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Joseph Losco Obituary
Joseph was born in Yeadon, Pennsylvania, on September 13, 1949, to Grace and Vincent Losco. As the younger of two children to Italian immigrant parents, his humble and industrious nature propelled him to a distinguished career as an educator and academic. He and Marcia met in 1972 and had been happily married since 1975.
From 1983 to 2016, Joseph served as a professor of Political Science at Ball State University, where he taught an array of undergraduate and graduate courses. From 2000 to 2014, he served as Chair of the Department of Political Science. After becoming Professor Emeritus from Ball State, Joseph served as an adjunct professor at Loyola University in his adopted hometown of Chicago, Illinois.
Joseph was a prolific author on subjects ranging from American government to political theory to biopolitics. Most recently, he co-authored a popular textbook in seven editions, Am Gov. He had also been recognized as a pioneer in the use of multimedia as a teaching tool for the social sciences.
Joseph was a lover of jazz, baseball, and Italian cuisine. He was down to earth, humorous, empathetic, contagiously intellectual, and chronically punctual. He is survived by his wife Marcia, his son Michael and daughter-in-law Ashley, his sister Antoinette, numerous nieces and nephews and lifelong friends. In lieu of flowers, Joseph asked that donations be made in his memory to Doctors Without Borders or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Losco
Leonard Williams
February 5, 2025
I´m so very sad to learn (belatedly) of this news. Beginning in the 1980s, Joe and I became good academic friends and colleagues. We co-edited a pathbreaking political theory text, shared lots of conversations, several baseball games, and numerous meals while attending conferences. One particularly memorable conference was in San Francisco, where we walked the city, saw the sights, and savored a marvelous Italian meal. Rest in Power, my friend.
Owen Morris
November 9, 2024
Grew up with Joe in Yeadon he was smart then and he turned out to be he turned out to be a geniu
Joseph and Barbara Parot
November 13, 2023
My wife Barbara and I will forever cherish hundreds of joyous, happy, blessed and life affirming times with Joe, wife Marcia and son Michael over more than forty years. God be with the Losco family---always and everywhere. Peace and Love be with each of you.
Ron Smiley
January 7, 2023
Ahhh, Joe, it's tough to write this. I've been putting it off, perhaps thinking it wasn't real, that you have left us. We had some great times, lots of funny times and hundres of memories.
You were the smartest among us in Yeadon. You and your paents and sister were like having another family. I will never forget your Grandmother, especially when I called and you weren't home. She always said, "No casa, Giuseppe."
It was fun growing up with you. We were going to write screen plays, but settled for starting an advertising business called Patterns. Our first client was a locksmith. I loved the creative process we used. Eat pizza, sleep on it, and recreate the dreams we had. I still don't know why you didn't like my pizza with locks and keys on it, for the locksmith ad. ;-)
You are certainly missed, Joe. I promise to keep Ground Hog Day going. I'm working on this year's card, now.
I hope your energy has landed you in a place where people are kind and loving.
Riposa in pace, Joe.
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K Smiley
November 22, 2022
Hey Joey.....I´ll miss you. You made me laugh and you called me Katie. You were the sender of Groundhog Day cards and a birthday card from you was always the first one that I´d receive. My sympathy to Marcia,Michael,Ashley and to all of Joe´s family.
John Gariano
November 22, 2022
I was blessed to grow up with Joe. He always strived to do the right thing in the right way. He was smarter than the rest of us, but was always down to earth and available. He will be missed, but not forgotten. Thanks for all the good times. RIP Joe.
Mark Shublak
November 22, 2022
I was sorry to learn of the passing of Professor Losco. He was great professor, true gentlemen and fine mentor whose laugh and wit will be missed. To his family who loved him most, wishing you whatever soothes your spirit, comforts your soul, and brings you peace as this sad time.
Joseph and Barbara Parot
November 21, 2022
Having Joe as a friend was one of life's greatest
privileges. He was a person we could share our life with. He not only listened; he cared. We will miss his hearty laugh and his vibrant smile. We send our love to
Marcia, Michael and Ashley.
Joe Armstrong
November 21, 2022
Joe and I have been friends for over 60 years. He was my best man when I married. Our families shared many Thanksgivings in Muncie and trips together. He took great interest in his family and mine. He was always supportive and helpful. Laughter was the cornerstone of our friendship. Joe will be missed by all the people he touched in teaching, friendship, and family. He will always be my best friend and I will miss him.
My love to Marcia, Michael, Ashley, and Antoinette
Ethan
November 21, 2022
A wonderful teacher, mentor, and academic. He will be greatly missed.
FRED MEYER
November 21, 2022
I was very sorry to read of Joe's passing. His was a very creative life that ended too soon. May your wonderful memories give you comfort and peace.
Fred Meyer
Lou Franzini
November 21, 2022
My condolences to Joe's wife, sister, and family.
I lived in Yeadon where Joe was raised, and Joe was a very kind, and overall terrific Italian gentleman. My parents always liked Joe when he visited. I will always remember Joe as very talented and gifted drummer, and could he play the drums ! The 60's were a great time listening to "Sergeants Pepper " album in Joe's basement. Joe was a very kind individual.
With Sympathy,
Lou Franzini
Downingtown, PA.
Lynne
November 20, 2022
My sincere condolences on your loss.
Joanne Mallon
November 20, 2022
There will forever be a piece of my heart missing at big family events. Even though he moved out of state, he never failed to show up in a big way for the important things. He was the best Godfather, Uncle and I was so lucky to have him in my life.
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