JOSEPH EDWARD "JOE" TRUITT Jr.

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JOSEPH TRUITT Obituary

TRUITT
JOSEPH EDWARD, JR. "JOE"

Of Medford, NJ died April 20, 2020 at the age of 79. Joe was born in Philadelphia to Joseph and Elizabeth Truitt and was the eldest of seven children. Joe was a retired teacher from Cherry Hill High School West. He was the devoted and loving husband to Lorraine (Lorie). He was the loving father to Joseph, III (Nadine) and Gregory; beloved grandfather to Nathaniel, Benjamin, Jonathan, and Adrienne; dear brother of Theresa, Michael, and Frederick Truitt, Rita Adcox, and the late Robert Truitt and Maria Jackson. He was uncle to his dear nieces and nephews. Joe had a love of family, friends, students, books, poetry, music, sports and film, all of which made his life and that of those who loved him rich and full.

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Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer on Apr. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH TRUITT

Sponsored by Lechner Funeral Home.

11 Entries

Michael Suval

December 30, 2021

Dear Lori and family
I just want to express my deepest condolence's at Joe's passing The world is a lesser place without him He was an integral part of my world view He was the model for mentors I remember a couple of years ago He and I spoke about many things but the best part of the conversation was talking about Ivan Illich and its teaching I remember Joe being shocked that I ultimately became a physician The humanities aren't taught enough in medicine so I''m glad I was given the gift of the humanities from Joe as well of learning that being a mentor is a good thing

Kumar Vedantham

April 26, 2020

Dear Mr. Truitt
I had you for English honors in my senior year. I had heard my predecessors speak of you with great seriousness, so I apparently had cause to be worried.

And indeed, you were a giant and powerful presence in the room. I had only the deepest respect for you, tinged with more than a little fear. I feared disappointing you with a wrong answer, and felt always relieved when my answer did not displease you. Your questions were always hard, and required much more than just memorizing facts. You had to think and think hard, which was the best thing I learnt from your classes.

I stil remember so many of your musings about life. You used to say 'One day you will realize that my ideas are right.' Absolutely true and uncannily accurate. Opinions that II bristled against I now espouse. But more than knowledge and wisdom, really valued being a teacher. You once described yourself as like a centaur teaching the greek heroes what life was about. Well as a humble human, I thank you for all that you have taught me.
With love and respect,
Your student Kumar

Ann Dimapilis

April 24, 2020

There are people who may never know how much they have influenced a person's life. Words cannot express how much Joe Truitt helped to shape the way I observe people and the world. I was blessed to have him for an English teacher for 2 years (and Lori for a year). Thank you.

April 24, 2020

I only knew you for a few years through your film groups, and as my husband's teacher at West. I enjoyed talking with you about movies, books, etc. You always had a smile, and an easy going way about you, and we always shared some laughs. I am glad I met you and Mrs. Truitt. You will be missed!

P.S. I hope you get to see Charlie Chaplin too!

Sharon Nigro

Rob and Sharon Nigro

April 24, 2020

Joe taught me in Honors English at Cherry Hill West, many years ago, where I also took his Film Appreciation class several times. Those experiences molded me as a younger person, and have stayed with me.

In fact, some days ago, I was re-watching Orson Welles' "The Stranger," one of the many films Joe introduced me to when I was a student. I'm certain I would not have become even the modest film buff I am, had I not met him. And I wonder now how different (and bereft) my life might have ultimately been, had Joe not influenced me in my younger years. I owe him thanks for that, which is so, so much.

I was happy to have "rediscovered" Joe several years ago, now retired but still doing what he did best -- educating people about everything he loved. We had been spending more time lately with him and Lori, as we followed Joe's circuit of South Jersey community lecturing about film and books. We were really enjoying the reconnection. While we weren't always able to attend all he was doing over the recent years, we would have, gladly and eagerly.

Joe first was my teacher and advisor. As years passed and we both were adults, I called him my friend. In all that time, my path often crossed with a film or a book or a piece of music that he'd introduced me to, and which reminded me of our connection.

And not just in the past: he was still opening my eyes and mind to new things, right to the end.

I thank him for that now. I thank him for all of it.

We were shocked and so sad to hear he had passed. And these times have precluded our being there to pay proper tribute. If we can support in memoriam an effort or cause dear to him and Lori, we'd like to know about it.

He meant so much to so many, including us, over many years. Our sincere thoughts and deep condolences. We will miss him greatly and always.

Arshad

April 23, 2020

I saw it online and it couldnt believe it. He was such a good person who genuinely cared and always showed confidence in his students. I also had Mrs. Truitt For my English class. She has the patience and taught me so much. So many times I went online and tried to find a way to get touch with them. I just wanted to thank both of them. Sad and keeping Mr and Mrs truitt in my prayers.

Jack & Shirley Landgraf

April 23, 2020

Our sincere sorrow for you all, Lorie, Joe and Greg. May you find comfort in knowing the numbers of students and friends he influenced in his life. Mr. Truitt inspired my son, Jeff, in his relationship with your son, Greg. It has been a lasting friendship since their school days.

April 23, 2020

I will really miss spending time with you and talking about the high priced Phillies. Boy we sure do miss them now. You can never be replaced. I will always remember how smart and funny you are. Life will never be the same without you in it. We miss you Joe. You are one of the nicest people that I ever meet. The world needs more people like Joe. Love, Betsy & Ed Mauger

Ken Schmidt

April 23, 2020

Holding you in thought as tou move through this difficult time.

Teresa

April 22, 2020

Never did I expect sitting in a high school film class that my life would forever be changed. But changed it was. This man believed in me from day one, and became more than a teacher and mentor. He and his family became my family. I owe a great deal of gratitude to this man and cannot imagine a world without him in it. Crushed with sadness today. I will miss you Joe Truitt. Very much. I hope you are dancing with Fred and Ginger, and singing with Sinatra. All my love forever.