Dr. Joseph W. Laythe Ph.D.

I didn't know you that well, Joey, but I wish I had. I know you'd have made me a much better person in so many ways.

My absolute favorite teacher from 2012 Mr. Laythe. Died years, decades before his time. But it was a great year learning from him and seeing him around campus. He knew everyone. RIP

Dear Laythe family,

I just stumbled across the fact that Joey died last year. I knew him from his time at PSU where he completed his MA degree. I was the secretary in the History Department there for several years. He was a wonderful person and was always so comfortable in his own skin. He returned when Barney Burke, longtime chair of the History Dept retired and we had a dinner for him. He was so happy and thankful for his wonderful family. I was lucky to have known...

Dear Laythe family - I just now googled Dr. Laythe, as I had seen him 2 years ago in the store with his lovely wife, and was curious how he was making out. I said that day I would be praying for him and he winked and said "thank you, Sarah Alexander. Though I know you're married now. What's your last name? I won't forget it." Dr. Laythe's memory of thousands of student names (because we were important to him) and striking teaching style will never be forgotten and I give my most sincere...

I only recently learned of Dr. Laythe's passing and am grieved that the Edinboro community has lost such a devoted scholar and teacher. I took a research seminar with him sometime around 2008, and what I remember was his patience, kindness, and passion. Wanting to provide for us a model for collecting and organizing historical information, one day during class he left the room and, in a fit of enthusiasm, came back with a box filled with hundreds of his research index cards--each carefully...

One of the best men I ever met... a remarkable teacher who taught me many of the lessons which I carry in my own classroom. A great mentor who gave me the confidence needed to stand up against injustice, anywhere I saw it. A wonderful friend, who made me feel like I was the most important person in the world. I'm glad I spoke with him days before his passing... in which he tried making ME feel better instead of worrying about himself. That was Dr. Laythe, though. A great, great man.

Dear Chris, I remember you from GPrep. I knew Joe from Carroll. He had shaggy blond hair and a very charismatic personality! Everyone wanted to be his friend because of his good heart. I will be thinking of you and your family.

Very respectfully,

Richard Caldwell

Dear Chris, Lydia and Izzy,
My heartfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear husband and dad. Joe was just a wonderful person. He was such a gift to so many of us who knew him for these short years he was with us. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers. A mass will be offered to Joe for your entire family. I know that he is at peace with God.
My love and prayers,
Sr. Margaret

Mrs. Laythe your husband was one of a kind and he was not only my professor but my friend. I had the opportunity to meet you once at an event on the bay shore where kids could see large construction equipment and climb on the sand dunes. I was there with my family,my son and daughter were the same age as your two daughters, and we ran into each other and spoke for a moment. That was back in "98-99" so I doubt you remember. I had met your daughter's many times at the University. I graduated in...