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Joseph G. Habib
1946 - 2021
Joseph G. Habib
1946 - 2021
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1946
DIED
2021
Joseph Habib Obituary
Visitation: Sunday (11/21) 2 PM - 6 PM
Funeral Mass: Monday (11/22) 9:30 AM @ Our Lady of Angels R.C. Church
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Cemetery: Saint John's Cemetery (Middle Village, NY)
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Joseph G. Habib passed away suddenly on November 17, 2021 at the age of 75. Loving son of the late James and Mary (nee Farage). Beloved brother of Ethel Duffy, James S. Habib (Marcia), Raymond C. Habib, and Marianne Habib. Proud uncle of Christina, Sean, Kathryn, Michelle, Sarah, Brianne, Teresa, and great uncle of Chase and Drew.
United States Army Veteran. Dedicated teacher for over 20 years in the NYC Public School System. After Joseph retired, he continued his passion for teaching by tutoring many more students.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Joseph's memory to a charity of your choice.
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Thank You,
Clavin Funeral Home
71 Entries
Lillie Clarke
April 12, 2025
Mr. Habib was my middle school math teacher. He instilled the seed of hope and perseverance for me, and i'm forever grateful. He was always honest, but very kind to me. I am so saddened to see he passed, but my heart is full seeing how many lives he's impacted. You were a gem Mr. Habib! I'll always remember " Hey Lil!" Love you Habib! Rest in Peace
Irene Barbuto
November 15, 2024
Just when I had reconnected with "Joe" after many years, he had passed away suddenly. I will always have wonderful memories of our working together at the Western Electric Company in lower Manhattan, in the mid-late 1960's, when he was an Industrial Engineer and I was his Secretary. He was a nice young man and I was pleased to learn that he went on to become a teacher, very much loved by his students. Irene Lindemann-Barbuto
Brian Moore
November 15, 2024
A very instrumental person in my life, Mr. Habib was the first male teacher I remember in my grade school years that openly cared about not only me, but everyone who looked like me. I cried when I found out about his passing. I truly cared about him and miss him. A beautiful person and soul. I loved Mr. Habib!!
Brian Moore
Angela B
November 15, 2024
You were not only the best teacher, you were the best person. Your compassion and dedication to making sure your students felt safe and valued, did not go unnoticed. I was not even in your class and you made the biggest and most positive impact during my middle school life. You taught so much more than math, you taught us how to be good people. And for that, I humbly thank you. Rest in eternal peace.
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Nevillyn Parsons
September 22, 2023
This just pop up on my computer, brought tears to my eyes. you was an amazing teacher.
Norman Lerner
November 16, 2022
On the 1st day of class Joe would rant “ You think you know math but you don’t” He would drill his students till they knew it in their sleep. He loved those kids.
Brandon MAhon
April 16, 2022
Thank you for your energy while teaching. I didn’t realize how important that was until I met teachers who didn’t share the passion that you did. You tend to remember the good ones and you are remembered! GODSPEED MR Habib. Brandon Mahon I.S. 391 class of 1979
April Windley
February 22, 2022
He was a kind man and very respectable.
Monica Houston (Edwards)
December 9, 2021
Mr. Habib as always I have just one more word..it is SO wonderful to continue to see through the outpouring of love through sympathies that your light STILL shines on the earth. You have done well, you have fought the good fight, and you have run your race. Now rest in the peace of the Lord and let your legacy take your place!!
Rashida Bell
December 7, 2021
Thank you for all of your valuable life lessons Mr Habib. You are my favorite teacher that ever lived. We can’t be perfect in life but you taught me how to be perfect in math, a love for algebra, solving for x, to keep life simple, the honor system, my first round tuit and most importantly self respect. As you would always say before each exam in which you walked away and taught us to hold ourselves accountable
“He who steals my purse, steals trash
But he who robs me of my good name
Takes something that values him not
But makes me less of a man”
And you can take that to the bank!
Rest In Peace and Paradise Mr Habib
Cherise Haskins
November 22, 2021
Mr. Habib you were and will forever be my favorite teacher! You were a blessing to all who were lucky enough to know you. I pray that the hearts of your family, friends & former students will be filled with the wonderful memories of times together. I celebrate you, a life well lived and I will never forget ain’t no stopping me now. You’re encouragement meant everything to us!
Blanca Brown (White)
November 22, 2021
Thank you for always believing in your students. You made a difference in countless lives. My brothers and I all were privileged to have you as a teacher. We are forever grateful. Well done Mr Habib.
Rest easy.
Monifa Bandele (McGill)
November 22, 2021
Thank you for being an amazing teacher! Rest In Peace.
Mr. Habib with Errol Alphonso, Tawya Young & Victoria Lowery at lunch, 2004. IS391 - Class of `84
Tawya Young
November 21, 2021
Sonia Flotteron
November 21, 2021
Mr Habib came into our lives just a couple of months ago. We are so grateful that he did such a lovely an exceptional man. Gracious and kind and so inspiring to the children he tutored. Michaella will miss you terribly Mr. Habib
Tiffany Anderson
November 21, 2021
We, The Andersons, extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Habib family. As one of the greatest friends to our late father, Cuthbert “George” Anderson, Mr. Habib touched our lives in so many immeasurable ways. He taught us even though we were not officially his students. He rode bikes with us and ran marathons with us. Their friendship guided us and some of his students into swimming, into some of the best high schools in the city, and into some the best universities in the country. While Mr. Habib would say having a NYC public school education is having one of the best educations in the world, I wonder if he knew it was only true because of teachers like him. Rest in Peace, Mr. Habib. Thank you for everything.
Kendall Moultrie
November 21, 2021
Thank You for pure genuine concern for us all Mr Habib !
Oliver Prince
November 21, 2021
Mr. Habib was the best teacher. He was my teacher for 6th and 8th grade at IS 391 in the early 1990s and I still remember him quoting lines from Rocky and those logic problems on Friday mornings. He was a fighter who taught his students to fight. It breaks my heart that he's no longer around.
Juanita Brown
November 21, 2021
Mr. Habib was such an amazing person and an even greater math teacher. He was so friendly and welcoming when I began teaching at P.S. 161. He was so happy with a good read and his sudoku. I truly admired him; he will be missed.
Karen Myrie
November 21, 2021
On behalf of the 9N1-1 class of '81 from IS 391, we THANK HIM for the impact he had on each of our lives. Mr. Habib was not just a teacher, but an educator (difference being his passion)!! In the spring of 1981, he took 2 months, on his own time, and came in early to tutor us in preparation for the Algebra Regents. More than half of us that joined him during those early morning sessions scored 90 or above. Even my Mom fondly remembered his dedication to us. From that class alone came physicians, lawyers, NYPD, an FBI agent & at least 2 teachers.
WELL DONE good & faithful servant!
Western Electric Co.'s Engineering Department Party. Pictures taken before Joe's teaching career when he was an Industrial Engineer for the Western Electric Co. I was his Secretary (me, bottom left)
Irene Barbuto
November 21, 2021
Joe Habib at our Holiday Party at Busto's Restaurant in lower Manhattan...1967
Irene Barbuto
November 21, 2021
Joe Habib and visitor at our Office Party at the Western Electric Company...1967.
Irene Barbuto
November 21, 2021
Irene Barbuto
November 21, 2021
I knew Joe Habib long before his teaching career. We both worked in the Engineering Department of the Western Electric Company in lower Manhattan in the late 1960's. I was his Secretary. He was a very nice and kind young man. We lost touch over the years but were reunited via the wonderful website his former-students created for him. I spoke to Joe a while ago and it was like 50 years had never passed. I will miss him. My condolences to all ...
Lunch with Mr. Habib and my late husband and former student, Errol Alphonso
Tawya Young
November 21, 2021
Mr. Habib at my 45th Birthday party
Tawya Young
November 21, 2021
Tawya Young
November 21, 2021
I am beyond grateful and blessed to have Mr. Joseph “Uncle Joe” Habib come into my life and make a powerful impact on me and countless others. He was matchless in his ability to teach math but also to inspire, empower and continually support his students. At 13 years old he instilled self-confidence and truly allowed us to dream and set goals well beyond our expectations. Thanks to him, I believed that there’s nothing I couldn’t achieve. “Eye of the Tiger,” (Rocky III) and “Do you know where you’re going to?” (theme from Mahogany) are songs he used to prepare us for the algebra regents and for life. Uncle Joe remained a constant supporter of his students. He helped my late husband Errol Alphonso, get his first teaching position. He attended a taping of the television show that I was on in 2007, my birthday party, tutored my nephew and checked in with me. There are not adequate words to describe all that he was to everyone he encountered just a beautiful soul living out God’s purpose. So for all that I am grateful for, Mr. Habib is at the top of my list. He will live on in our memories and we’ll hear his words of wisdom as we continue to live out our purpose. As he always said, “I love you more.” Rest In Peace.
William Ellington
November 21, 2021
He was a good man he would talk to u like a human being my condolences to the family 391 student
Kevin Koperniak
November 21, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Habib family! ♥
Nevillyn Parsons
November 21, 2021
Thank you Mr. Habib for always believing in me , no matter how much time you had to tell me stop talking so much. You was such n amazing teacher, saw you a couple time after graduation and you remember me. R.I.P
391 retiring dinner & time capsule presentation
Karen Dannett
November 20, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Mimi Curry
November 20, 2021
Love you Mr. Habib. I'm paying respects from Mimi and I. Thank you for being the best teacher ever and most of all for having compassion. You are the best to ever do it! ❤
Beverly Josar
November 20, 2021
Joe was a very special person. He had a heart of gold! We got to know Joe through friends in New York. We would go to visit every summer to Rockaway Beach. Our children were young when we started going and Joe would always put on magic shows for all the birthdays. Our kids loved watching Joe and spending time with him on the beach. We now, take our grandchildren to the beach and they have become fans of Magic Joe! That's what they called him! We will miss him terribly. We have so many wonderful memories of Joe. RIP my friend. Prayers to his entire family and God Bless. The Josar Family.
Monica Houston
November 20, 2021
What an AWESOME legacy Mr. Habib left behind.he touched SO MANY lives including my own. As the tears stream and I think of the man who was so caring and compassionate, who was a disciplinarian but also very loving and encouraging to his students, I can’t help but thank God for the 75 years he allowed him to live. Although we all wish he could have lived a little longer, I find comfort in knowing that his legacy will continue to live in the thousands of lives he touched. Rest In Peace Mr. Habib, you truly have earned your wings!!
Class pic IS 391 9N1-1. I believe Mr. Habib took over this class. Wes
Wes Joseph
November 19, 2021
Our yearbook form IS 391<br />Wes
Wes Joseph
November 19, 2021
Mr. Habib teaching math at IS 391. <br />I will miss Mr. Habib unselfish dedication to his students. He personally invested in me and helped shaped the husband and father that I´ve become!<br />Wes Jose[h
Wes Joseph
November 19, 2021
Wes Joseph
November 19, 2021
What an amazing soul! You will be missed Mr. Habib.
My deepest condolences to your family!
Wes Joseph
Jonelle Rocke
November 19, 2021
Mr. Joe and I have so many fun memories together that they are too numerous to record. We met while I was teaching at PS 161 and it was always a pleasure to be in his company. He LOVED teaching math and he chose to spend time with people that brought joy to his life.
LolI used to call him the quintessential minimalist because he was so simple yet extraordinarily happy. He touched my life in so many ways and I will miss him so much.
He was my wife´s (Tanya Maybank back then) junior high math teacher who she got in touch with after watching an Oprah episode about reaching out to ppl who impacted you. Was at our wedding & was our friend for decades. Classically Brooklyn!<br
Patrick and Tanya Mohan
November 19, 2021
He was my wife’s junior high math teacher who she got in touch with after watching an Oprah episode about reaching out to ppl who impacted you. Was at our wedding & was a good friend for decades. Classically Brooklyn ! RIP
Juanita Randolph
November 19, 2021
Mr. Habib and I were coworkers. He was a unique individual. He loved teaching mathematics and seeing his students excel. He was also a caring person not only for his students ss well as others.others. My deepest condolences to the family.
Carolyn Smith
November 19, 2021
Rest Well Mr. Habib. I met Mr. Habib before I attended I.S. 391 because he was my neighbor's teacher first. He genuinely loved his students. Job well done Sir, but you will be missed.
Wanda Garraway
November 19, 2021
Wanda Garraway
November 19, 2021
Wanda Garraway
November 19, 2021
Uncle Joe was a surrogate father to me. He was my "ride or die." Whenever I needed someone to support me in meaningful ways, he was ready to help - day or night. He drove my husband, children, and me to the airport more times than I can count. He would say, " What time is your flight?" When I would say, 5:00 am." He would reply, "Then get off the phone. I have to go to sleep to be at your house at 3:00 am."
Additionally, he would ask, "When is your return flight?" He did not particularly like driving long distances; however, he knew I liked it even less. He would always offer to share the ride up to Cornell and Syracuse University to drop off or pick up my boys. All he needed was a playlist of his favorite songs, some water, and not to have to deal with the GPS.
Uncle Joe took a seven-day cruise with my family in 2012 and was looking forward to going on another one. The one we planned for April 2020 was canceled due to COVID. He was the godfather of my son Gabriel and KenKen buddy of my husband Jose and close friend Jean Robert Jeanty.
He visited us at least twice a month, if not weekly, for a Sunday or Saturday meal with the family after a game of KenKen with his buddies Jose and Jean-Robert. He would always leave with some scrambled eggs and sautéd opinions. Man, he loved onions and eggs!
There was nothing Joe loved more than tutoring students and helping them to excel in their math skills. In his 40+/- years of teaching at 17K 391 Mahalia Jackson Intermediate School and 17K 161 The Crown School, he prepared thousands of BIPOC students to take the NYS Algebra Regents and the math portion of NYC specialized high schools exams as well as SAT exams. An amateur magician, yes, he really was a magician, Joe knew myriad tricks to help students manage standardized exams in the time allotted. As many of you have expressed, he was strict but fun. He showed us that he deeply cared about us and our futures. He taught us to believe in ourselves, dream big, and take steps to realize those dreams.
His sudden death surprised us all because he appeared to be the picture of health. He completed +/- 25 NYC marathons and rode his bike everywhere (except Staten Island) every day. Uncle Joe loved reading his book at the beach or under the Verrazano Bridge. Uncle Joe, Mr. Joe, Mr. Habib or Joe, ( however you addressed him) has left an indelible impact on the lives of thousands of students and their families and has, without question, changed the world for the better. We will miss him so much! He was more than just an educator, he was a friend. He was family!
Courtney Battle
November 19, 2021
I am truly at a loss for words, he is just one of those people I thought would live eternally. Mr. Habib was probably the greatest teacher I have ever known, he had a genuine passion for teaching and really loved his students like family. Rest in Peace, you sweet soul.
Joseph Farage
November 19, 2021
Where to begin? Joe was my cousin, “big Joe”, my namesake, but so much more than that. During my own early traumas as a teenager, Joe took me under his wing and made sure I was ok. He managed to always be there for me no matter what. In those days, i attended his magic classes and was amazed by his skills. He taught me frugality by his example - he certainly excelled at that. I rooted for him running all those NYC marathons. He and his bicycle were inseparable, which he rode all the way to the Rockaways and we spent many a day there reading a good book or competing on a sudoku puzzle, or just bantering with his large adopted Quinn family.
I remember seeing him off in his military uniform on his way to serve in Korea.
Words cannot express all the good feelings and memories I hold for this one-of-a-kind, compassionate, gentle-hearted soul. His laugh and his inimitable style is and will be deeply missed.
May his memory be eternal.
Kyesha Figueroa
November 19, 2021
Mr. Habib was an awesome teacher.. I’ve never encountered a teacher like him! I always liked math but he made me love it! I learned the best with him.. he will be missed! Rest In Peace class of 1989 / 8N1-1E
Afori Bobb
November 19, 2021
You were an amazing teacher. Thank you for caring about us and helping us to succeed!
Monique Pooser
November 19, 2021
Joseph and I taught together for many years. He was a gifted and awesome teacher and friend. He was so dedicated to his students. He will be sorely missed. Sending my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones.
Norman Lerner
November 19, 2021
A dynamic, caring teacher who pushed kids to do and be better. He helped students realize what they could accomplish with work and dedication.
Maybe the original “Yes You Can!”
At my wedding<br />
Melanie Levy
November 19, 2021
Junior High Days
Melanie Levy
November 19, 2021
Melanie Levy
November 19, 2021
I am heartbroken. What a great teacher who never gave up on his students. He was one in a million: Was honored to have him as my teacher and that he was able to attend my wedding. You will be missed, Mr. Habib. Thank you for everything. Rest In Peace.
Malika Lipscomb
November 18, 2021
In loving memory of a wonderful educator and person. We will love you and miss you always, Mr. Habib. Thank you for the great memories.
Yvonne Mullen
November 18, 2021
There has never been a teacher who has made as much of an impact on my life as Mr. Habib! I was his student in 1986/87. His dedication and love of teacher will forever be unmatched! He is the reason I fell in love with Math! My condolences to the family and everyone that knew and loved him! Heaven gained a very special angel
Nicole Hall
November 18, 2021
Mr. Habib was one of the most generous, caring teachers I have encountered in my entire life. His dedication and passion made me love math. He taught me at IS 391 and I encountered him again many years later as an adult at my baby sisters graduation (we are 14 years apart). I was amazed to see that he was still teaching with the same passion, vigor and he was still making his students feel special. He was an icon. He made you feel special and that you could accomplish anything. Rest In Peace Mr. Habib.
D.B.
November 18, 2021
Joe Habib, a Mathematical genius, loved being a teacher. He would go beyond measure to make certain his students excelled and they always did. If you couldn’t solve a Math problem, just ask Habib. Need a tutor, see Habib. He often entertained students and teachers with his magical tricks. He loved riding his bike, though not modern. That’s Joe. I never saw him driving a car. Yet, he always found the time to keep in touch with everyone long after they’ve left his classroom or area. He will be missed for his many great attributes. Rest In Peace, Mr. Mathematician, Joe Habib.
Tamara Peters Ramalho
November 18, 2021
I’ve never had a teacher have a more profound impact on my development as Mr. Habib! He made me believe in the spirit of people and more importantly, he made me believe in myself. I just hope he knows how much he meant to so many.
Renee Serrette
November 18, 2021
Renee Serrette
November 18, 2021
Renee Serrette
November 18, 2021
Renee Serrette
November 18, 2021
Renee Serrette
November 18, 2021
I’m going to miss you Mr. Habib!
Maria Cunningham-Johnson
November 18, 2021
Mr Habib was my Favorite educator (IS391)hands down. He was like no other he was a teacher a friend and a true motivator and cheerleader . Rest in Sweet Peace Mr. Habib.
Love Maria Cunningham-Johnson
Joe Lee
November 18, 2021
I offer my deepest sympathies to Mr. Habib's family and to all the students he impacted.
Mr. Habib, you were the greatest teacher that I have ever had. Not only were you a great math teacher, you were an amazing, genuine, & caring person. I loved how you used to pump us all up by playing scenes from the Rocky movies before our Regent & SHSAT practice exams. My favorite quote you hung in the classroom is "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.". I was moved when you visited me at home after a car accident. Mr. Habib, you prepared me for the academic rigors I would face. I will always remember you. JLee IS391 Class of '83.
Camille Williams
November 18, 2021
God bless Mr Habib. He was truly the best teacher I ever had. He was my 7th grade teacher almost 40 years ago. An unforgettable man. I’m thankful to have been a student of Mr Habib’s. My deepest condolences to his family.
Moore Brian
November 18, 2021
This Man was inspirational, motivational and most of all caring. He cared about Me and he cared about US in a time when that wasn’t too popular, cool or necessary. I loved me some Mr. Habib. His passion and compassion was felt by many. He was One-of-a-Kind.
Maritza Jarbath
November 18, 2021
My deepest sympathies on your loss. I was a student of Mr. Habib quite some time ago at I.S 391. He was truly the best, and clearly someone who had a “calling” to be an educator. He made math engaging & not scary. I never look at the Rocky III movie the same. Who knew that it could function as a metaphor for Algebra! Mr. Habib did - an innovator & one of the best teachers I’ve had in my life.
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