Joseph H. Kane

Joseph H. Kane of Malvern PA was born November 7, 1922 in Colegrove, PA and died at age 99 on July 29, 2022. Joe played football with a leather helmet in high school and drove through town in a horse and buggy. Gum didn’t exist, he refused to chew it when it did. He had a workshop in his back yard as a boy where he practiced his creative skills starting with a boat that sunk. These experiences would influence his later life.

Joe met the love of his life who was sitting in the back of his 1941 yellow Pontiac convertible. He married Ruth Brasuell on November 3, 1943 just before leaving to join the Army Air Corps during WWII. After serving as a tail gunner and radio operator on B-24s flying 35 missions over North Africa and southern Europe, he came home. While he was away, Ruth lit a candle for him every day.

Joe’s career spanned many different industries providing him with a wealth of experiences including playing tenor saxophone in a big band, raising chickens, owning an appliance repair shop and working as a pipe fitter in Pennsylvania where he broke his first bone when a pipe fell on his leg. While working at these many jobs, he earned a degree in industrial arts education on the GI bill and began teaching at Conestoga High School.

Joe and Ruth had their only child, Carolyn while living in a trailer where he built a hanging crib that they placed at the foot of the bed.

Joe taught and coached football at Conestoga High School, leading a team to a state championship. He continued his education at the University of Pennsylvania and at Temple University earning a PhD in Educational Administration.

Dr. Kane was part of the administrative team that opened Great Valley High School, serving as Assistant Principal. He was involved in the Devon Horse show and raised Morgan horses at his Malvern home, which Ruth named Merrywell Farm. Joe personally designed and built a farmhouse kitchen addition to their home in 1963 and a “Keeping Room” with a bedroom and bath in 1991with no construction issues as he had with his boat.

An opportunity to further his and Ruth’s commitment to children’s education came when they purchased Tarleton School in Berwyn in 1986. Joe and Ruth grew the school as a place where children walked with those who would help them grow. Dr. Kane graduated numerous children, including his own grandchild and two great-granddaughters. All will remember his earnest demeanor and generous nature. He granted scholarships for children in need and always offered a curriculum that would allow children to thrive socially, emotionally and academically.

Joe continued his contribution to our community with his involvement in Rotary International, serving as president. He was also active in his church, St Peters in the Great Valley, serving on vestry and sharing communion with members who could not attend services.

Joe left this world to join his beloved wife Ruth (died 1991) and his daughter Carolyn (died 1984). He will be greatly missed by his granddaughter Jennifer Lynn, her husband Eric, and by his great granddaughters Kathryn and Tory. Because of Joe, we are all better students of learning and of hard work. Because of Joe, we will always choose to support those in need.

Funeral services will be held at St. Peter’s in The Great Valley on August 16, 2022 at 11:00 am, where friends may visit from 10:30-11:00 am. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the local ASPCA and to the American Heart Association.

 

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