McAllen - Joseph Robert Vorbach, 90, died Aug. 18, 2021, in Floresville, TX, after a long battle with Alzheimer's.

Born May 25,1931, in Queens, NY, he was the son of Edward and Ebba (Dahlstrom) Vorbach. He was predeceased by his twin brother, Charles William Vorbach on July 11, 1994, and his daughter from his first marriage, Gail Elizabeth Vorbach (Keith) Toomey, on Sept. 6, 2015.

He was a graduate of Congers High School Class of 1949, Cortland State Teachers College Class of 1953, and served in the U.S. Army 1953-1955, stationed in Korea and then Hawaii. He received his Master of Arts Degree from Teachers College Columbia University.

His first teaching job was at Nottingham Elementary School, Syracuse NY 1955-1956. He then taught at Bedford Hills Elementary School 1956 - 1957, Fox Lane High School 1957 - 1968, Minisink Valley Middle School Principal 1968 - 1972 and South Avenue Elementary School Principal - Beacon, New York 1975 - 1992. He was Cross Country Coach at Fox Lane High School and Little League Baseball Coach for the South Salem Cubs and Minisink Valley Dodgers.

He was an Eagle Scout, coach for Little League, a Scout leader and Scout coordinator for many years. He ran in 5 marathons including the New York City Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon and the Jersey Shore Marathon in 1981, on his honeymoon with his second wife, Renee Relyea, whom he married Nov. 27, 1981.

He was chairman of the Board of Directors for the Continuous Treatment Center, Beacon, NY, and was on the School Board in Middletown, NY. He served as an elder in the First Presbyterian Church in Middletown, NY, and also in McAllen, TX.

He retired from the Beacon School District in June 1992 and moved to McAllen TX. He missed teaching and was a part-time 6th grade math teacher at Travis Middle School, before becoming assistant principal there and later assistant principal at DeLeon Middle School. He retired again in 2011, totaling 55 years as an educator.

He later worked at a local HEB store, McAllen, as a front door greeter.

Survivors include his widow, Renee; two sons, Robert Joseph Vorbach of Nashua, NH., and Barry Charles Vorbach of Middletown, NY, from his first marriage with the former Joan Bouton; two daughters, Cassie Ebba Vorbach (Erik) Vose of La Crosse, WI, and Vanna Vorbach of McAllen, TX; a brother, Harry (Carmella) Vorbach of Bella Vista, AR; grandchildren: Shea Noelle Vorbach, David Vorbach, Karissa Joan Vorbach, and Charles John Vose and William Scott Vose; one great grandson, Kaden Vorbach, a great granddaughter, Abigail Rose Bauernfein and numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.

Arrangements were by Heart Of Texas Cremation in San Antonio, Texas. Memorial services will be held at a later date. The family is thankful for the four and a half years of care by the Texas State Veterans Home System, first in McAllen and later in Floresville. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

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

Published by The Monitor on Sep. 23, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Vorbach

15 Entries

Esther Connell-Wood

June 29, 2024

IMe. Vorbach was an awesome principal at South Ave School. You were my daughter's principal and I was a school bus driverfor the districtat that time. I am sorry for your loss. My deepest condolences and sympathy to you and your family. God be with you all.

Cheryl Crane

October 29, 2021

Sending my deepest sympathy to his family. My daughters and I have such lovely memories of him when he was the principal at South Avenue Elementary School in Beacon, NY . He was the kind of educator that one prays will be in their children's school , and we were all blessed to have known this kind, caring man . May he rest in peace .

Heather (Crane) Romano

October 23, 2021

I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Vorbach was my principal at South Ave Elementary, but he was also my friend. I have thought of him often over the years and remember him fondly. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies. He was one in a million and I consider myself blessed to have known him.

Rita Gonzalez

October 21, 2021

My condolences to the family. Mr Vorbach was my principle at South Avenue Elementary in Beacon Ny, who had a warm soul. He was a great person and I am so grateful to have met him.

Jan F Stark

October 21, 2021

So sorry to learn of Joe's passing. I worked with Joe in Beacon when we were both administrators. I learned a lot from him about being an admistrator. During his life Joe had a big impact on so many people. My condolances to his family

Adelaida Rivera (Melendez)

October 21, 2021

I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Vorbach passing. He was such a great principal at South ave school. I have many fond memories of him. He was such a great supporter or children and inspired many. I remember once as a child walking in the hallway. I guess I was looking down as I walked. Mr. Vorbach stopped me in the hall and said " never walk with your head down, always keep your chin up and walk proud" even now as an adult I think of those words when I walk and happen to look down. I always raise my head up proud. You´ll be missed by many. I´m grateful I had the opportunity to have you in my life. Rest In Peace.

Michael Watkins Post

October 20, 2021

A genuine example of the finest educator and the best human being. He took care of all us at South Avenue like we were his own. You felt cared about. He will be missed but has shaped so many.

Piarie Hickman (Fleming)

October 20, 2021

Mr. Vorbach was one of the very best educators in Beacon, NY. A man of true character, and deep rooted compassion for his profession, but also for his love shown for the many children he chose to serve. I will always cherish the many fond memories, and send the family my deepest and sincere condolences. May He take his rightful place among the Angels. RIP Mr. Vorback, Job Well Done...

John Pomarico

October 20, 2021

I remember Mr Vorbach being a cub scout leader in South Ave School in Beacon. He started a marching band of his students for parades locally he played the snare drum. He was well liked in the Beacon School District. Will be missed

Rafael Cuello

October 20, 2021

I met Mr. Vorbach when I started kindergarten at South Avenue Elementary School in 1985. Even as a little kid I recognized how much he cared for us students and our parents. I remember once when 2 kids got into a fight on the playground, he got a hold of them and told them if they wanted to fight they would do it right. He took them to the gym and let them wrestle (actual wrestling, not WWE) for a few minutes while the rest of us kids outside watched from the windows. Afterwards, he made them shake hands, and told them they had to be friends. Thinking of him today, brought a smile to my face. My deepest condolences to his friends, family, and students.

Amber Travers Domenech

October 20, 2021

My sincere condolences on Mr. Vorbachs passing. He was a great man and awesome principal in my younger years at South Ave Elementary in beacon, NY. I helped in the 4th grade at 9 yrs old with planting a tree we dedicated to him. He will be remembered as a great man and will truely be missed.

Patrick Arney

September 24, 2021

I first met Mr. Vorbach at the McAllen Stadium - loudly cheering for the McHI Lady Bulldog soccer team. He became a permanent fixture at our games. Always positive. Always supportive. For years, he continued to cheer us on. He was such a good, kind hearted man. My condolences and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

Jerry Rivera

September 24, 2021

Joseph Vorbach, a man whose passion was to teach kids. Many times reaching into his wallet to purchase clothing for the kids. Education field lost a true educator when Joe retired. A true military veteran and God fearing man. My condolences to his family. R.I.P. Joe!

Isabel Munguia

September 23, 2021

My condolences and prayers to his family. Rest In Peace.

Pamela Averack

September 23, 2021

I have only positive memories of Mr. Vorbach. He proudly hung my sign up in his office from when I ran for school treasurer at Travis Middle School. He encouraged me to keep going my cross country meets, and I remember him at my soccer games cheering for our team. He was a very caring authority figure with a huge heart. I will never forget him. May his memory be for a blessing

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