Josef Alfred Lemmen

Josef Alfred Lemmen
August 17, 1928 – July 13, 2025

Josef Alfred Lemmen, a devoted husband, loving father, gifted musician, and respected member of every community he touched, passed away peacefully at the age of 96.

Born on August 17, 1928, in Speonk, Long Island, NY. He was the oldest of four children:  Josef, Elisabeth, Ella and Erick. Joe's life was a remarkable journey of music, service, family, and faith. He could speak little English when he entered first grade, both of his parents spoke German. He grew up in East Moriches, where his family's farm evolved from raising chickens to cultivating potatoes, lima beans, and strawberries to the extensive operation of Lemmen’s Nursery and Irrigation business that served the Hamptons area. Joe was the landscape contractor for the current Rock Hill Golf Club on Long Island and he and his crew built the course.  

From the young age of 5, Joe’s deep love of music was clear—he sang in church choirs, school plays, community groups, weddings, funerals and more. Joe’s voice carried him far. He acquired his vocal training from Edna Kaley Gracy (a student of Nadia Boulanger), and he gained his choral experience at Cornell University and from the leadership of Charles Huffine.  From Cornell University’s Sage Chapel Choir and Men’s Glee Club to lead roles in twelve Gilbert and Sullivan operas with the American Savoyards, his baritone solo voice resonated in concert halls and hearts across the Eastern United States. He also performed at Lincoln Center’s Philharmonic Hall under the direction of Daniel Barenboim and collaborated with legendary soprano Eleanor Steber in Elijah.

He served his country with distinction in the U.S. Army, where his singing talents brought him to the national stage on ABC Television's Soldier Parade with Arlene Francis. After military service in Alaska and then moving back to New York, he became a central figure in Long Island’s choral music scene, conducting the Choral Society of the Moriches with annual presentations of Handel’s Messiah (among other musical performances of classical oratorios and Broadway shows) and directing numerous church choirs for over three decades.

Joe’s life with his beloved wife Janet took them from East Moriches to Florida to Maine to North Carolina. Whether operating Lemmen’s Nursery, Balsam Cove Campground, leading Seaside Irrigation, or directing choirs from East Moriches, to Key West to Fort Myers, he brought the same devotion and joy to everything he did. His summers were filled with work, music and family, and his winters with song and service.

His loving wife of 70 years predeceased him in 2024 after he cared selflessly for her on a long journey with dementia. Joe leaves behind a legacy of love and harmony with his children Gregory, Jane, Greta and Robert, their grandchildren Emily, Aimee, Jenna, Mitchell, Daniel, Michael, Katie, and Kira, great grandchildren Anna, Quinn, Madeline, Graham, Eli, Miller, Ella Mae and Ava, as well as countless friends and admirers who were moved by his voice, leadership, and kindness.

Joe’s music will forever echo in the lives he touched. His family finds comfort in knowing that he is now singing with the heavenly choir.

Condolences can be sent to Jane Both at 151 Olde Point Rd, Hampstead NC 28443 and she will share with her siblings. Memorial donations can be sent to the East Moriches United Methodist Church Memorial Fund. Joe’s ashes will be mixed together with Janet’s ashes and then buried together as husband and wife in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in East Moriches.