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Joel Papay Obituary
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Joel was a gifted musician. He was first chair trumpet all 4 years at Carmel High School. He played in Carmel Marching, Concert and Jazz Bands, and Orchestra. His recent interest was music from the 1980s.
Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout and enjoying the outdoors, Joel experienced the High Adventure Camps of the Boundary Water of Minnesota/Canada, canoeing 50 miles over seven days with Troop 125 of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Island High Adventure Camp off the Florida Keys. These offered countless laughs and experiences. Scouting also led Joel to a hobby of collecting geodes from Monroe State Park. In October Joel and his dad hiked Spring Mill Park in Indiana. His goal was to visit the 50 states and much of that was accomplished.
Joel worked as a Research and Software Engineer with Aeon Imaging, LLC. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Spanish, Germanic Studies, and Computer Science from Indiana University Bloomington in 2009. He continued his education and acquired his PhD in Vision Science in 2022.
With an infectious laugh, Joel easily made friends and had many across the United States. He was very kind, easy going, generous, and thoughtful. He also enjoyed playing cards with extended family at holiday gatherings throughout the year. He was known for dedicating time to gifting siblings and family members.
Survivors include his parents, Anthony and Alice Papay; siblings, Nathan, Aidan, Paula, and Audrey Papay; paternal grandparents, Richard and Helga Papay; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends and family will gather Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at 10 am in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, 14598 Oak Ridge Road, Carmel, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 am.
Interment will follow in Our Lady of Peace Cemetery.
In memory of Joel, contributions can be made to The Special Olympics of Indiana, 6200 Technology Center Dr. # 105, Indianapolis, IN 46278 or Little Sisters of the Poor, St Augustine Home, 2345 W 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46260.
Bussell Family Funerals is privileged to assist the family in arrangements.
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Addie
July 6, 2025
Deepest condolences we had gone to junior high together
Dane Kuplicki
January 13, 2025
I met my friend Joel in the summer of 2014 while working in Dr. Elsner´s lab at the Indiana University School of Optometry. Joel was helping to oversee another summer optometry student researcher and myself in the lab and quickly became a friend. That summer he showed us the ropes of lab and kept us entertained. We shared stories, meals, and an innumerable amount of laughs. There was a least one time a week where one of the three of us found ourselves laughing so hard we almost pissed ourselves. I can literally hear Joel´s laugh out loud while typing that last statement. His laugh was infectious to say the least.
I graduated in 2017 and moved home to Florida after school. Joel and I would keep in touch from time to time over the years and supported me in my run for City Council. I always thought that was so generous of him to do, even writing to me via snail mail to show his support.
Joel will never be forgotten. A true friend. Whenever I think of him I´ll recall his laughter, and that´ll surely bring a smile to my face. RIP Joel
Albert Ramirez
December 14, 2024
Reading all the wonderful things that friends, family, classmates and coworkers had to say about my nephew Joel reaffirms to me that he was raised in a wonderful and loving family environment. He is truly his father's son and his mother's love. I cannot picture Joel without a smile that complemented his pleasing personality. One could not but enjoy conversing with this young man who had a such sharp intellect and disarming smile. We all enjoyed the brief time that we had with you, Joel, and will be missing you greatly until we are gathered together, once again, with you in Heaven.
I love you Joel and so does your Aunt Rosanne,
May you rest in God's presence, and may his family be comforted with the comfort that only Jesus Provides.
Love Uncle Albert
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Heather Barkhurst
December 10, 2024
Jennifer Pemberton
December 10, 2024
I was heartbroken to hear of Joel's passing. As the Vision Science program coordinator, I interacted with him a lot during his years in the PhD program. I can't remember a single time he stopped by my desk without a smile on his face. He will always hold a special place in my heart. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Hae Won Jung
December 10, 2024
Joel was one of the pillars at Aeon, holding things together during the challenging days of the pandemic. When I first started at the office with my rambunctious puppy, Nana, she spent a lot of time between Joel and me during her first year. Even though he was more of a cat person, Joel couldn´t help but love Nana. Joel stood by me during my toughest moments, always ready to listen and offer his support. I will forever be grateful for the friendship he gave me, and I will miss him deeply. (Seattle, ARVO2024)
Shiyu Wang
December 9, 2024
Joel's sudden passing has left me in shock and deep sadness. He was such a kind, generous person and a wonderful friend. HaeWon and I had the chance to share a meal with him recently, and I'm grateful we had that time together. Joel was there to watch our puppy Nana grow up, and his warmth and presence will forever be part of those cherished memories. His kindness and friendship will be dearly missed. My condolences to his family.
Larry Thibos
December 9, 2024
Joel Papay was indeed a gentle soul, and it pains me to learn that he is no longer with us.
As a graduate student more than a decade ago, Joel attended my course entitled "Mathematical methods for vision research". Following his undergraduate training in computer science, Joel was very interested in learning ways to think quantitatively about how our eyes and brains process visual information. His excellent mathematical and computing skills allowed Joel to quickly master the core technique of Fourier analysis, which he later applied in a novel way to investigate the structural changes that occur in the human retina as a result of the disease diabetes.
Joel was not only an excellent student, he was also an excellent teacher. Many students found my class challenging because of their limited prior experience with advanced mathematics and computing techniques. Joel recognized their need for extra help and responded by generously giving of his own time for personal tutorials. Joel´s patient, gentle personality surely helped his fellow students more than he may have fully realized at the time.
One of the rewards of teaching is that the teacher learns the material to a greater depth than do the students. In Joel´s case, I suspect his early teaching experience in his graduate education contributed to his growth as a research scientist. After earning his PhD degree Joel continued to work on the development of advanced technology for early detection of retinal diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration. His unique expertise made Joel an essential teammate for using optical techniques to investigate the structural changes caused by retinal disease and for monitoring the outcome of therapeutic treatments.
Signed, Larry Thibos, Professor Emeritus, IU School of Optometry
Vamsi Parimi
December 8, 2024
Joel was the first person I met in person after joining IUSO, right in the midst of the pandemic. From that moment on, his cheerful and supportive nature made a lasting impression. He was always there to encourage me and offer crucial guidance, becoming a pillar of strength in the day-to-day challenges of lab and research activities.
Joel was, without a doubt, one of the kindest and most genuine individuals I´ve ever had the privilege of knowing. His loss is heartbreaking, and I am still coming to terms with it. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with his family and everyone whose lives he touched so profoundly.
Bobbi Dunderdale
December 8, 2024
My experiences with Joel showed him to be a kind and curious human being. These qualities were supported by his generosity and sense of humor. He will be missed by many people.
Matt Muller & Jen Gartner
December 8, 2024
Jen and I are very sad to hear the news of Joel's passing and extend our condolences to the family and close friends. Joel and I worked together for many years at IU and Aeon where he was always quick to laugh, kind, and willing to help others. These qualities, recognized so easily by so many around him, made him truly special. We'll miss you Joel.
Angie Cazares
December 8, 2024
Im not sure exactly what was going on here. I probably just begged to be carried around and this was one of the many many many moments Joel humored my odd requests lol
Ravi Jonnal
December 8, 2024
I'm so sad to hear of Joel's passing. I will always remember him as a joyful, curious, kind, and generous member of the vision science community. Faced with the stresses of scientific research, he always seemed quicker to laugh than to frown, a reminder that there are more important things in life than the data points on our plots. I am sure his family already know this, but want to emphasize that everyone who knew Joel in our community loved him.
Moonjung Choi
December 7, 2024
I was saddened to hear of Joel's passing. Although we weren´t close, I always appreciated his help in class. My thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
Raymond Warner
December 7, 2024
Joel was a kind and sincere friend. I looked up to him for guidance and help during my time as a graduate student at IU and he was always there with a smile and laugh and for that I will forever be thankful for. I will always treasure the memories we had. My condolences to the Papy family. We will miss him dearly.
Ann Elsner
December 7, 2024
Condolences to the Papay family. I will miss Joel more than words can say and am not ready to consider work without him. He was one of the few constants in my research life for almost 20 years. He mentored and supervised dozens of student researchers in my lab, with an enormous amount of patience. He also helped the neighboring labs, particularly with software needs. He amassed an enormous amount of knowledge about the human visual system, putting this to good use in interpreting research data and in helping with the teaching mission of the IU School of Optometry. He was the first Vision Science graduate student in a long time to win Associate Instructor of the Year, voted by the OD students. His sense of humor was infectious. We paraphrased quotes from Star Wars and other movies as situations arose, i.e. "These are not the Droids you seek," which is applicable for a lot of confused choices.
Robert and Shirin Gilbert
December 7, 2024
Shirin and I are so sad to hear of Joel's passing. We will remember Joel as a kind and helpful person who had a distinctive laugh. Shirin will miss sitting as a subject for Joel at Aeon and I will miss our chats. May you be at peace, Joel.
Joe Boes
December 7, 2024
First got to know Joel while at IUSO. After I retired in 2019, we still met up and would walk the B-line trail. We had a great time catching up, laughing, etc. I am saddened by his passing beyond words and will always be thankful for the times we shared.
Brittany Walker
December 7, 2024
Joel was my friend and colleague for the past 10 years. He roped me in to playing Dungeons and Dragons with another friend. It was my first, and last time, but holds so many memories. Joel had the greatest laugh that always made me laugh and I can't count the number of times we broke down into laughing fits at school. I'm heartbroken knowing I'll never hear that laugh again.
Angie Cazares
December 6, 2024
My family and I got to have dinner with Joel recently on his birthday. He has a laugh I´ll never forget. I really enjoyed this dinner with him, and loved seeing him interact with my children. Joel had such an infectious sweet spirit and I´m honored to have called him my friend.
Amy (Elsner) Davis
December 6, 2024
To Joel's family, friends, and colleagues, I am so sorry to hear of Joel's passing and offer my deepest sympathies.
We were good friends in high school, and even though we haven't spoken in many years, I will never forget the fun times we shared. From bike rides in the rain, to a memorable trip to Cedar Point (it may have been for senior skip day?), we had a lot of adventures together. You always loved a road trip and came to visit me at Clemson my freshman year of college. But even when we weren't on an adventure, we still had a great time just hanging out around town and playing in the various school musical ensembles together. I know I have many pictures from our high school days somewhere, but this is one of the pictures I could find and it's from when you came to Clemson.
Rest in peace, Joel. You will be missed by many.
Katie Wolt
December 6, 2024
Joel was an amazing friend through high school and into my college years. I have so many fond memories of band and orchestra rehearsals in high school and exploring our new found freedom together in college as roommates. Joel was a reliable, kind, sweet, and hard working person who I was lucky to know for so many years. I will never forget the times we spent together in Carmel and Bloomington. He will be in my heart forever.
Michael Painton
December 6, 2024
I am beyond devastated to find out about Joel. We´ve been friends for ages and will miss his warmth and funny laugh. Time was too short and I know we had many more memories to make.
Steve Burns
December 6, 2024
Rebecca Burns
December 6, 2024
Joel was a wonderful friend and roommate during our first few years at IU. As not-quite-adults living on our own for the first time, Joel was the person you could count on to make sure utility bills got paid, offer a ride when you needed one, or lend a sympathetic ear when things felt overwhelming. Though he could be shy, Joel never hesitated to say yes to adventures big or small -- including on a memorable, spur-of-the-moment day trip to Mammoth Caves. In addition to Joel's considerable technical prowess, he had a palpable warmth and approachability that made him a valued classmate, mentor and friend for many -- the loss of all of these gifts is immense. My heart goes out to Joel's family, friends and IU colleagues.
James Morris
December 6, 2024
Carmel Marching Band 2003-2006 Trumpets. Joel is 3rd in from left in the middle row. Always a happy spirit!
Aunt Monica
December 6, 2024
Ahh Joel, always with a smile and a laugh. Will miss you, especially at family card games. Hugs and a kiss on the head.
Edmund Arthur
December 6, 2024
Joel was a kind soul and very helpful to me during my time at IU. He will be sorely missed.
Kaitlyn Sapoznik
December 6, 2024
Joel was very kind person. We were graduate students at IU together for many years and worked across the hall from one another. Joel was ahead of me and always willing to help and we became friends and collaborated on several projects together. My sincere condolences to Joel's family and friends. He will be missed.
thomas gast
December 6, 2024
Joel was just a great human being, perhaps too sensitive for this world.
Matt Barker
December 6, 2024
Sedona, Arizona 2010
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