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JOEL PACKER Obituary
Joel Packer (Age 65)
Passed away suddenly on January 25, 2020. Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joel graduated from SUNY Binghamton and worked at the National Education Association for most of his career. Later, while at the Raben Group, he was Executive Director of the Committee for Education Funding. Joel was a respected voice for education on Capitol Hill, a gifted strategist, and he had an encyclopedic knowledge of federal education programs and policy. He mentored countless individuals and will be remembered for his sense of humor and infectious laugh. Joel leaves behind his beloved wife of 37 years, Carolyn Henrich, who shared his passion for education, his love of travel, and his joy in their family and the Washington Nationals. Joel is also survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Packer and Rebecca Brown; son-in-law, George Brown; and grandchildren, Oliver and Victoria. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Heart Association; Democratic National Committee; Esperanza Education Fund; NEA Foundation; or Equal Justice Initiative. A private memorial is being planned.
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Memories and Condolences
for JOEL PACKER
RICHARD MAILLET
March 26, 2022
Very sad for you your daughters Carolyn
Condoleances
Richard from Bordeaux
+33607265243
Heather T Booth
February 17, 2022
Joel was a mentor and guiding light for those who cared about public education. He was such a warm and caring person that he also helped build a movement community. He had particular impact on rising young leaders--with the United States Student Association--supporting organizers for the future to carry on the values he lived. He is missed.
Eduardo Wolle
July 5, 2021
It is now that I read of Joel's passing. I am sorry to hear that he is gone from your life Carolyn as well as from his family and friends'. I also just read of the passing of another friend from the USSA days, Andre Burnett. Joel and Andre did so much for students and for higher education. I hope they are commiserating somewhere. Remembering Joel. Un abrazo.
Gail Ravnitzky Silberglied
May 27, 2020
So sorry to hear of Joel's passing. My condolences to his whole family. As so many have said, Joel was an amazing leader, advocate, and colleague. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.
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Bob Carolla
May 26, 2020
Carolyn-My condolences to you and your daughters. I read John Kelly's column this morning. It also made me laugh, then saddened me to read of Joel passing in January. You may not remember me, but he and I were part of the Americans for Democratic Action group of friends in our early 20s when we were committed to economic and social justice and finding direction for a careers. He was indeed "very funny, smart and creative"--a bright source of cohesion for us. I last saw and talked with him in the early 90s when I was working for Senator Mitchell and he came by to alert and educate us on an issue, but I'll always have--and will--remember him as part of the heart of our energy and community;a stalwart ally and friend.
Julius Lloyd Horwich
March 24, 2020
I was so sorry to hear about Joel. My thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn and their family. I always enjoyed and learned from Joels and my meetings on education, and enjoyed even more just running into Joel and talking baseball (as he morphed from a Mets to a Nats fan over the years). I will miss his kindness and good humor.
Sandy Gordon-Salant
March 24, 2020
It is still hard to process that Joel is no longer with us. He was a great planner, always coming up with the next fun thing to do and making sure our small group of friends stayed connected. He impressed me with his incredible knowledge of just about everything, and mostly for his zest for life and great love of his family. I will sorely miss him. Sandy Gordon-Salant
Donna Lenhoff
March 23, 2020
To all the accolades should be added Joel's significant contribution to enactment of the Family and Medical Leave Act. The FMLA was an NEA priority, and Joel led the "Direct Lobbying Committee" of the FMLA Coalition for a number of years in the late 80s/early 90s. He brought to that effort his unflagging energy, reliable work ethic, and constant upbeat-ness. More important, Joel was never too busy to explain things to people or to loop them in. Like so many others who've posted entries here, I started out being impressed by his encyclopedic knowledge of Congress and indefatigable good humor, and ended being deeply touched by his humanity and kindness.
I missed having him as a regular presence in my life after the FMLA was passed in 1993. We all miss him as a regular presence now.
Robert Raben
March 22, 2020
Joel would be shutting down all these accurate accolades about him with a wave of the hand, a chuckle and a ok thats enough, we have work to do. The moment Joel agreed to the crazy idea of joining us at Raben was a turning point for us; he brought a joy to passion. From making sure everyone had what they needed, to bringing the vision and strategy and leadership to the most complicated things, Joel lit us all up. We were very lucky to have him for the time we did, I wish for more.
Michael Torra
March 20, 2020
Joel was a beloved colleague who brought humanity, humor and cheer to every meeting. He generously offered his wisdom and experience to me on several occasions when I was stuck trying to understand some byzantine detail of federal policy-making. He had all the answers and yet was so modest about it. I'm heart-broken that he's no longer with us and that his well-deserved retirement was cut far too short. My thoughts and sympathies are with Carolyn, their daughters, and the extended family.
Joan Manning
March 20, 2020
We so looked forward to seeing Carolyn and Joel in Florida for the baseball spring training games. We would talk for hours. One of my fondest memories is when Joel took us to the White House on the weekend of Becky's wedding to George.We will keep his family in our prayers
Kathy Downey
March 20, 2020
It is still hard to process this loss and to believe that such a force of nature was taken so suddenly. Joel always had such a strong work ethic and was a consummate professional. He never forgot that he got his start as a student advocate and continued to mentor young people throughout his career.
He was also completely dedicated to Carolyn, who is one of the kindest people I know, and to his incredible daughters, son-in-law, and grandchildren. Heartfelt sympathy goes to them and hopefully these outpourings of love and respect for Joel will comfort them.
Barbara Kornblau
March 20, 2020
I met Joel in his early days, when we were all new to DC. I caught up with him and Carolyn some years later when I returned to the DC area. I had such respect for him and his knowledge of policy and his connections in the policy world. He will be in our thoughts and we will miss him at the Passover sedar table.
Ken Gertz
March 19, 2020
I loved a lot of wonderful things about my friend, Joel. But the one that strikes me the most lately is his curiosity about life and his love of always learning more about new places, people, cultures, etc... this was very contagious for me and greatly impacted my own thirst for knowledge about our world. He was a terrific travel partner, conversationalist, fan, and overall human being. I miss him greatly. Ken
March 19, 2020
I am a cousin of Carolyn, so I have known Joel since these two were an "item". I know Joel as a person, not a professional. Was amazed to learn about his talent as a professional. As a person, he was top self. Always enjoyed talking to him. And most importantly, he always made my cousin shine. Sadly you don't have many friends impact your life in such a way as Joel. He will truly be missed!!
Margaret Dunkle
March 19, 2020
I remember, with great fondness, Joel from the early 1970s. Then, working as an advocate with the National Student Association, he was at the beginning of his long and meaningful carer as an advocate for the best possible US educational system. We, and all of the millions of students in the meantime, owe him a debt for his vision and tireless advocacy -- and also his very human twinkle that made him doubly effective.
Brita Wilkins Lincoln
March 19, 2020
I met Joel when I worked with Carolyn at National PTA. He was a force in education advocacy and I learned a great deal from his knowledge and experience. Most importantly, I looked to Joel and Carolyn as role models for a great marriage - one balanced with team work, respect, and a total love for their girls.
I will miss seeing the amazing travel adventures on Facebook, and remained inspired by both Carolyn and Joel to live life to the fullest!
Glenn Simon
March 19, 2020
The world lost a real 'mensch' in my cousin Joel. He went out of his way to help me during my own struggles, as he's done with others in our extended family. His passion for strengthening our public education system was matched only by his genuine desire to help others in need. Big love to you, Joel!
Justin Draeger
March 19, 2020
Joel was one of the most trusted, effective, and transparent student advocates I've worked with. Millions of students have benefited from his work, and millions more will benefit into the future. My sincerest condolences to Joel's family as they celebrate and grieve his remarkable life.
David Hawkins
March 19, 2020
All of us at NACAC were saddened to hear of Joel's sudden passing, and we will miss him. For many of us in the education field, he was a guide and mentor, and his passion for his work set the standard for the rest of us to follow. We hope that his memory sustains you in the months and years to come.
Rita Depp
March 19, 2020
I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to know and work with Joel at NEA for nearly 15 years. He genuinely cared for people and it showed in everything he did. My heart still aches when I think of him. God bless his soul and his family, because of them his legacy lives on.
Sean Johnson
March 19, 2020
Joel will be forever missed and always admired and loved. He was the first policy wonk I ever got to know who was also so funny. I know this to be the case about a good number of policy wonks now, but he was the first. And that sense of humor was just part of a well-rounded life that included a love and commitment to his family and of his sports teams that he cheered for. I'm so glad he got to see the Nats win the World Series in 2019.
John Thurston
March 19, 2020
Joel will be sorely missed by not only his immediate family, but his vast extended family of friends and colleagues who he impacted in so many ways. For those of us who worked with Joel at NEA and now later as the President of NEARO, his loss will be significant. Always the consummate organizer and advocate for those he represented - the youth and educators of our country and the staff of the organizations who represented them. I will personally miss the leadership and vision he provided to NEARO. It was a privilege and pleasure to work with Joel and enjoy his humor, knowledge and strength in dealing with tough times and people.
Mark Simon
March 19, 2020
What a shock. I remember Joel as such a trusted voice on education politics at the NEA when I was a local elected leader and NEA Board member. He was so approachable, clear headed, and helpful. Way too young to be leaving us. We all need strength now, but I am so sorry for Joel's family's loss.
Donna Brazile
March 19, 2020
Joel was a consummate leader for public education and equality for all. He was a champion for students and young ppl who had an impact on us all. Much love to his family, friends and many, many colleagues. May his memory be a blessing.
John Stocks
March 19, 2020
I had the honor and privilege to work closely with Joel over the course of a couple of decades at the National Education Association. We were friends as well as colleagues. He was a dedicated and determined advocate on behalf of public educators. His work had broad positive impact on public education, education employees and the students they serve. He was a giant in the realm of government relations and public affairs. His contributions to making the world a better place for others are many. He led with compassion and heart. I will never forget the impact he has had on my life and the lives of so many others. Rest In Peace my friend,
Kevin Maher
March 19, 2020
I was so sorry for all of us to have lost Joel, but especially for his family. Joel was a tremendous asset to education and always had a nice word for me when I joined this community. I know how much he was looking forward to spending time with family and baseball.
Mila Becker
March 19, 2020
I will always remember Joel as an exemplary advocate for education and a real mensch!
Frank Ballmann
March 19, 2020
I'm incredibly sorry to hear of Joel passing much too soon, but he accomplished a lot in his too few years among us. I first met Joel when I joined the Committee for Education Funding in 2010 and he was a great leader, resource, coach and friend. I learned a lot from Joel and hope that his impact on me will help further our cause. To paraphrase Ted Kennedy: "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and Joel's dream shall never die!
Candace Lilyquist
March 19, 2020
You can be certain, if you met Joel you were happy to know him. He was the embodiment of inclusivity. As a very young staffer, I joined a conversation circle he was in. Joel immediately included me in the conversation. It was easy for him and it laid a foundation for respect and appreciation for him as a person, a professional, and an activist.
I will say like many; I am thankful I got to know Joel Packer and his work, if only for a short time. Rest well, Joel until we meet again.
Stephen DeWitt
March 19, 2020
Joel was a guiding light who worked tirelessly on behalf of the nation's students through his education advocacy. He selflessly shared his wisdom with others for the good of the cause. He will be missed by me and many others who benefited from his knowledge, as well as his wit, humor and collegiality.
Remembering Joel with love
Heather Booth
March 19, 2020
Joel had the head, hand and heart to make this a better society. He had the intellect and knowledge and thoughtfulness to help so many figure out what to do. The hand to make it happen and the heart to do it all with caring and love. He helped to build a stronger movement for justice and democracy. He inspired many young people. And was truly loved.
Arnold Fege
March 19, 2020
There are people during life's journey that have an indelible impact on your own life, but on many others of your friends and colleagues in so many different ways. Joel was that person: friend, colleague, advocate for public education, sought after by policy makers and staff, feared by some for his incisive intellect, consummate lobbyists, and all with impeccable character and moral compass. Your loss Joel was a shock, but your presence on this earth has made a huge footprint. My special love and condolences to Carolyn and daughters.
Robert Kirkpatrick
March 19, 2020
When we worked together in Albany (40+ years ago) Joel would light up a room with his humor, great mind, infectious laugh, and all-in commitment to his goals. One last time, Joel: Hey hey!
Ken and Pat Sanders
March 19, 2020
Rest in Peace, Joel, knowing that we are caring for and lifting up your family, whom we love beyond belief. You are already so missed.
Mark Zuckerman
March 19, 2020
Joel was a remarkable education leader who will not be forgotten. More than that he was kind, friendly, supportive of his friends, with a wonderful sense of humor. A life well lived.
Katharine Huffman
March 19, 2020
I will always remember Joel for his strategic brilliance, but even more for his compassion and kindness - they all came through in his work and in his daily interactions with all. He will remain a shining example of what it means to be truly generous and joyful of spirit. Sending love to Carolyn, the girls, and all the family and friends.
Noelle Ng
March 19, 2020
Joel was a giver; a great friend, mentor and colleague. He left his mark on several generations of education advocates, this one included. Joel was friends with my first boss (Brian Petraitis) and it is these small connections and NY roots that I remember fondly. But most reflective of Joel, it is his giving that really sticks out, and the expedience with which he would give, whether a smile, a Nats fact, a laugh, an inquiry into how you're doing, or help/tips for work. I mourn the loss of Joel, send my well wishes to Caroline, the girls and their families, and will do my best to carry on the concept of giving quickly.
Adele Robinson
March 19, 2020
Joel was amazing on so many levels: a consummate education lobbyist; a doting husband,father,and grandfather, and a loyal friend. I still hear his laugh and the way he beamed at Carolyn. Always in our hearts.
Amy Isaacs
March 19, 2020
I am still reeling from this horrific news. Joel's legacy will remain strong both with the friendships he honed and the wisdom and enthusiasm he gave to the public interest community for so many years. He will be missed beyond measure.
John Burkhart
February 29, 2020
It is hard to imagine this early loss of Joel as related to so many family members and friends. He really was a great guy!
Fred Simon
February 28, 2020
We greatly miss our dear cousin Joel, and look forward to seeing his family in April in D.C.
MITCHELL EDELSTEIN
February 23, 2020
I lived with Joel for many years. He was a great friend and a wonderful person. His sense of humor was world class. He was always available to help you. I morn the loss of Joel and will think of him often.
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