Joel Joseph Piehl

1940 - 2017

BORN

1940

DIED

2017

About

University of California Los Angeles

Joel Piehl Obituary

June 14, 1940 - November 21, 2017 A Renaissance man, graceful skier, dog lover, fitness buff, clay artist, soccer ref, stargazer and family man, Joel Piehl passed away on Nov. 21. He was undergoing a procedure for a life-threatening infection stemming from gallbladder surgery. Joel was the beloved husband of Sarah Menkin Piehl, father of Zachary Piehl and Leah Piehl Bertens. Born in Los Angeles, Joel was 77 years old, but looked 50. He won the Science Fair at John Burroughs Middle School, and built a hydroplane while at Fairfax High that he raced. In 1958 he went to UCLA for his undergrad degree, playing clarinet in the marching band. He transferred to USC Dental School, graduating in 1964 with his DDS and was the youngest to receive the Julio Edelman Award for Excellence in Oral Pathology and Periodontology. He served in Southeast Asia as a Captain in the Air Force. While based in Manila, he traveled to Saigon to treat injured soldiers. During his R&R, Joel skied Nagano, visited Mount Everest, and many other places. He received his Certificate in Periodontics from UW in 1970. A consummate caregiver, he practiced periodontics in West Hollywood for 45 years. He enjoyed long road trips, driving a 1965 Volvo cross-country after his discharge from service. He loved Jaguars especially his 1966 yellow xke. Joel will be sorely missed for his joie de vivre, strength, humor, grace and gentleness. He adored his rescues, Roxy and Sophia and would have wanted any donations to animal rescue organizations in lieu of flowers. There is a celebration of his life scheduled for January 7th. All those who want to be present please email [email protected].

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Published by Los Angeles Times from Dec. 3 to Dec. 5, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Joel Piehl

9 Entries

Jochen Rang

March 14, 2021

There are persons you never forget even after many years. We met Joel at the Club Med in Moorea at New Year 1975/76. We were on a world trip and we promised to meet again. We visited him in 1980 when we met Leah and loved his hospitality and yes I remember the yellow Jag. I saw him again in 1981 but then the distance of LA and Europe took its toll. We recently reminisced about the past and his name came up. We googled him and saw the sad news albeit four years later. My condolences go to Sarah and her family. Joel was fun, generous and very honest, a great miss.

Tamara Burrell

April 27, 2018

Zachary, Please know that I am saddened beyond all words to hear of the passing of Dr Piehl.. Your Dad was truly the consummate professional in addition to being a kind and caring friend to us all. My family and I offer our heartfelt condolences to you and to your family....May all the beautiful memories serve as a chariot of comfort .
Peace Be With You..Now And Always -

Wendy Diamond

January 15, 2018

Sarah, just heard about Joel's passing away, and I want to reach out and send my condolences to you and the family. It always made me so happy to see the two of you together around town. Lucky to have had such a love in your life. I understand how much you will miss him and hope you find comfort in your many happy memories and your wonderful son. With love, Wendy

January 7, 2018

dear sarah and family

i am so sorry i didn't get a chance to talk with you today at the memorial service. you were so surrounded that there seemed to be a very difficult path to tread in order to get some words in. you did a wonderful job of organizing the entire event and it was touching, warm and "hamish".

i am still in shock about the seemingly sudden death of joel, as you must be. i learned so much today that i didn't know about him and the family. i know you have a very rough road ahead and i wish you the best as you maneuver that pathway, but you are clearly very strong and i am sure you will ultimately be ok.
you have a lovely, welcoming home and i understand that you are an artist who did many of those painting there. what a blessing to have that talent to sustain you in the years to come.
all the best
miriam meter

Carol & Howard Rosen

December 10, 2017

We are so saddened to hear about Joel. We loved him, and I loved working with him when I was a hygienist. We met when we were all still in college at USC Dental School. Our hearts go out to all of you.It was an honor and a privilege to know him. Sending hugs.

December 4, 2017

May you find comfort in remembering the times you shared with your Joel. May the God of tender mercies bring you comfort as well, in your time of great loss

Neil Weiner

December 4, 2017

Sarah, So sorry to hear of Joel's passing. Although I have been out of LA for a while, I always enjoyed running into Joel. Always a smile and so many memories of skiing together. My deepest condolences.

December 4, 2017

Dr. Piehl was an incredibly kind gentleman. I was a patient of his for many years, and enjoyed his sense of humor, and his incredible talent as a dentist. My condolences to his family. Robert Nelson

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