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Joseph Hale Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Hale
Howard Berk
April 20, 2025
I remember Mr. Hale as a wonderful chemistry teacher at University City High School. I ended up going into a career in Chemistry and he was an inspiration. I was thinking of him and found this reference. It has been many years since his passing but I thought I would add my comments though I realize a lot late.
Gary Shanker he gave me the confidence
March 31, 2021
A teacher has the unique opportunity to influence his students. Joe Hale understood his power to change lives. Not only was he one of the best teachers I had but more importantly he gave me the confidence I needed to do well academically and have a wonderful profession in dentistry. I often think of Joe and thank him.
Harriet Colonna Shanas
June 1, 2009
I had the honor and privilege of having Mr. Hale as my homeroom advisor for 3 years and chemistry teacher for 2. As a girl in a mostly male environment, Mr. Hale was always supportive, fair and encouraging. He called me his little Madame Curie and I have only the most wonderful memories of him as a teacher and human being. What a fine person! I will always think of him with joy. My sincerest condolences to his family. U. City Class of '71
randy kalish
May 31, 2009
Of many fond memories of U. City, some of the fondest are of Mr. Hale's chemistry class. I am very saddened by the news of his passing. Class of '70.
Larry Amitin
May 31, 2009
One of the best teachers I ever had. His humor,kindness, and inspiration changed the lives of many souls. No matter what happened before you entered his class,his smile and upbeat tone uplifted you when you walked in Joe's class. His being was a component part of that old U.City HS, as esential as Oxygen on the periodic chart. Like Maimonides he was a healer and a teacher. It is my prayer, that G-d provide comfort to his family during this time of loss. Joe during his life gave comfort and support to many.Class of 72'.
Simon Koski
May 29, 2009
I am sad to hear of Mr. Hale's passing. As a member of the 1958 class at U. City High, I remember him delivering a lecture in chemistry while bringing his clasped hands from behind his back over his head and in front of him without letting go or interrupting his talk-or did I just imagine it? He was a great teacher. My condolences to his family. Simon Koski, St. Louis, MO.
Kenneth Levin
May 29, 2009
The best teacher I ever had and one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to know. He prepared me so well for college chemistry that it was as if I had already taken the course. I had
the opportunity to run into him during
later years in pharmacies where I was
on duty. He was always the same kind
soul and full of life and fun. He made
learning a pleasure and made a huge
impact on my life. A model for all
teachers and a great, great human being.
My deepest sympathy goes out to his
entire family. One keepsake I have is
a small reel to reel recording of him
singing the SONG OF THE ELEMENTS.
Cordell & Audrey Webb
May 29, 2009
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Joe Hale. As a neighbor for several years, our families became great friends and shared many great times. As I have remembered these shared times the last few days, it has brought a smile to my face. We hope the knowledge of the lives Joe has touched and the memories we all have will be of comfort to all of you.
Gerald Fleischmann
May 29, 2009
I was so saddened to hear of Mr. Hale's passing. What a loss to the Class of '59 - we will miss him greatly, especially at our 50th reunion later this year. He was a great inspiration to me, and I was looking forward to his great spirit and humor at the reunion. At our 45th reunion, I noted to him that he was still performing so lively on the dance floor. He just quipped: "Better living through chemistry!" Thousands of his students have been enriched by his teaching, wisdom, and joy.
Donn Rubin
May 29, 2009
Here is yet another testimonial from a grateful pupil with fond memories of Mr. Joe Hale, his bunsen burners, his magically colorful chemistry tricks, his barbershop singing, and his dedication to his students. Donn Rubin, UCHS '80.
Delores (Dady) Biggers
May 29, 2009
I am so sorry to learn of Joe Hale's passing and extend my condolences to all family members, immediate and extended. I knew Joe Hale best as the sponsor of the graduating class of 1953 at Marshfield High School.
Mandy, Chris and Wil Gamache
May 29, 2009
I was saddened this morning when I read of Mr. Hale's passing. We only met 2 weeks ago, as he attended a Cardinals game with Marty, Jake and my son, Jake's friend. As the rain poured and we all met up under shelter, Mr. Hale and I got acquainted, talking about our careers in teaching. He was such a friendly man; I can only imagine that he was the wonderful teacher everyone has written about, and more. I doubt there is any bigger compliment or testament to a teacher's impact on a student than for a student to continue their studies in that subject. I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. He certainly made an impression on our family in the brief time that we spoke. His family and friends are in our prayers. I'm not sure that the family knows, but a picture of Mr. Hale from that game appears on the stlcardinals website, under fan photos, May 15th game, gallery 42. He is smiling, standing with Marty and Jake during the rain delay.
Alan Spector Spector
May 29, 2009
I thought so much of Mr. Hale that I profiled him in my book about our U City class of 1964 as an example of the great teachers we had. I was looking forward to sharing the book with him and his family. Thank you Mr. Hale. Alan Spector (www.aaspector.com)
Timothy Martin
May 28, 2009
I am saddened to hear of Joe Hale's passing over last weekend. I have fond memories of singing with Joe in the Florissant Barbershop chorus back in the 1970s while I was still in high school. I would have loved to have had Joe as a chemistry teacher...he was always positive and encouraging to me. Although it has now been over 30 years since I last saw Joe, I still remember him clearly and vividly. My prayers and thoughts are with his family.
Peter Meschter
May 28, 2009
My wife, Mecky, and I were in a Bible study in Florissant with Joe for years in the 1980's. He not only knew his Bible, he lived his faith every day. He taught by his gentle and selfless example. His love for others was such that when he once referred to someone as a "bad person," we were shocked; that person must have been bad indeed to call forth such a response from Joe! He was forgiving to those who had let him down or hurt him personally. He lived up to high principles and always strove to follow Jesus as His Lord and Master. We are made poorer and Heaven is enriched by his passing.
Gene Zeffren
May 28, 2009
Joe Hale was among my early inspirations in the field of chemistry, and one of the most important. He made learning fun and brought out the best in all his students. We were kindred spirits in music, too, as I was in a quartet in high school that did an occasional babershop number. Even though I graduated almost exactly 50 years ago, I remember Joe fondly and offer my heartfelt condolences to the family.
Gene Zeffren - UCHS Class of 1959.
rob meyers
May 28, 2009
the best teacher i ever had at any level on any topic and my favorite. he always remembered who we were at the reunions where he was always a hit. he started off every (both) year demonstrating that he was double jointed. my condolences to joe"s family . his warmth and good humour will be missed and the world somewhat diminished by his passing. rob meyers u.city class of '66.
David Jackson
May 28, 2009
A very kind and caring teacher who always encouraged young people to inquire via thorough investigation. Many U. City alumni will mourn his passing...U. City Class of 1980
Dawn Williams
May 28, 2009
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Hale. He was a great teacher at UCity High. My prayers are with Mr. Hale's family.
Al Sher
May 28, 2009
Joe Hale inspired me to become a chemist, one of many of his U City pupils to do so. He was a great teacher. His passing is noted with great sadness.
Jack Fishman
May 28, 2009
I was so saddened to hear about Joe Hale’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. He was a wonderful person. Mr. Hale was one of my most revered mentors as his teaching was probably the most important influence on my choosing chemistry as a career. In 1990, I wrote a book on atmospheric chemistry and my most cherished memory of that whole ordeal was calling Mr. Hale and giving a copy to him over lunch when I had come back to St. Louis during the Christmas holidays. The show of pride and happiness in his face is an image I will cherish forever. We kept in touch after that by exchanging Christmas cards and seeing him at our U. City class reunions was always a highlight for me. I see his face nearly every day as a picture of the two of us from our 40th reunion in 2006 is among the set of images that cycles through my screensaver at work. I will always have fond memories of “Yossel” (our own personal joke as I got older) and will truly miss good-natured and well-meaning personality. I will also miss his yearly Christmas cards that I always looked forward to getting and his kind words in his uniquely elegant handwriting.
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