ongoing.
Richard Scholtz
October 21, 2010
I had the most incredible privilege, and was honored to have met Joe on Oct 18, 2010 at a small dinner party to celebrate the birthday of a mutual friend. Little did we know that it would be the last celebration of life those of us present would all share together. We found common ground, shared a Wonderful evening, Great and Lively conversation with some of his immediate family and friends. Joe, you touched my heart, left an indelible mark, with your intelligence, wit, dedication, service to community and humanity; the world is a better place because of your journey through life. Go in Peace! Richard S
Laura, Josh, and Nora Ornstein
October 21, 2010
Joe was the reason we became members of Adat Chaverim. He was such a warm and wonderful human. My family will remember him always with fondness. Our daughter especially felt connected to him as he watched her grow through out her time in Sunday school. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and to Gladys. We are so glad we got to know Joe he truly impacted our life.
October 21, 2010
we can't believe that after many years of being out of touch, my fraternity brother and dear friend called us out of the blue one week ago today and he and gladys had a great conversation as though we had only been out of touch for a few days. we are so thankful that joe and gladys set up our blind date that led to our blessed marriage in 1946! and to think good old WW II landed us all in chicagor - joe at the army general hospital and marty at the great lakes naval hospital. all our love to gladys and your loving family - marty & harriet rosene
Marci Goldberg
October 21, 2010
Joe,
You will be deeply missed by so many people. You had a way of making us all feel special (and making us blush). The last conversation we had, you were worried about Gladys, but you still kept us both laughing for a good half hour. I asked you if there was anything at all I could do for you, and you rebuked me by telling me I wasn't your type!! You assured me that you had led the most wonderful and full possible life. The only thing you wanted was to have your dear Gladys home with you, so you could spend just a little more time with her. You got that final wish. I smile for the rich life you led, the humanity you've influenced, and the goodness you have left behind. All my love. Marci
Adam Belanoff
October 21, 2010
I met Joe at Adat Chaverim when we had the baby naming for our daughter Stella - and although we only spoke for a total of about forty-five minutes on a few separate occasions, Joe made an indelible impression on my wife Alison and myself. What a wonderful guy - so full of spirit and humor and intelligence - and what a huge loss to all.
Our love goes out to his wife Gladys and extended family.
October 21, 2010
Joe had been an inspiration to me and my family and will be deeply missed. Thank you Gladys for sharing him with us and we hope those larger than life memories of him will provide some comfort. We love you and think of you at this time. Mike, Judith and Benjamin
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