Joseph Adler

1932 - 2025

Joseph Adler
06/15/1932 - 08/17/2025
Joseph Adler, beloved husband, father, grandfather, educator, and lifelong learner, passed away on August 17, 2025, at the age of 93. He had a deep love for teaching, singing folk songs, traveling the world, and nurturing his lifelong thirst for knowledge.
Joseph was born on June 15, 1932, in the Bronx, New York. He graduated from Los Angeles High School, Los Angeles City College, and UCLA, and earned a master's degree in History from USC. He married Esther on Christmas Day, 1955-a union that blossomed into a lifetime of love and partnership.
Joseph's teaching career spanned decades and touched countless lives. He taught United States History and Biology at Sierra High School in Whittier, California for 10 years. He then spent 37 years at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, California where he taught U.S. History and Folk Guitar. He also taught Folk Guitar for 15 years through the University of California Extension programs in Irvine and Berkeley.
Joseph's approach to teaching was uniquely engaging-he often brought his guitar and costumes to class, singing songs and wearing costumes from the historical periods he taught, making history come alive for his students. He authored six books-a testament to his enduring passion for education and storytelling.
Joseph is survived by his wife Esther, sons Lincoln and Franklin, Franklin's children, and his brother Louis Adler, along with Louis's children and grandchildren.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.