Ramon R. Joseph, M.D., of Sun City West, Arizona, and Emeritus Professor of Medicine at University of Michigan, transitioned peacefully in his sleep on February 17, 2016 at the age of 85. Born in New York City, he was the son of Helen and Felix Joseph. He was married to Mary Ann (Kowalchik) Joseph for 50 years until she passed away in 2006. They had three children, Ricardo George, Maria Ann, and Lisa Marie.
Dr. Joseph received a B.S. degree from Manhattan College, New York. After receiving his M.D. from Cornell University and a fellowship in gastroenterology, Dr. Joseph became a Professor of Medicine at the University of Michigan, Assistant Dean, and Chief of Medicine at the Wayne County General Hospital. Dr. Joseph’s professional biography is in Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who’s Who in Science and Engineering. He published numerous scientific papers, established free clinics for indigent patients, and coauthored the K-12 curriculum for education on drug abuse in Michigan.
In Sun City West, Dr. Joseph was a member of Advent Episcopal Church where he served as Vestry member, Senior Warden, and created a Patient Advocacy Ministry
through which he helped countless parishioners and others with various medical issues. Having a lifelong love of ballroom dancing and gourmet cooking, he shared his many talents and phenomenal meals with friends. Late in his life, he made his theatrical
debut as a singer and actor in Theatre West, was a member of HandiCapables, and the Beardsley fitness facility.
He leaves a son, Dr. Ricardo Joseph, M.D. of Michigan, and two daughters: Maria Thompson of Michigan and Lisa Benson of Florida: daughter-in-law, Heather Joseph; son-in-law Dr. Levi Thompson, Ph.D. and son-in-law Dr. Robert Benson, M.D.: a brother, Francisco Ronaldo Joseph of California; half brothers: Felix R Joseph Rodas, Alberto M Joseph Rodas, Jose E Joseph Rodas and a half sister, Gisela (Techi) Joseph Rodas of Dossey; and six adored grandchildren: Marissa Elena Thompson, Alexandra Marie Joseph, Christian Ramon Benson, Sabrina Elise Thompson, Nicholas Ramon Joseph, and Camille Lauren Benson. He also leaves behind a former wife, Karen Moran and her son, David Moran. Dr. Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ricardo Carlos Joseph and his wife, Mary Ann Joseph.
Always a physician, scholar and a gentleman, Dr. Joseph was first and foremost a family man. He will be well remembered by nieces and nephews, cousins, friends, colleagues, patients and students that he touched along his life journey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Advent Episcopal Church, 13150 Spanish Garden Dr., Sun City West, AZ, 85375 or to Manhattan College, Manhattan College Parkway, Riverdale, NY, 10471.
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