Joseph Craig Voelker

I was so saddened and surprised to read of Joe's passing. He was always a "favorite" of mine and my brothers. He could tell a story like no one else! He certainly will be sorely missed,
I'll be praying for your family as you come up on the 1-year anniversary of his passing.
Cathy, I hope that you'll receive this message, even though it's very late in coming. I'm not sure how to reach you, but would love to hear from you.
My email is
Gramdog @verizon.net.
With love and sympathy, Lynda

I am a graduate of F&M (Class of 1980) and remember my time in Professor Voelker’s seminars. He was a wonderful professor and one of my favorites. I am so sorry to learn of his death. I hope that the family’s joyful memories of him will bring some comfort.

I worked with Joe at University of Hartford; in fact, I was a member of the search committee who selected him to be Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. We couldn't have made a better choice. I got to know him as a colleague and friend over the years and since I heard the news of his passing I have said over and over to myself and to others, "He was so full of life!" His wit, energy, and intelligence were ever present. He made the most of every day and each day there was laughter. We both loved reading so regularly traded books and book recommendations, which we'd discuss over lunch in the campus cafeteria or, on occasion, his "other office" as he referred to it: Blimpie's sandwich shop. He is quoted as saying that he and his wife attracted and bonded with interesting characters. No doubt that's because he himself was a mighty interesting character. I will miss him greatly and offer my sincerest condolences to Cathy and the rest of the family.

I was fortunate to be a frequent tennis partner and opponent. He was a delight to play with always maintaining an attitude that it is just a game but one to win, though forgiving of his partners errors. Before Cathy and Joe left Ct, I was privileged to take frequent walks with Joe and our mutual friend Adrian Kidney, an Irish expat. Listening to the banter between them was amusing and often informative. I miss them both as friends who brought a unique dimension to my experience. I convey my sympathy to Cathy and their family.
jim veirs