Joseph Boskin

Joseph (Joe) Boskin, distinguished historian, author, and professor, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2025, in Lincoln, Massachusetts, at the age of 95.

Born on August 10, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York, Joseph served as an Army Sergeant in the Korean War and was stationed in Greenland during his military service. He earned his B.A. from the State University of New York at Oswego in 1951, an M.A. from New York University and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1959. His scholarly pursuits led him to specialize in American popular culture, ethnicity, conflict and violence, and humor-subjects he explored with depth and insight throughout his career.

Joseph pursued an extensive academic career that shaped the study of American social history. He began his teaching career at the University of Minnesota before moving to the State University of Iowa as an Adjunct Professor of History. He joined the University of Southern California as an Associate Professor of History, where he also served as Coordinator of the Honors Program and Co-Director of the American Studies Program. However, it was at Boston University where he spent the majority of his career, serving as a Professor of History and Ethnic & Urban Studies from 1971 - 2015, at which time he became an Emeritus Professor.

Beyond academia, Joseph was a prolific author whose works contributed significantly to historical scholarship. His publications included Sambo: The Rise & Demise of an American Jester (1986) and Rebellious Laughter: People's Humor in American Culture (1997), among many other books, articles, book chapters, encyclopedia entries, and review essays. His passion for writing never waned - his last book A Comedy of Pretzels (2023) was published when he was 94 years old.

Joseph is survived by his ex-wife and mother of his children Claire Boskin, daughters Julie Scott (Gary) of Oak Park, CA; Lori Boyle (Dan) of Coronado, CA and Deborah Boskin of San Francisco, CA; his grandchildren Alyssa Torbati (Michael) of San Francisco, CA; Jonah Scott of Westchester, CA, and Abigail Boyle of Coronado, CA, his life partner Charlene O'Connor of Belmont, MA, as well as his brother Melvin Boskin, his nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Joseph was a changemaker and a storyteller shaping minds and lives with his insatiable thirst and passion for knowledge. He inspired many with his words, experiences, humor, perspectives and reflections. A deeply devoted father, friend, partner and teacher, he led his life with joy and incredible generosity.

Joe's passing is a profound loss. May his memory bring comfort, laughter and joy to all who were fortunate enough to know him. All love, all joy - Ciao.