Joseph Bass

05/27/1956 - 01/12/2025

Joseph S. Bass, a retired computer industry executive who worked in electronic commerce, died peacefully at his home in Olney, Maryland on January 12, 2025, at the age of 68.

As co-founder and Vice President of Washington Publishing Company, Joe played a pivotal role in establishing and sustaining the company as a leading publisher of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) standards adopted by key industry groups. He cultivated and managed critical relationships with influential organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute, the Association of American Railroads, Ocean Carriers, the Uniform Code Council, and the Data Interchange Standards Association. Joe's leadership was instrumental in overseeing daily operations, ensuring client satisfaction, and driving the company's success from inception. Later, Joe contracted with the Office of Naval Research to educate and support colleges, universities, and other institutions in the use of Electronic Funds Transfers (EFT).

Joe was also an excellent chef, having started his culinary career as the manager of the Family Fish House in Gaithersburg, and then as the Director of Catering at the Gaithersburg Marriott. After transitioning to the computer industry, he never lost his love of cooking. He ran his own catering business on the side for many decades, catering events big and small for family and friends.

Joe was born in Washington, DC. He grew up in Wheaton and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1974. He was a member of Shaare Tefila Congregation in Olney, Maryland. Joe is survived by his wife of 36 years, Judith S. Bass, his children, Jaclyn Vincent of Burtonsville, Heather McGrath of Olney, Jonathan (Samantha) Bass of Bethesda, siblings Sherry Bass of San Francisco, Abby (Craig) Napoli of New Orleans, and Steven (Margaret) Bass of Seattle, and two grandchildren, Natalie Vincent, 13 and Ronin McGrath, 8.

Services will be held at 12 p.m., Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Congregation Shaare Tefila, 16620 Georgia Avenue, Olney, MD 20832. Interment to follow at Judean Memorial Gardens, 16225 Batchellors Forest Rd, Olney, MD 20832. Shiva will be held Wednesday through Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Bass residence. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joe's memory may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or the Christopher Reeve Foundation. Professional services entrusted to Sagel Bloomfield Danzansky Goldberg Funeral Care.