Charles Lynn Joseph

Charles “Chuck” Lynn Joseph, 70, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday, July 13, 2023 at his home in Decatur, NY. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 18 at the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home,155 Main St. Worcester, followed by a meal at the Worcester Fire Department.

Chuck was born to the late Charles and Rita Joseph of Potterville, MI on January 8, 1953. A passion for science led Chuck to a Bachelor of Science from Michigan State University in 1977 and a Ph.D. in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado in 1985. He did his post-doc at Princeton University and became an associate scientist at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. In 1996 he became an Associate Professor at Rutgers University who did research with NASA. As an advocate for sustainability, he was an early adopter of rooftop photovoltaic solar panels for his house.

Around Christmas, he dressed as Santa and handed out candy canes to children. His enthusiasm for science was contagious and he often volunteered to teach, spreading his love of science to others. He had a silly sense of humor and loved to joke and laugh. He enjoyed the natural world, poetry, and writing. In his retirement, he moved to Decatur, NY and spent time at the Worcester Inn, gardened, and was a fun, playful, and loving grandfather. He was a dedicated father who cared deeply for his children and wanted to make the world a better place.

Chuck is survived by his children, Mel and Sam and their wives, Michelle McGowan and Laurel Balog; grandkids, Jonathan and Aria; ex-wife, Kathryn Joseph; sisters, Kathy Joseph and Julie (husband Jim) Robertson; nephews, James, Jeremy, Jacob and their wives and children. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Worcester Fire Department, 36 Church St., Worcester, NY 12197; Worcester Emergency Squad, 36 Church St., Worcester, NY 12197; or the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church St., Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Condolences may be sent to the family at hellerskinnerfh.com.