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Joel Newsom Obituary
JOEL ANDREW NEWSOM
On January 2, 2011, Joel Andrew Newsom, beloved husband of Erica Berard Newsom, beloved son of Eric D. and Evea S. Newsom, beloved brother of James Newsom, devoted son-in-law of Ulrich and Diana Berard and devoted brother-in-law of Christian Berard, died suddenly and unexpectedly in Reston, Virginia. Joel was born in Montevideo, Uruguay on August 6, 1970 while his father was in the diplomatic service, but he spent nearly all his life living in Reston. He graduated from James Madison University in 1992 with a degree in English and was a teacher of English at Herndon High School Joel had a lifelong interest in music, avidly followed soccer, was an excellent fisherman, and was a student of military history. The funeral service will be private. A memorial gathering of friends and family will be arranged shortly. Please send condolence messages to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joel Newsom
Joel - during his college days at JMU
Terry Harrison
May 24, 2011
Joel,
Peace be with you my friend. I have fond memories of driving around aimlessly in Harrisonburg during our college years at JMU.
Alison Smith
February 26, 2011
Mr. Newsom, you were such a good teacher. Your one of the main teachers that comes to mind when I think of my time at Herndon and I really enjoyed your class. I really appreciated the kindness you showed me when I transferred into your class in the middle of the year- you really helped my transition to Herndon easier. Thank you for everything, you will truly be missed.
John Cain
February 11, 2011
Joel – I learned of you passing today. As sad as I am to hear this tragic news – I still go back to fond memories of fishing, riding BMX bicycles and all the other things we did as kids growing up on Great Meadow Dr. As one of the kindest people I have ever met - you left some very fond childhood memories.
January 23, 2011
Dear Joel, I send my heart felt sympathy to your family and friends for their loss. I did call and speak to your mother as soon as I learned of you passing. She loved you so very dearly. I am your mother's aunt, your grandmother's sister. Your uncle Michael stayed with me when your grandmother went to Uruguay to be with your mother at your birth. Again my deepest condolence to all of your family. Aunt Evelyn Migliori
Bridget Weatherford
January 23, 2011
Mr newsom I can't believe your gone. You were such an amazing teacher and had such great paitence with all your students. I miss your minus ones on our papers and your cleanliness. you took care of us like we were your own kids. I'm sorry I hadn't been back to visit after graduation. Your in a better place now. You were very much loved and will be missed.
Fermin Aviles
January 20, 2011
Mr. Newsom you were awesome. By far the best English teacher I've ever had. You had a great sense of humor and were always cool with everyone. You will be missed. RIP Mr. Newsom.
Paola Aviles
January 8, 2011
Mr Newsom, you were such a wonderful person! I can remember how you would put stickers on our papers after you were done grading them. Also the candy you would give out. May you Rest In Peace! You will be loved and missed by many!
Tim Rieser
January 8, 2011
I knew Joel Newsom as a soft spoken, articulate and courteous young man when he was still a student himself studying to become a teacher of English. It is shocking and tragic that someone so young and with such promise is suddenly gone. At the same time, it is very uplifting to see what a lasting difference he made in the lives of so many students and colleagues in such a short time. That is more than can be said of a great many people who have the good fortune to live to an old age, and a tribute to him and to his parents whose love of learning, work ethic, kindness and other qualities he personified.
Boswell
January 7, 2011
We know how little the words of an outsider mean to you just now-but we must tell you how deeply we sympathize with you in the loss of your husband, son, brother and mostly a great teacher, Mr. Newsom.
We did not know Mr. Newsom personally but know that he truly touched our son's life. Failure was not an option in Mr. Newsom classroom.
With Heartfelt Condolences,
Charlie and Mary Boswell
January 7, 2011
RIP Mr. Newsom. You will always be in our hearts
Fiona Sityar
January 6, 2011
Mr. Newsom you were the best english teacher i could ever ask for. May you rest in peace, and know that you will never be forgotten.
Brooklyn Rains
January 6, 2011
Mr. Newsom, you were truly an Amazing man. You taught everyone more than just English. You will always be the best teacher to all of us. You wanted everyone to succeed in life. And you helped many accomplish that. You have truly inspired us all.So Thank you. To your family, all our prayers go out to you.
Dana Harold
January 6, 2011
Mr. Newsom taught two of our four children at Herndon High and they both liked him very much and said he was a terrific teacher. He will be missed greatly by the Herndon Community. Your family is in our prayers. May they find comfort in knowing how many live you touched. ~The Harold Family
kricia rivera
January 5, 2011
RIP mr.NEWSOM we wil always remember u dam why did this happen to someone like u we love u u always had a gud story to tell... so dam sad we love u
Courtney Alexander- Weston
January 5, 2011
January 05, 2011
When I found out that Mr. Newsom has passed I was in shock. You were the best teacher I ever had and you will be truly missed. We had good times. I will be praying for the family. I give my condolences. I will never forget you. R.I.P Mr. Newsom.You have lived a great life I know that. You are in a better place now :) I'll be seeing you soon! :)
January 5, 2011
Joel, although I didn't know you very well, I can tell by those who did, that you were a very special young man. Words may not mean much right now, but my heart and prayers go out to your mom (1st cousin),your family and all those lives I know you touched. Thank you for teaching. Cousin John Pereira
Carmen Pereira Pucilowski
January 5, 2011
Joel, we never met and now reading all the kind words of your students about you makes it even sadder knowing someone who has affected so many people's lives in a good way has left this earth. I am your mother's first cousin and when she left for Virginia, we lost touch with each other and your family. May God grant you rest for your soul. My deep condolences go to your wife, parents, brother and the rest of those who mourn your death.
Breanna D. & Mark F.
January 5, 2011
Mr. Newsom you will be missed by many and remembered by all. The English department will never be the same and neither will our English class. You were by far one of the greatest teachers, and Herndon will suffer from the tragic loss. May your memories live on through your students, friends, and family.
Yesica Kouci
January 5, 2011
He was one of the best teachers ive ever had...
Mr Newsom you will be missed...
R.I.P.
sima mahboubi
January 5, 2011
Mr. Newsom was more than a teacher to me, someone who I could learn life lessons in his class. He was a unique and a different teacher from others. In his class he would bring and use material which I never saw any other teacher could think of it. He was very talented and open minded. I still can't believe he is gone, sometimes I even think it's a joke and he will come back to class next day. I miss him so much. There are alot I want to say about him but I can't describe them in words. I hope he is in peace and happy now.
Shaun Asper
January 5, 2011
My prayers are with you and your family, I'm Saddened to see a life cut short that influenced soo many.
Karen Perez- Lopez
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom it was nice having you as my English teacher for two years. Thank You for always helping me out and believing in me. You always had unique ways in giving your students extra credit therefore failure wasn't an option in your class. There was no way a student could have a bad grade. You were a very generous person that will be missed dearly. May you rest in peace.
Mandy C
January 4, 2011
RIP Mr. Newsom. I was your student approximately 9 years ago and I will always remember how passionate you were about teaching and you knew how to keep the class engaged. I will also remember how much you enjoyed discussing the Odyssey.
John Knox
January 4, 2011
My prayers are with your family. May God bring you peace and comfort.
Ayla Vo
January 4, 2011
Upon hearing of Mr. Newsoms recent and utmost surprising death, I feel that even though I personally did not know him..except for on one account of a brief introduction, that he was an amazing teacher and a great guy. From hearing all the wonderful stories about Mr. Newsom I truly wish him the best in heaven and that his wife feel the love and blessing that shall carry on through his spirit. He will always be remembered as a great inspiration to all students in HHS and will be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. One of Mr. Newsoms popular attributes as a teacher was his infamous sticker collection. I feel that Mr. Newsom was a lively, colorful, and animated man like his stickers. May you rest in peace and know that not only are you missed by all but that your energetic spirit will always be remembered. <3
Argel Montiel
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom was a true teacher. A man who always helped students in every problem they had. I will deeply miss one of the best teacher in Virginia. From college talks, to debates on which soccer teams are better. Everyone will miss you dearly R.I.P.
Margaret Schaaf
January 4, 2011
Our prayers are with you and your family. You were too good to pass so young, may your soul shine on.
Jasin Singh
January 4, 2011
I never personally met Mr.Newsom but all i ever heard about him where great and amazing things. Everyone that i knew that had him always told me how cool and chill he was, and also how understanding he was. He truly was one of the greatest teachers to ever teach at HHS ... R.I.P Mr.Newsom. even those like me that never had the chance to meet you will forever remember you
Jack Lindmeier
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom was my teacher for one year, but he was the best teacher ive ever had. Even though i havent had him as a teacher in two years, i would still go to his class to hang out and talk with him about Heavy metal and other types of music which we both had in common. Mr Newsom was a great man, and is the type of person I'd like to grow up to be. RIP Mr. Newsom.
Muna Bhandari
January 4, 2011
RIP Mr. Newsom
Jalinn Ahmad
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom. I am without a doubt honored to have known you as a teacher and more in importantly as a friend. You're kindness and calm nature are truly what made it so enjoyable having you in our presence. Sadly, that time has gone as you have gone on to a better place. Let it be known that you're memory will live forever in hearts of everyone at Herndon High School. May your soul and the souls of all the others departed rest in peace.
Lizbeth Molina
January 4, 2011
"Do it now!" Were the words I heard every time when class had began. Mr. Newsom you were the best teacher I ever had for two years straight. I enjoy when we had our talks about Real Madrid and Barcelona. You were the only teacher that gave us candy for getting a assignment done, the one to have 30 jerseys. The only teacher who was himself. Mr. Newsom you will be missed by everyone. You were the best teacher. Rest in peace.
Danielle Maleski
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom was one of my favorite teachers. I am definitely going to miss seeing him every day at school in class. He was so unique, and everyone loved him for that. He was so nice and a great teacher. He will be missed by so many.
Nyeisha Davis
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom,
I just want to say Thank you for everything that have done for me. You were one of my favorite teachers, not only were you a great teacher you were a great person. I can honestly say i have never had a teacher as honest and genuine as you. It's crazy because i had just had a conversation with you the day before winter break. I will truly miss you. Rest In Peace
Mayra Lovo
January 4, 2011
Prayer too a wonderful generous person
Who is no longer with us but always is going too be in our hearts R.I.P Mr.Newsom always will be remebered and never forgotten
mayra lovo
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom you where a great english teacher you weren't only a teacher but you were also a friend! I truly miss you you will never be forgotten rest in peace!!
Ayaz Uddin
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsome u are and always will be one of my favorite teachers. I will miss all the times we argued about barcelona being better then real and the good times we had. my friends and I will always miss you R.I.P.
Jesse Burgess
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom you were my favorite teacher, I may have only known you for a few months of this school year but I am glad I got to know you in those few months we had together! I will miss you greatly and so will all your friends, family, and students. Rest In Peace!
Taylor Boswell
January 4, 2011
Mr. Newsom you were the best english teacher i ever had. i will never forget. And i speak on behalf of my class that you will always be remember
wendy otero
January 4, 2011
Rest in peace
January 4, 2011
"I am saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Newsom. He taught both of my children. He was not only an great teacher but a very nice person. He will truly be missed. I am so sorry for your loss." J. Ferebee (Herndon
Cindy Escobar
January 4, 2011
Mr.Newsom you were an awesome teacher with an open heart. Thank you for teaching me. I will never forget you! R.I.P.
Jennifer Teale
January 4, 2011
Thank you Mr. Newsom for being a wonderful teacher! You will be missed by all of your students!
Heather McCloskey
January 4, 2011
Our family is saddened to hear of your loss. We are praying for your entire family. Love and prayers, Jim, Heather, Justin, Jacob, Lauren and Haley McCloskey; friends of James.
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