Albany - Joshua Salem passed away at the age of 100 on October 25, 2024. Born on June 30, 1924 in New York City to Albert and Esther (Elhai) Salem, who immigrated from Crete, Greece. Josh grew up in New York City and spoke only the Greek language until he entered grammar school. He attended the High School of Music and Art, graduated from City College of New York (now CUNY) with a degree in electrical engineering, received his master’s degree from Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT), and was one English class short of a second master’s degree from Farleigh Dickinson University. He was a licensed Professional Engineer, attained Toastmaster’s International highest level of Able Toastmaster, and continued his education later in life through Bergen County Community College.

 Josh married Gloria Rosen in 1952, who predeceased him. They moved to Maywood, NJ and subsequently to Paramus, NJ where Josh resided for almost 60 years and raised their children David and Andrew. Josh moved to Albany, NY in his later years following a decline in his health. Josh was a devoted husband and father, relishing time with his family above all else.

 Josh was an electrical engineer who holds one US patent. He worked most of his long career in aerospace engineering for the Kearfott Corporation and successors. Josh was an active and beloved member of his Jewish communities in Paramus and Albany. He enjoyed drawing and painting in his younger years, leaving a legacy of artwork for his family to enjoy, and had a lifelong love of Renaissance art. He was also an avid runner in his younger years and walker in his later years, enjoying his daily walks through his neighborhood always with a warm greeting to those he encountered. Josh liked having conversations in Greek anytime he met someone so inclined. He studied volumes of Judaica and annotated them with handwritten notes. Josh’s love of family and community, his kindness, wisdom and humor will be greatly missed.  

 Josh is survived by his sons David and Andrew (Cheryl), and grandchildren Benjamin Salem, Nikki Salem and Susan Lord. In addition to his wife and parents, Josh was predeceased by his brother Issac and sisters Hannah, Nina and Betty.

 The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the Massry Residence and Daughters of Sarah Nursing Center in Albany for their extraordinary care and compassion.

 A funeral will take place on Sunday, October 27 at 9:00 am at Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Ave. Albany, NY, with an additional funeral at Cedar Park Cemetery in Paramus NJ at 12:30 pm followed by burial.