Dr. Richard I. Joseph, of Kensington, Maryland, passed away on Monday, Apr. 21, at the age of 88. He is survived by his loving children, Dr. Rebecca J. Joseph, Matthew (Rachel) Joseph and Dr. Deborah Joseph (Ian Lylen); and his beloved grandchildren, Naomi Rose Joseph and Benjamin Samuel Joseph.

He was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Naomi Joseph and his beloved wife of 58 years, Miriam (Mimi) Silbert Joseph. A first-generation college student, Richard received his B.S. in physics from City College of New York and a PhD in physics from Harvard University.

After working in the research division at the Raytheon Company, Richard spent more than 40 years at The Johns Hopkins University, ultimately becoming the inaugural Jacob Suter Jammer Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

He was also a part-time staff member at the Applied Physics Laboratory. Richard proudly authored and co-authored more than 100 research papers.

His areas of specialty included electromagnetic theory, applied mathematics and solid state physics. He drafted his most recent paper in 2024.

“He was always a beacon — a man who knew how to navigate between his family and friends, and his calling to science,” wrote Demetrios Christodoulides, University of Southern California, Steven and Kathryn Sample Chair in Engineering, and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Physics and Astronomy.

Richard was a devoted husband to Miriam, and the two went on numerous adventures to national and international theatre and arts festivals, Johns Hopkins Men’s Lacrosse Games, and their children’s and grandchildren’s different life events.

From picking up Rebecca after late night play rehearsals to biking 100 miles across Maryland with Matthew to eating Knoxville barbecue with Deborah, Richard would do anything for and with his family.

Richard took over all the family cooking early in his marriage with Miriam, and he fed not only his family, but also legions of graduate students, relatives, and dozens of his children’s friends. His family still enjoys his recipes and value family dinners.

Richard supported his children’s educational and life journeys generously and with 100 percent emotional unwavering support.

Contributions in his memory may be sent to the American Physics Society, One Physics Ellipse, College Park, MD 20740.