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Joan Joseph Obituary

Joan Joseph, a Jupiter resident who was a key political operative for candidates from Barack Obama to West Palm Beach Mayor Lois Frankel, died early today of cancer.

Mrs. Joseph, 64, was a go-to figure for Democratic candidates seeking to build a grass-roots organization in Florida. She was a paid staffer in Palm Beach County for Al Gore’s 2000 presidential campaign, then was the statewide coordinator of volunteers for John Kerry’s 2004 campaign.

When Barack Obama launched his presidential bid in early 2007 as a decided underdog, Mrs. Joseph was a key early organizer in Florida.

“She was one of the first people that we went to for Obama” in Florida, said Kirk Wagar, who was the Obama campaign’s Florida finance chairman. Obama’s first major Florida event, a March 2007 “low-dollar” fund-raiser that drew about 1,000 people to the Palm Beach County Convention Center, was largely put together by Mrs. Joseph, Wagar said.

“I don’t know that there were many people more important than her…in the whole state,” Wagar said.

Mrs. Joseph was rewarded for her efforts by being tapped by the Obama campaign as one of Florida’s 27 Electoral College members.

“When we named those people, we wanted people who really made a meaningful difference,” said Steve Schale, who was the Obama campaign’s Florida director. Schale described Mrs. Joseph as an “indispensable” figure in Florida.

Aside from presidential campaigns, Mrs. Joseph also played a key statewide role in Rod Smith’s 2006 bid for governor and was a top adviser for Frankel’s 2003 and 2007 mayoral campaigns.

“She was really one of the dearest people I’ve ever known. She was certainly a big part of my life,” Frankel said this morning.

“Grass-roots organizing is what she was known for. She was also one of the smartest political minds in Florida,” said Eric Jotkoff, who worked with Mrs. Joseph on three campaigns and is now spokesman for the Florida Democratic Party.

Jotkoff attributed Mrs. Joseph’s success to “her true understanding of politics and her incredible network of people, just how warm and great a person she was — that’s why so many people were loyal to her.”

Mrs. Joseph grew up in New York and earned a Master’s degree in social work from Rutgers University. She held jobs working the mentally disabled and elderly and with the North Shore Animal League in New York. She also worked on political campaigns in the Empire State, including two of Mario Cuomo’s gubernatorial runs and former President Jimmy Carter’s 1980 reelection bid.

“Jimmy Carter actually called our house and asked her to work on the campaign,” recalled Stu Joseph, her husband of 39 years.

In addition to her husband, Mrs. Joseph is survived by twin daughters and three grandchildren. A funeral is planned for Friday at 10 a.m. at the Aycock Funeral Home in Jupiter.
Published by The Palm Beach Post on Sep. 23, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
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9 Entries

Dorothy Kabat

July 30, 2017

Hello Stu,

It was a sad day when I googled Joan's name to see what she was up to in Florida, for John and I knew that she would make a name in politics wherever she lived.
Sorry we were out of touch for so many years!
Long Island seems almost light years away!
My love for Joan never ceased with our respective moves. We moved to California in 1995 and you to Florida?
John and I remain politically active but Joan was amazing in her dedication to the party! My heart misses her and I know that you and the girls (I only remember them as little girls, Erica and Rhonda, if I spelled them right) are as proud of her as everyone who knew her.

I am so sorry for your loss! Not fair!
With respect,
Dorothy Kabat

October 17, 2009

I was saddened to hear of Joan's death. I always enjoyed talking to her and will miss her. We always found common ground. Larry

Moe Lee

September 30, 2009

Dear Stu,
Joan will be sadly missed. I am so glad that you came into my life. What a wonderful woman, and you are a dear man.
Your Friend,
Moe

September 27, 2009

Dear Stu and family,

My heartfelt sympathy to all of you. We have all lost an incredible friend.Joan in many ways was my political mentor. I'll never forget how hard she worked during the Kerry/Edwards campaign. Florida and the Democrats have lost a gem.

Faustina Mercado-Sandoval
Brussels, Belgium

Judy Myers

September 25, 2009

The last time I spoke to Joan was the day of Barack Obama's ignauguration. We were both in DC, but were not able to find each other.

I first met Joan working on the Al Gore campaign. And, just for the record, we did win that race.

I will miss Joan with all my heart; I loved her.

Christine Aleknavich

September 24, 2009

I am so saddened by this news. Stu, my thoughts are with you and your family. What an amazing person Joan is! Her light keeps shining.

Joan - our family loves you, and promises to continue the movement you always led toward justice for all!

Diane Heinz

September 24, 2009

Dear Stu and family,
What a wonderful and warm woman that spent her whole life fighting for what she believed in and making a difference in the world. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten. She set the gold standard for politics with grace and honor.
Diane K. Heinz

Barbara Stewart

September 24, 2009

What a loss for all of us. Joan was an amazing woman; but above all her knowledge and know-how was her warmth and caring. She always greeted people as old friends - even remembering names. Joan made people want to make life better for all. Stu, I know your loss is tremendous and you will both be in my heart - but also know that losing Joan was a loss we share with you.

Edward Hochman

September 24, 2009

Stu,

My condolences to you on your wife's death. She was an inspiration to those who knew her..

Very truly yours,

Ed Hochman

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