Joseph Greenberg's Obituary
Joseph Greenberg was a good man from the time he was a boy until the day he died. He was a gentle, kind, thoughtful, and humble man. That’s what anyone who knew him said. He was also an independent, stubborn, and hard working member of “the greatest generation.”Everyone who knew Joe realized that three things mattered most to him: Pittsburgh, ice cream, and, most importantly, family.He lived in Florida and in California, but he said that his only home was Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He retired to Hallandale, Florida, with his wife, Figgy (Annette), because that’s what she wanted. When the love of his life passed in 2007, he moved to California to be near his daughters and sons-in-law: Bell and David Zeidman and Ilene & Tom Falkenstein; and, his grandchildren: Christopher and Lindsey Falkenstein. Although he didn’t return to Pittsburgh, he never considered any other place his home. He watched every Pittsburgh sports team on TV through his last days.Joe was picky about his food, and he would have happily eaten ice cream for every meal. To him, almost everything else was just eating to eat. Eating ice cream was eating to live and enjoy. When people asked how he looked so good at 100 years old, “ice cream” was his answer.Nothing was more important to him than his family. He was the youngest child of Isaac and Dora Greenberg, and brother to Rose, Sylvia, and Fannie. At barely fourteen, he became the man of his house due to his father’s passing. Joe quit school to go to work and help support his mother and sisters.He was the kind of husband and father who consistently put his wife’s and children’s needs above his own. Joe unselfishly and fully demonstrated his love through his deeds and actions more than through words or emotions. He was a quiet, private man of few words. So, when he spoke, everyone listened.His wife of sixty years, Figgy, was the center of his life. People thought he’d never survive without her. However, for a decade, he lived independently in San Mateo, CA. He chose to move into an Assisted Living facility, in Belmont, CA, when he was ninety-eight, mostly because he was tired of doing laundry and cleaning.Joseph Greenberg never stopped missing and loving his wife, Figgy; but, he knew that she wanted him to be there for his children. She lived in his heart forever, and they are buried together at Beth David Memorial Gardens Cemetery, in Hollywood, Florida. He’d have preferred Pittsburgh, of course. Once again, he did what she decided for them.
What’s your fondest memory of Joseph?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joseph?
Share a story where Joseph's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joseph you’ll never forget.
How did Joseph make you smile?