Joseph D. Kimball

On December 30, 2015 Joseph Daniel Kimball, age 51, died after an all-too brief battle with multiple myeloma. Born in Syracuse, NY on December 20, 1964, Joe was the third child of Richard M. and Joanne M. (O'Sullivan) Kimball. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Wadhams Hall Seminary College in Ogdensburg, NY and served a year in the United States Air Force Reserve Chaplain Candidates program. Following his service, he attended St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore on a path to ordination to the Catholic priesthood. There, he earned a Master of Arts degree in Theology. Redirecting his vocational calling to teaching, Joe attended Binghamton University in NY, where he earned a Master of Art in English. Thus armed with two Master of Arts degrees, Joe taught English and Religion at Rome Catholic High School in Rome, NY. He returned to Baltimore in 1993, teaching English at Patterson High School and coaching the junior varsity and varsity softball teams. In 1998, he was hired for his first dream job at Catonsville High School, where he taught English and Theater. In 2002 he was awarded Catonsville Rotary's Teacher of the Year. In 2010, Joe was offered his second dream job as English and Theater teacher at Towson High School. He was writing his reflections and theories on teaching at the time of his death. A keen sports fan, Joe was dedicated to the teams of Boston: the Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Boston Bruins. He enjoyed watching Premier League and World Cup soccer and Syracuse University's basketball and lacrosse teams, and just about any game played a ball, puck, bat, or stick. He spent one season as an usher for the Baltimore Ravens and six seasons as an usher for the Baltimore Orioles, making the Event Staff All-Star team in 2003. Joe had an encyclopedic knowledge of English and Irish literature, sports history and statistics, Catholic theology, theater and performing arts. Himself an actor, Joe's favorite roles include Feste the clown from Twelfth Night, for which he composed the melodies for the character's songs, and Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar. A gifted tenor, Joe was a 21 year member with the Contemporary Choir at St. Pius X, a 20 year member of Amhranai na Gaeilge (the Irishman's Chorale), and the lead tenor in the Irish folk band, Baile ti Mor. He was also a long-time subscriber to Center Stage in Baltimore, seldom missing a performance. Joe was a dedicated father and husband, a loyal son and brother, a life-changing teacher, and a constant friend. He is survived by his wife, Amy K. (Presser) and his sons Linus and Eamon, both students at the Cromwell Valley Elementary Magnet School. He is also survived by siblings Robert (May) Kimball, Richard Kimball, William (Judy) Kimball, Sheila Kimball (Paul Piasio) and Mary (Shawn) Griffin; an aunt, Ada Buffington and many nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends at the Ruck Towson Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 York Road (beltway exit 26) on Thursday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church on Saturday at 10 AM. Interment private. www.ruckfuneralhomes.com Current and former students of Mr. Kimball's are invited to wear school colors or insignia. In lieu of flowers, friends are invited to consider contributing to the Joseph D. Kimball Memorial Fund in support of Joe's sons, c/o Wells Fargo, 989 Fairmount Ave, Towson, MD 21204 (attn. Jeremy R. Blum) or to a charitable cause of their choice.