Earling Joseph Lamp

Dr. E. Joseph Lamp, a life-long college educator and driving force behind numerous underdog causes to protect animals of all species, passed away on December 6th, 2023, following a brief period battling cancer in home hospice care. He was 74.

Professor Emeritus at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC) and award-winning instructor at The Johns Hopkins University, Joe received his A.A. from AACC, his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Maryland at College Park, and another M.A. from Johns Hopkins University. He was among the very rare, as he liked to point out, because for over 40 years he got to live his "dream job" –- teaching communications, applied research methods and military history at his beloved Anne Arundel Community College in Arnold.

When he wasn't teaching, Joe's other passion was helping others, especially animals threatened by cruel and excessive human behavior. A staunch animal advocate, Joe became the first gubernatorial non-hunter appointee to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Advisory Commission in 1998, a position he held for 13 years.

In his animal advocacy role, Dr. Lamp spearheaded campaigns against unnecessary sport killing of black bears, deer, doves, and other animals, and he crafted and led the drive to stop the unconscionable cruelty of employing "leg hold traps" to catch foxes, raccoons, beavers, and coyotes, among others.

From 1999 through 2003, Joe served as Vice President of the Anne Arundel County American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). A life-long dog and cat lover and owner, he always had a soft spot for animals of all kinds, particularly for those needing protection from human mistreatment. He took enormous pride in being among the original "plank-owners" who founded Maryland Votes for Animals (MFVA) (PAC), the political advocacy group whose unyielding efforts led to unprecedented pro-animal legislation. Among his many accomplishments none fulfilled him more than his leadership role in the development and passage of legislation that generated millions of dollars –- largely from the pet food industry -- devoted to helping low income pet owners pay for spaying and neutering of their dogs and cats.

Joe's inner drive to serve his community never left him. Late in life, at age 63, he became a Maryland Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), a critical assistance role he faithfully fulfilled for nine years. Ironically, he eventually came to realize that while he couldn't turn away from those needing his help, he never overcame his own discomfort in asking others for help.

His personal life was always filled with family and friendships. Joe met his beloved wife JoAnn Porter Lamp in 1980, after which they were inseparable for over 43 years. Dubbing her his "saint" who saw him through thick and thin, Joe's life changed for the better when he and JoAnn married in 1995 in Anne Arundel County, and never left. Except on occasion. As the one imbued with a sense of wanderlust, JoAnn was able to entice Joe, a self-described "home body," to see so much more of the world than he ever would have otherwise, for which he was ever grateful to her.

In 2016, Joe renewed his faith as a Roman Catholic, regularly attending St. Andrew by the Bay Church, and becoming a member of the usher team. He could never say enough about the great good his Catholic faith did for him and so many others, as well as the fabulous priests Father Andrew DeFasco and Father Jeffrey Dauses, both of who he so admired.

Joe was preceded in death by his beloved father, Earling C. Lamp, his stepmom, Nola C. Lamp, and his mother, Audrey Dillow. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Judy Lynn Wells (husband Neal) and nephew Duce.

During his 74 years of life, Joe formed friendships with many, but only a few he considered intimate and everlasting, as did they . . .

"The animals in our world are less safe now that Dr. Lamp is no longer with us."

--Lou Aymard

"Joe was a kind, giving and gentle man. He would do anything he could to help anybody – and any animal. Remembering him will always be a blessing."

--Mike Meliker

"Throughout our 50-year friendship, the Good Dr. Lamp was always true to his surname . . . he cast illuminating light on aspects of human and animal behavior most of us ignore or overlook, compelling us to see others – and ourselves – differently."

--David Pincus

"Whether advocating for AACC students, the county policy, our servicemen and women or taking family and friends on his back when there were challenged by emotional or personal tragedy, Joe Lamp was there. He was and will remain for those he touched in this life a decent, courageous loving man."

--Steve Steele

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joe's life on Wednesday, December 13 from 10:00 am until a Mass of Christian Burial is offered at 11:30 am at St. Andrew by the Bay Catholic Church, 701 College Pkwy, Annapolis, MD 21409. Interment Thursday, December 14 at 11 am at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, charitable contribution may be made to Wildlife Rescue, Inc. P. O. Box 330, Monkton, MD 21111 or Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS), 2490 Giles Road, Baltimore, MD 21225. Condolences may be made at KalasFuneralHomes.com