July 9, 1943 – January 4, 2025
Joe was an economist, researcher, policy consultant and professor over his varied career. He graduated from Princeton University [BA], UC Berkeley [MA] and Harvard [PhD].;Joe held a Fulbright in Brazil after college. He taught economics at Williams College, was Vice President of IFC International and founded Capital Research Associates where he focused on applied economics, policy research and consulting where, in 11 countries he engaged both his excellent mind and heart.

Joe is fondly remembered for his intellect, his sense of fun, love of friends and family, the outdoors, and travel. His wide-ranging curiosity and lifelong love of learning made him a valued and interesting friend to many.

He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Johnson; his children Kathryn and Josh (Amy) and grandsons Sam and Luke; as well as his brothers Frank, David and Peter.

A memorial service will follow on Saturday, February 8, 2025, 2 p.m., at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church, 1 Chevy Chase Circle, Washington DC 20015. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe's name might be given to Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church.

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

Published by The Washington Post on Jan. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Anderson

11 Entries

Mary Whitney Hoch

February 7, 2025

I met Joe when he was a student at Princeton and a dear friend of my brother, Peter Whitney. I looked up to Joe as a Princetonian, as any high school girl might. Joe kept crossing paths with my brother, and was his lifelong friend. I was very lucky to walk the last 100+ miles of the Camino de Santiago along with Joe and Carolyn, and many other friends. I am very saddened by his loss, for everyone, and especially for dear Carolyn.

Sage Dunlap Chase

February 7, 2025

Joe and I dated during his senior year at Princeton.
I met his family at his graduation and was amazed at his family of four boys, never imagining that I would eventually have five!
During his Fulbright year in Brazil, he wrote lengthy tales of his impressions and adventures, which I returned to him twenty years later!
I was in Denver when he was at Berkeley and we got together with other friends out west.
Although we went our separate ways, each starting our own families, we remained in touch. His son and one of mine became good friends in college and both are in the timber business out west and continue outdoor activities together.
My husband and I met Joe and Carolyn in Washington several times, including once in the airport on our way to Antarctica!
We corresponded during his long health struggles, often sharing political woes.
I was able to thank him for continuing our 60 year cross-gender friendship despite our generation´s apparent timidity about doing so!
I will miss him in my life.

Stan and Bev Foster

January 29, 2025

This is a brief memorial dedicated to Joe Anderson.

Joe became my first best friend when we met in grade school and he lived nearby on Marlboro in Nichols Hills, Oklahoma.

As children, we played together and listened to OU football on weekends. In grade school we were both on the baseball and football teams of the Nichols Hills Rattlesnakes.

Joe and I went to John Marshall High School in Oklahoma City. He was elected class President in our Senior year and honored me by designating me class historian.

Upon graduation Joe went to Princeton and I attended Oklahoma University.

Over the years we stayed in touch. I will always miss Joe and his wit and wisdom.

Of course Joe's brothers Frank, David and Peter were definitely a big part of Joe's life. Carolyn has been a wonderful wife and gracious hostess during our visits to Chevy Chase. Our hearts go out to all of them.

Michael Tuttle

January 25, 2025

I grew up across the street from Joe. He enlisted me during the spring to help him summerise his pool. This typically consisted of using cargo straps to move heavy redwood panels from the pool area to the side storage shed. I Haven't a clue how heavy they were, but they were incredibly heavy. Joe was in his Mid 60´s at the time and I was always impressed by his strength. He almost always wore his old combat boots from when he served.

Brenda Lee

January 21, 2025

I have been a friend of Joe´s since I was sixteen years old. During our high school years we shared many wonderful experiences. We have kept up with each other through the different ages and stages of our lives. Joe dedicated his brilliant mind and loving spirt to his career, his family and many friends. He will be sorely missed by so many of us.

Jack & Marcia Fyfe

January 21, 2025

So sad to hear this news Carolyn. We send our sincere sympathy and love.

Phil Horton

January 14, 2025

Joe was a loyal friend for 65 years. His impressive career comes as no surprise to me. A great loss to family, friends and the country. Phil Horton

Vanna

January 13, 2025

So many memories of being out with our families hiking and it seems like Joe was always smiling on those hikes, and talking about something both intellectually and emotionally engaging. This photo of him, captures that so well!