Joseph John Lambert

Joseph J. Lambert III, deeply loved husband, father, brother, uncle, cousin, friend, colleague and mentor, left this life too soon after a brave fight with Lewy Body Dementia.

Born a twin at the younger end of a large, boisterous and loving family in Brightwaters, NY, Joe attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School, St. John the Baptist High School and Boston College. After college, Joe attended Suffolk University Law School, where he served as Editor-in-Chief of the Law Review. Upon graduation he moved to Brooklyn as a Law Clerk at the NYS Appellate Division-Second Department.

Interested in international law, Joe went on to Wolfson College at Cambridge University, where, mentored by Sir Eli Lauterpacht, he obtained both a Master of Laws degree in International Law and Legal Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Law. Joe treasured his Cambridge years, where in addition to studying, he rowed for the Wolfson College Boat Club, and formed life-long friendships. It was also where he was first introduced to Sandra Randle at a gathering of friends.

Upon returning home in 1988, Joe joined the New York office of Dewey Ballantine as an Associate. Shortly thereafter, he reconnected with Sandra, and on their first date they joined thousands of fellow New Yorkers and visitors to welcome Nelson Mandela down Broadway after his release from prison in 1990. Sandra and Joe were married in 1993, and from this loving, cherished relationship grew what he considered to be his proudest shared accomplishment – his sons Jim, Charlie and Mark. Just before his marriage to Sandra, Joe joined Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu, first serving in the international organization, then becoming Deloitte’s Global General Counsel. For 15 years, Joe was a member of the Deloitte Global Management Committee and served as an advisor to its global Board of Directors.

After a rewarding and dynamic career at Deloitte, Joe joined The New York Racing Association (NYRA) as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer & General Counsel. Originally hired to help oversee the re-privatization of NYRA Joe helped implement and mentor a new management team to position NYRA solidly for the future.

Beloved and regarded by colleagues throughout his career for his respect, sharp intellect, quick wit, charm and passion for his work, Joe left an enduring legacy. He had many invaluable mentors during his own academic and professional careers, to whom he was infinitely grateful. In turn, Joe’s nurturing leadership advanced and benefited many younger professionals.

Joe’s faith and commitment to community and family were paramount in his life. Joe found a true home and faithful service at the Oratory Church of St. Boniface in downtown Brooklyn, where he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee and oversaw a period of significant transition. Jim, Charlie and Mark all received their sacraments at St Boniface, where, in addition, Sandra was received into the Catholic Church. Joe also served with Cardinal Dolan on the Archdiocese of New York Committee for Mission Responsibility.

In addition to the loves of his life – Sandra, Jim, Charlie and Mark – Joe is survived by seven brothers and sisters — Mike (Janet), Terry (Jean), Kevin (Janet), Peggy (Mike), Gina (Mitch), his twin Genny (Barry) and Christina Clarke (Brian) — and dozens of nieces and nephews, scores of great nieces and nephews, his cousin Richard Hanley (Edie), the Randle and Hatheway families and many wonderful close friends. We give special thanks for the lives of Joe’s father and mother, Joseph and Genevieve.

We also give thanks for Joe’s caregivers — Amy, Glenn, Kevin, Rey and Jeff — whose support made it possible for Joe to remain at home during his illness with his family, friends and doggies by his side.

Joe was always so grateful for his Carroll Gardens neighborhood – for its wonderful continuity, for the joy of watching not just his own kids grow up, but his nephews and neighbors, for the many friendships born there and for the warmth of the shop owners. Walking the sidewalks of his dear corner of the city and waving to friends sustained Joe in his last years.

We give infinite thanks for the outpouring of care and love from our neighborhood during Joe’s illness. As Joe was in hospice at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx, defying all predictions and farewells, one of his nurses remarked, “I see this man surrounded by so much love that it’s no wonder he doesn’t want to leave.” We are awed by the care and compassion Joe received at Calvary.

Godspeed Joe. We’ll miss you forever.

Please join us in celebrating Joe Lambert’s life. There will be a wake on April 25 from 4-7pm at Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home, 255 9th Street, Brooklyn. A Funeral Mass will be held on April 26th at 10 am at St. Boniface Church, 190 Duffield Street, Brooklyn.

In lieu of flowers or other manifestations of love for Joe, the family kindly invites you to make a donation to The Equal Justice Initiative founded by Bryan Stevenson. https://eji.org/bryan-stevenson/