Joseph Gregory (Joe) McNabb, Jr.

Joseph Gregory (Joe) McNabb, Jr. passed away on Monday, September 3, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. He was 85 years old. Joe was born in Spokane Washington to Joseph and Edna (Riley) McNabb on June 1, 1933. He grew up on the South Hill in Spokane and attended Saint Augustine Elementary and Gonzaga Prep High School. He graduated from Gonzaga University in 1955 with a degree in English and in 1959 with a teacher's certificate. Joe served for two years as a Lieutenant in the US Army.

While at Fort Lewis, Joe agreed to accompany a friend on a double blind date with a pair of nurses completing their psychiatric nurse training rotation at Steilacoom. While walking toward the nurses Joe liked the look of the woman on the right so he swapped places with his buddy to be paired with Lyta Lundberg. The rest is history! Joe and Lyta celebrated 60 years of marriage last November.

Joe and Lyta have five children: J. Gregory III (Joan), Marie, Mark (Sylvie Cloutier), Anthony (Cynthia), and Christopher (Patricia). They have 11 grand-children: Kate (Matt) Dewey, Michelle (Colin) Davis, Sarah, Blake, Kelsey (Matt) Landowski, Justin, Kevin, Raymond, Daniel, Joseph, and Riley; and six great-grandchildren: Isabelle, Jackson, Carlee, Scarlett, Elijah, and "Little Lyta".

Joe is also survived by his brother Paul (Barbara) McNabb of Spokane and numerous nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and friends and colleagues.

Joe was a teacher of extraordinary dedication and skill. From 1959 to 1977 he taught at Issaquah High School in English, Latin, and French and advised the yearbook. In 1977, Joe moved to Sunny Hills Elementary where he taught 4th grade for another 13 years.

Joe was an accomplished woodworker, photographer, bowler, and designer of gardens and family trees. He loved camping with the family, getting things right - especially language - and he sang beautifully. He was a lifelong Catholic, serving with Lyta at their parish homes, most recently at Mary Queen of Peace parish in Sammamish.

A funeral mass will be held Saturday, September 8 at 10:00 am at St. Therese Church in Seattle, Washington.

A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mercy Corps, to your local Public Broadcasting Station, or to a charity of your choice in his name.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from Sep. 5 to Sep. 6, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph McNabb

Sponsored by The Family.

17 Entries

Paige

September 23, 2021

I met Joe in an unexpected way, and for the brief moment I had to honor of getting to know him, he was a delightful person. He was not in good health the last I saw him, and I recently had a dream about Joe. I am sad to find his obituary in a Google search, but he was very happy in my dream. He was such a wonderful person to cross paths with. He will be missed.

June 7, 2019

Today I purchased a 4x5 Greflex press camera, case and tripod with the name Joe McNabb, Jr.'s name on it. I live in Wichita, Kansas and I have no idea how it would have ended up here. Could this be Joe's camera? My email is [email protected], I would love to chat with a family member if they think it is his.

March 24, 2019

I knew Joe from when I was in High School at Issaquah High from 71 to 74 when I graduated. After serving 4 years in the army I met up with Joe again at Sunnyhills elementary in the early 80's. My memories of him there were wonderful. He was such a kind and caring person.
I will miss him

virginia mcgavin

September 8, 2018

My condolences to such a wonderful family. Joe will be missed by everyone who knew him and his family.
So much love in a very long marriage. Thank you for setting such a great example of what love and faith is about.
Lyta, you are a beautiful in all ways. Joe picked the right nurse. You have raised children to be proud of.
Thank you Joe for being the excellent teacher you were. It is a noble profession and seldom do we forget the years we are in school. As we get older we wish we were back in school.
Ginny McGavin

Pam BArber Thomas

September 8, 2018

All who were touched by this incredible man will remember hm forever...scholar, educator, family man extrodinaire.

Au revoir Joe.

Pam Barber Thmas

September 8, 2018

All who were touched by this incredible man will remember hm forever...scholar, educator, family man extrodinaire.

Au revoir Joe.
Posted Face with so many ❤♥ Memories from others

Dan Desmond

September 7, 2018

So grateful to have him as my teacher and neighbor. Always greated me with a smile and a wave years after I had him. One of my inspirations to become a teacher.

Jeanette Murphy

September 7, 2018

Dear Lyta, Marie, and McNabb family,Sending my condolences on Joe's passing. He holds a place of honor in our dream group. I'm sure Joe will be present w us as our dreams and memories continue. May he Rest In Peace. Be gentle w yourselves.Love,Jeanette Murphy

Susan Fry

September 7, 2018

Lyta and family, I am so sorry about your loss of Joe. We miss Lyta at our MQP book club. All of you are in my prayers and thoughts.

Barb Taylor

September 6, 2018

The Issaquah High School Class of 1974 truly adored him. Sending our heartfelt condolences

Heidi (Winkenwerder) Schooley

September 6, 2018

Mr. McNabb was one of my favorite teachers. Because of his encouragement I found my voice through creative writing and poetry in fourth grade. Learning was always fun in his class. His eyes were always twinkling, and he was quick with a smile. I'm so grateful he chose teaching as his profession and that I placed in his class all those years ago. May he rest in peace, and may you all find comfort in your loving memories. He was truly a great man!

John & Joyce Ditore

September 6, 2018

Our love to all the family.

Tammy Coffler

September 6, 2018

Mr. McNabb was my all time favorite teacher. I had the pleasure of having him in the early 80's for 4th grade. I loved to visit him long after my elementary school years running into him in town or at Salmon Days. I loved his warming smile and laugh. He left an impact, I am sure on many of his students. Our prayers are with your family. He was an amazing man.

Anne Barlow

September 6, 2018

Mr.McNabb -- by which name I'll always think of him -- was my Latin teacher at Issaquah High School in 1965 and 1966. He was a great teacher, and I loved his class. It was tiny, as the study of Latin had fallen off in public schools, but so valuable in my understanding of the structure of language. His sense of humor informed his teaching style and made the difficult material go down more easily. I can still see the twinkle in his eyes that usually accompanied his smile. I am sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Anne Barlow

Polly Chesterman

September 6, 2018

Beautiful tribute.

Carol McNeice

September 6, 2018

Having an Uncle like you was a joy. You were thoughtful, caring and dear. You were an Uncle full of fun and I have many memories that make me smile... especially with your hugs. You will be sadly missed.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results