Joel D. Katz, of Chestnut Hill, MA, passed away on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at the age of 88.
Born in Springfield, MA, and grew up in in Brookline, MA, he attended Brookline High School and graduated from Williston Academy. He went on to attend and graduate from Brown University. Joel, along with his brother-in-law, ran the Sidney Goldstein Corporation, a plumbing and heating manufacturers’ representative firm, which later became J-L Sales Company.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Miriam and Herman Katz; his brother, Myron (Mike) Katz; his sister, Elizabeth (Betsy) Daly; and his beloved wife of 43 years, Joanne Goldstein Katz. He is survived by his children: son Howard Katz (Cynthia), daughters Sarah Katz Rose and Emily Katz, daughter Susan Katz Adler (Scott), and sons Jeremy and David. He also leaves behind his longtime companion, Joyce Shufro, and many cherished family members and friends.
A graveside service will be held at Temple Ohabei Shalom Cemetery, 147 Wordsworth Street, East Boston, on Monday, August 18, at 11:00 a.m. Shiva will follow at 2:00 p.m. Levine Chapels, Brookline.
So sorry to learn this. Joel was a devout and serious man. He was loyal to Williston ’54 and central to its every reunion gathering. I will miss his good humor and friendship.
Joel was my very first assigned roommate at Williston. Not a coincidence that we’re both Jewish, you think.
Over the years,Reunions and newsy personal email exchanges were very welcomed. I will miss that. He was a great guy! May his memory be a blessing! Alan Lazarus
I enjoyed my time at Williston with Joel and at our major and mini reunions over the years, particularly the day we spent together last year at Williston as the sole attendees at our 70th class reunion . He will be missed.