Ronald Joseph

Dr. Ronald Joseph, 84, of Saratoga passed away on Christmas Day. His life was marked by integrity, service, adventure, and an abiding love for his family and friends.

Born in Hull, Massachusetts, Ron attended Hull High School, and went on to receive his B.S. from Tufts University, a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, and an M.D. from Temple University in Philadelphia. After an early post in Manhattan, his studies brought him west - first to San Diego then to an orthopedics residency at Stanford University.

While Ron's work life included part-time stints as an ice cream truck operator and a city beat cop, it was largely defined by a legendary orthopedic career spanning over four decades in Los Gatos. He was dedicated to his craft, considering it a vocation, and treated countless patients at various hospitals and in private practice. Ron faced challenges honorably and valiantly, relishing being part of the solution, and was a trauma specialist long after others burnt out. His unparalleled experience, consummate professionalism and warm personality garnered utmost respect from patients, administrators, staff and colleagues, alike.

Ron had a zest for life matched by insatiable curiosity and an overriding respect for the dignity of others. He travelled extensively across six continents, often with his favorite companion - Gail, his wife of almost 60 years. A life-long fisherman, Ron was thrilled that he was able to share his obsession with his sons, grandchildren and close friends to great success. But the light of his life were his sons, to whom he was an enduring model of civility and quiet refinement.

Ron is best known for his love and support of all who were close to him, and for being a sensitive and just soul. He demonstrated countless acts of compassion and generosity to those in unfortunate circumstances. He will be remembered as a gracious father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend, teacher, mentor, and colleague.

He is survived by his wife Gail (Lubowitz); sons Jeff (Cristina Meiser), Michael (Erin), and Peter (Sydney); grandchildren Reina, Tristan, Rowan and Amari Joseph; sisters Susan Saponaro of Winchester, MA and Wendy Glasser, also of Saratoga. He is predeceased by his parents Al and Avis (Goldstein) Joseph.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, January 2nd at 11:30am at Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills, 615 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos. Interment will follow at Los Gatos Memorial Park, 2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Rd., San Jose at 1pm. A reception will be held at the home of Jeff and Cristina Joseph, 14751 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, following the interment.

If you would like to share a photo or a story of Dr. Joseph, please email jeff.joseph@nothingbundtcakes.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.