Joseph Dennis Kuo

Joseph Dennis Kuo, beloved husband and devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed away peacefully at home with family by his side on September 19, 2025, at the age of 93.

Chinese name: Kuo Sheng Yang = Outer city wall + Victory + Radiant Energy

Nickname: Xiao Jiu = Little Nine (Shall-Jo)

Joseph is survived by Marianne, his wife of 65 years, and their five children: Bruce Kuo (Sheryl), Brenda Kuo Pfeiffer (Marc), Diana (Kuo) Greve, Laura Kuo Carmany (David), Joanna Kuo, their nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Alexander, Sophia (Paul and daughter Maeve), Matthew, Lena, Sasha, Charlotte, Eleanor, Constantina and Augustina. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marie Kuo Paterson, and brother, James Mason Kuo.

Joseph was born on May 29,1932 in Beijing, China, son of Kuo Teh-Chuan (Chinese Military Attache) and Ma Mei-Ying. In 1937, Joseph, with his mother and sister, escaped from China during the Japanese invasion of Nanjing. They came to the United States in1939 and joined his father in Washington, D.C. where they settled-in under diplomatic status. Two years later Joseph’s father was reassigned to the Russian front. Joseph and the rest of his family then moved to Philadelphia, where they were welcomed by the Holy Redeemer Church community. Joseph attended St. Aloysius Academy and West Catholic High School. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957 with a dual degree in Architecture and Structural Engineering. Joseph married Marianne Olsheski in 1959 and raised their five children in West Mount Airy, Philadelphia, where he lived until his passing.

As an accomplished Registered Architect and Professional Engineer, he contributed to the rich architectural heritage of Philadelphia. He was the sole practitioner at Joseph D. Kuo Architect, and prior to that at Croneheim and Kuo Architects and Engineers, Harbeson Hough Livingston Larson Architects, Keist and Hood Engineers, and Cope Linder Walmsley Architects.

Joseph taught at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and at Murrell Dobbins Vocational High School, where he mentored many students onto successful college and career paths. Joseph was also a real estate developer, investor and entrepreneur. With remarkable financial acumen, he proudly supported his five children through college, at times with multiple children enrolled at once. Joseph believed in the rewards of hard work with a good education.

Known for his gift of storytelling, Joseph delighted in sharing his life’s adventures with everyone he met. The family spent many joyful summers at their Stone Harbor, NJ, beach house, where Joseph took his grandchildren sailing, welcomed friends and relatives, and created memories filled with laughter and love. He also enjoyed fly-fishing and playing tennis, sailing on his O’Day 192 sailboat, and driving his classic red 1954 MG-TF. Above all, Joseph treasured his family and took joy in bringing people together through song, music, dance, and traveling the world.

His life was rich in love, adventure, and accomplishment, and he leaves behind a legacy of resilience, generosity, and devotion to family. He will be remembered for the sparkle in his eye, his ready smile and wonderful laugh. Requiescat in Pace