Fischman, Joseph H.

Joe died peacefully at his apartment on October 5th in Clayton, MO, one day shy of his 88th birthday. Joe bravely battled kidney disease for 14 years with the support of his cherished wife, Caroline.

Joe had two children, Michael and Jeffrey, born in 1954 and 1957, respectively. Joe married Caroline (Gale) Janes, his soulmate and the love of his life, in 1978. They just celebrated their 40th anniversary. Joe was a devoted stepfather to Caroline’s three daughters—Carrie Janes, Valle Janes, and Kelley Janes and beloved father-in-law to Caryn Fischman and Sandra Fischman. Joe was blessed to have 14 grandchildren and one great grandson.

Joe was born on October 6th, 1930 in St. Louis MO to Arthur and Sarah (Mayer) Fischman. In addition to his parents Joe was preceded in death by his first wife Elaine and siblings, Horty, Joan, and Mimi. Joe touched everyone he came in contact with including his first in-laws Julia and Morry Cohen, who loved Joe as if he were their own son.

Joe graduated from Washington University in 1952. He worked with his father and brothers-in-law Mel Mednikow and Dick Simon at the family real estate business for much of his career. Later, he had a happy and successful second career as a vice president managing the real estate holdings of the Medicare-Glaser pharmacies.

As a father, Joe was active in his children’s lives. He was a Little League manager and coach and was active in the Ladue School District, serving on the Ladue District Council and later on the Ladue Board of Education. Joe enjoyed movies with his older son Michael and golf and sports in general with Jeffrey. Joe was an excellent golfer and enjoyed his time out on the course with friends and family members. Joe enjoyed working in Caroline’s antique business, together traveling the Midwest participating in antique shows and running an antiques store in Kirkwood MO.

Joe was widely known for his kindness, sincerity, compassion and creative sense of humor, manifesting in what came to be known as “Joey jokes”. The way he radiated these qualities was instantly apparent to anyone who met Joe.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to The National Kidney Foundation or the charity of your choice.

For now, there are no memorial service plans.