, 59, passed away Sunday, March 7, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Colleen Murray, and two sisters, Michelle Bronersky and Suzanne Valente of Michigan.
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and raised in Livonia, Michigan, Joseph received a presidential scholarship to attend the University of Tampa. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and vice president of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society. He graduated in 1983 with a B.S. in Marine Biology and Biology. He also received a certificate in aquaculture from Hillsborough Community College in 1999.
Formerly an open water diver and a past volunteer for the Florida Aquarium’s educational outreach program, Joseph spent the majority of his professional career in the ornamental fish industry. He worked for Aquatica Tropicals for 16 years. Before his illness, Joseph was actively involved in his parish of St. Patrick’s as a Sunday school teacher and a lector.
A funeral service will be held at St. Patrick’s, Tampa, on Thursday, March 11 at 11:00 a.m., with a 10:30 visitation prior. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society in care of St. Patrick’s Church; Metropolitan Ministries; or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.