Joseph Boskin

As Secretary for the BU History Dept. (1986-2004) I found Joe a delightful conversation partner. I also visited him a couple of times after our retirement, enjoying lunch and talk. His humor was evident as well as his concern about the problems of contemporary society. He will be missed by many.

Joe always knew how to laugh

I had the pleasure of discussing his last book with him, we will miss him.

I had the good fortune of knowing Joe Boskin for about 40 years, and over that course of time we shared countless laughs, conversations and reflections on living. Joe was brilliantly intelligent, and wise to boot.
He possessed a quintessential California coolness about him, he was easy, and not uptight, making his transition to Boston particularly challenging. He had so many insights on life, and also a sense of the big picture, derived I think from his background as historian. Joe was such a great listener, and so supportive and nurturing. His true gift was laughter and a sense for the absurd and ridiculous. He framed his memories and experiences as "stories" and had an infinite collection of his life stories to tell. Each was told wonderfully and I was always eager to hear another.
As a product of the Great Depression, Joe always knew that life is about giving and sharing; caring and compassion. In all ways Joe was always young, and had a young and curious vibe. He never felt old, tired or bored. Each day gave Joe another chance to remember a funny story, tell a new story, read a new book, share a new insight. Joe was the youngest 95 years old I knew. He often quoted Sinatra's song "I did it my way" which is so true. Totally unique, so lovable, so wise. A true American treasure never to be forgotten. As the Woody Guthrie song goes "So long it's been good knowing ya" and thanks for the friendship dear Joe.

Joe was a brilliant and loving person. A cherished and beloved friend whom I will never stop missing.

My dearest friend . He was a rare blend of warmth , wisdom and intellect . The world could use more like him. Ciao

A wonderful person and cherished friend