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Maurice Samuel Joseph
Maurice Samuel Joseph
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Maurice Joseph Obituary
Mo was a fierce patriot, mentor, and leader involved with law enforcement at the local, state, and national levels. He was the kind of man that people around him looked up to. As an original founding member of the non-profit Virginia Police Work Dog Association, Mo helped train and equip canine teams around the state of Virginia. After the attacks on 9/11, he and 37 colleagues from the Norfolk Police Department searched the rubble of the Twin Towers in New York City. Prolonged exposure to the rubble of the buildings and surrounding areas resulted in several health conditions that ultimately cut short his purposeful life.
After a handful of moves early in Mo's life, his family settled in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, and this is where Mo lived for most of his life. Upon graduating from Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, he attended Norfolk State University, where he was a star offensive guard and co-captain of the football team. His athleticism extended to triathlons, marathons, and golf, which was a life-long passion.
He was a loving and caring father, husband, son, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Mo is predeceased by his father Sherman Arnold Joseph, Army Veteran, and his late wife Melodie Huffman Joseph, retired Norfolk Police Detective. He is survived by his mother, Sigrid Joseph Cusate; wife, Gina "GiGi" Joseph; children Ryan Dickerson, Kristin Joseph and her husband Brandon Fowler, Lieutenant Michael Joseph, Deputy Fire Marshal for the Suffolk Fire Department, and his wife Grace Joseph, Alex Joseph and his wife Sarah Goshen; grandchildren Harper and Brooklyn Dickerson, Marly Fowler, and Scarlett and Lacie Joseph; GiGi's children Brittani Israel, Courtney Rogers (Ethan), Ashleigh West (Kevin), and six grandchildren; siblings Sandra Joseph Moffatt, Steve Joseph, Martin Joseph, and Susan Joseph Edstrom; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at Great Bridge Baptist Church located at 640 S. Battlefield Blvd, Chesapeake, Virginia on Monday, November 4th, 2024 at 10:00 am with Chaplain Chris Amos officiating.
Mo was a hero with a great love for his country, family, and animals. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in his memory to the Tunnel to Towers (T2T) Foundation. T2T honors fellow Americans who, like Mo, were called to serve on 9/11 and beyond. Their programs empower veterans and first responders who are severely injured or struggling, support families of the fallen, and educate new generations so that we never forget. Donations in Mo's honor can be made at http://dogood.t2t.org/IMOMauriceJoseph.
32 Entries
Yolanda and Al
March 5, 2025
Happy Birthday, Mo you are still deeply missed.
Rick Cosca
November 3, 2024
Answering the Call.......Manhattan, NYC circa September 2001.
Investigator Mo Joseph Rest Easy.
- Rick
Mark
November 1, 2024
Mo was definitely one of a kind, he was the epitome of a great man. If God made a better person I would be so surprised. I will continue praying for his family and friends and I know that I will see him again.
Miles Warren
October 31, 2024
Mo was a highly respected member of the Norfolk Police Department and an all around great person. It was an honor serving with him there and also up in New York. He will be missed
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Miles Warren
October 23, 2024
No was a great person and a great police officer. It was an honor serving with him in Norfolk and at Ground Zero!
Debbie Smith
October 22, 2024
Maurice and I have been friends since high school. I'll never forget in 1978, when Kellam won the football championship, and the celebration afterwards! We were all ecstatic! Maurice went on to NPD and I went to VBPD. Throughout the years we crossed paths and he never changed! Always professional, respectful, with integrity, dedication, and excellence, in every asset of his life! RIP Big Brother, and condolences to your family.
Tim Titus
October 22, 2024
I did not know Maurice very well but, I was fortunate enough to be his teammate on our high school football team.
My most lasting memory of him was during a blocking drill at practice one day, where we were tasked with hitting a blocking dummy held by another teammate and driving both off the line until the whistle blew. Maurice was paired with Wally Brown; the biggest guy on the team. You did not so much move Wally as Wally allowed himself to be moved. At the coach's whistle, Maurice slammed into the dummy that Wally was holding and drove his legs for all he was worth in an effort that would have sent most of us flying but Wally just smiled and grudgingly took a few steps backwards. Maurice did not give up though! He was grunting and driving and kept his legs churning, with grass and soil flying, putting everything he had into the task at hand until, nearly exhausted, the coach mercifully blew the whistle. Wally had not moved very far but there was a newly formed trench where Maurice's cleats had clawed through the turf from his efforts. Maurice attacked the difficult task, gave it everything he had, and did not stop until the whistle blew.
It was an impressive football lesson for a teammate and, from what I read from others, it seems that was how he lived his life as well.
I pray for Maurice's soul and for peace for his family and friends.
Tim Titus
Melvin Walton
October 21, 2024
1979 Norfolk State University football Offensive-line man. RIP Maurice Joseph, you will be truly missed. Thanks for all the memories we had at NSU. Spartans! Spartans! Spartans!
Ray Pettway
October 21, 2024
Mo was a Great guy. Humble, honorable, and possessed the highest levels of integrity. He treated all with respect. It was always great to see him and catch up with each others lives. Condolences to the family.
Ray Pettway
NPD Ret.
Diane Torrech
October 19, 2024
I met Maurice at Martins 40th Birthday party.
Very sorry for your family´s loss.
Sammy Sabet
October 19, 2024
Some of my favorite memories in high school was modeling in fashion and wedding shows with Maurice. I didn´t know he went to the Towers, I´m truly saddened with his passing. I knew he was a Norfolk K9 officer and as I lived in Norfolk for many years of course when I saw a K9 cop I´d look to see if it was Maurice! Rest In Peace.
Diane Booth Boyce
October 19, 2024
I met Maurice in high school. He was gentle and very sweet. He spoke of his family often. He lived in my neighborhood as well. I knew that he was on the police dept and that he worked with K-9´s. I so enjoyed the pictures of his new bride and pictures of his family. I was very sad and heartbroken to learn of his passing. I am sure he will forever be missed by all the lives that he touched.
Yolanda & Al
October 19, 2024
Mo always had a kind word and infectious smile. He was a great man whose personality outshined everyone. He will always be remembered and deeply missed.
David Goldberg
October 19, 2024
When i put together the 9/11 list for the Search and Rescue at Ground Zero. Mo and others did not hesitate to sign up immediately. That was Mo first to serve and first to lead. What a leader and a hero. I worked with Mo and I cant say enough about this man for his experience, love for others, smile and duty. There are many other stories to tell. You will always be a true Hero. GD bless. Goldie
Jeff Dippel
October 18, 2024
Mo will always have a special place in our hearts. Not only is he a part of our family but he is such a hero and servant to our country. I´ll never forget Mo agreeing to give our troubled German Shepherd Leopold a second home and an opportunity to train as a service dog. Leo became so over protective when our son Spencer was born so Mo agreed to take him and try to make him a police service dog. Heartbroken we made the long trek from Athens,GA to drop Leo off with Mo just knowing Leo would be taken care of. Leopold simply refused to jump into the back of a cruiser. Mo called me and kept Leo safe until i was able to come back and pick him up. I´ll never forget his kindness and the laughs we had over a stunning GSD who would jump into a damn car. Leo ended up spending the rest of his days at a horse farm and died at age 14 a happy dog. I have to believe that Mo is in heaven with all of his past dogs just loving him up. RIP Brother!
Wayne McBride
October 18, 2024
Second attempt attaching photos.
Rich DeLeo
October 18, 2024
Met Mo through a mutual friend just before I started the academy in 1996. Right off the bat he was friendly and offered his experience to prepare me for life as a Police Officer. Remained close colleagues and friends for the rest of career with NPD and remained friends even after he retired. We worked extensively for many years when we were both V&N. Always friendly and smiling. Mo was an easy-going, down to earth guy who offered his assistance and extensive knowledge of K-9 and narcotics to anyone who asked. One of the best K-9 officers/trainers in the country and am honored to have known and worked with him. He will be missed immensely but will NEVER be forgotten!! Condolences to the entire family.
Joe Baron
October 18, 2024
No was a great example to me as a young officer. He was always calm and always friendly. Just a good and kind man. Great attributes in our profession. I considered him a friend. So very sorry for your loss.
Wayne McBride
October 18, 2024
We extend our deepest respect for your exemplary service. Photos provided by the Norfolk Police Museum.
Cheryl Carroll
October 18, 2024
Our Deepest condolences to you and your family. We went to the same High School, and where Neighbors. Love William and Cheryl Carroll
Eric Coble
October 17, 2024
Maurice was the Gentle Giant of his high school class. At least he was to me. Always kind and helpful. And through the years, his brothers and sisters tracked mine through school.
He carried kindness throughout his career. He was also humble. I didn´t know for years that he was at Ground Zero for cleanup. That was Maurice. Thank you for giving of yourself and being an example to all of us.
Erik
October 17, 2024
A bear of a man with a A big OL' smileee and heart o gold. Mo walked right up and gave me a big hug at Alex & Sarah's wedding meeting him for the 1st time He knew how to make others feel right at home.
Kay Huffman Turner
October 17, 2024
Mo, I know you were my brother-in-law, but I loved you more like a brother. Rest peacefully my dear brother until we meet again.
Bob Tamplet
October 17, 2024
Good friend, great warrior, outstanding American Patriot. My most significant memory of Mo is our consistent communication we maintained while serving in Afghanistan, keeping track of each other while ensuring our sanity. After our arrival to CONUS, Mo presented me with his unit coin that I will always treasure. God Speed, brother.
Felicia Browning
October 17, 2024
Officer Mo was and will always be in my heart. He was like a father to me, watching me grow up at Harbor Park stadium with Alex. I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to the family.
Pete Maisonave
October 17, 2024
Mo was truly one of a kind. We used to have breakfast together a few times a week and had awesome conversations at the beginning of our shifts and he taught me so much.
You'll truly be missed, brother.
Til Valhalla!!
Jim Sullivan
October 17, 2024
Meet him while it became a Norfolk police
Officer, great officer always, one of the best.
Rip Always
Eddie Kavanagh
October 17, 2024
Honored to call him a friend , brother in blue and to have served with him . Rest in Peace Mo
Thank You for everything Brother
Teresa Stephens
October 17, 2024
I am flooded with so many memories of Mo.
What a beautiful person, inside and out. I only ever experienced kindness and friendship from him. His goodness will be in all of our hearts forever
Larry
October 17, 2024
Great memories of my brother. We had fun and worked hard during our K9/ERT days and when he was my partner in Narcotic Interdiction. Very professional and knowledgeable and passionate about his job. He will be missed.
Bill Wicks
October 17, 2024
Maurice was a great football player and leader at Kellam High. He was a fine young man and I enjoyed coaching him so much!
E W Viar
October 16, 2024
I am sort to learn of the passing of Mo. I met Mo when I trained in Portsmouth. He was a very knowledgeable trainer and I enjoyed our training times at the seminars. Sending prayers for peace and comfort to the family! Rest my friend and heaven is your new eternal home!
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