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Joseph Waisgerber Jr.

Passed 01/31/2022

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Obituary For Joseph Waisgerber Jr.

Surrounded by his family, Joseph Waisgerber Jr. of Rockland passed away peacefully on January 31, 2022 at the age of 90. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mary Lee (Estes), children Stephen Waisgerber and his wife Susan of Marshfield, Carol Jo Seidel and her husband Geoffrey of Scituate, and Peter Waisgerber and his wife Kathy of Ashland, and his five grandchildren Anna Waisgerber, Griffin Seidel, Joseph Waisgerber, Curtis Waisgerber and Allison Seidel. Born on May 29, 1931 in New York City, he was the son of Josyf and Anna (Gadja) Waisgerber, immigrants from eastern Europe who came to the USA in 1912 and 1914 respectively. Joseph was the youngest of six children and predeceased by his parents, and siblings Mary, John, Marion, Peter, and William. He was raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, lived through the Great Depression, came of age in World War II, saw his two older brothers go off to war in Europe and the Pacific, was the first in his family to receive a college degree (University of New Hampshire, 1953), served in the Air Force from 1954 to 1956, and survived the last polio epidemic. While he was not old enough to be in the Greatest Generation (like his siblings), and too old to be a Baby Boomer (like his children), nonetheless, given the time that he grew up, he was more of a “Great Boomer”as he lived his life with the passion of service and the hope of a better world. In 1958, he married Mary Lee and in 1961 they moved to her childhood home in Rockland where they have lived ever since and it became his adopted community. They raised three children in a loving home, providing them with the ability to live a life better than his own. For 35 years, he spent his career at Rockland High School as a math teacher, coach, guidance counselor, and director of the Guidance Department. His impact on the Rockland community was profound and real. Many, many times, while out in the community, his students from the 1960’s to the 1990’s would come up to him and say, “Mr. Waisgerber, you were my math teacher”, “As my guidance counselor, you gave me direction” and “you made a difference in my life.” His children grew used to and took great pride in hearing from their peers how wonderful their dad was. He took great satisfaction in being a teacher; he loved his school and town and was loved in return. He cherished his grandchildren and revelled in the time with them at their endeavors, taking great delight in watching them grow into young men and women. He was a great listener and booster for all that they did. Above all, he was a wonderful husband, an incredible father and grandfather, a great friend, very well-read, a bit opinionated, had impeccable timing in telling a joke, empathetic, hard working and kind to all that he came to know. He never failed to forget from where he came, for he knew that hard work was both satisfying and expected, and he was smart enough to know that change was a very important part of happiness. His friendships were unconditional. His family was most essential. His time learning about the world around him satisfied his curiosity. His smile lit up the room. His conversation made those around him think. His enthusiasm for life made us appreciate what we all had. Early in his adulthood, Joseph developed a passion for woodcarving, painting, drawing and nature. For 60 years he hand-carved eagles and decoys, painted and drew natural scenes, and spread his carved pineapples, ornaments, and signs throughout the region. He sold his Americana from his studio and at art shows. He shared his passion, and taught a generation of men and women to carve through continuing education courses in town. In retirement, he was prolific in his craft and it allowed him to see the beauty in the world. In so many ways, he was a renaissance man, so full of wonder and creativity, always interested in what was possible and able to make people feel welcome and hopeful. Simply, he lived a wonderful and productive life; one that was worthy of emulation. Visiting hours will be on Tuesday February 8 from 4:00pm to 7:00 at Magoun Biggins Funeral Home in Rockland. Visiting hours guests will respectfully be asked to wear masks. Private service will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Rockland Education Foundation (rocklandeducationfoundation.org).

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Condolences

  • 02/10/2022

    Pamela Delaney

    so many great memories of Mr, Waisgerber.. The day he came into class and asked us to give him directions on how to take off his jacket. We had him wrapped like a pretzel and were not close to getting that jacket off. A great lesson on how to give clear and concise directions. Another day he came into class and this was probably in 1961 and asked us who would pay for TV or water in a bottle. We were like why would anyone do pay for free TV and free water? He was ahead of his time... I hope he invested in Poland Springs. And he was a great math teacher. I loved him. Pam Fiaschetti Delaney RHS class 1966

  • 02/08/2022

    Michelle Cunniff

    Sending our love and condolences to the Waisgerber family. We will all remember Mr. Waisgerber's ever present welcoming smile. Peace to all. The Mellor Family

  • 02/07/2022

    Phil Shanahan

    Peter, Steve, Carol, Mrs. Waisgerber and all of your families - I am so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Wais was always so kind, caring and welcoming, whether at RHS or in your home. Although I will not be able to be there at his services, please know that I'm sending peace, love and comfort from Alaska. Phil Shanahan

  • 02/06/2022

    Chrissy

    You Always had a smile on your face and kind words of encouragement. You made it easier to deal with the awkward teen years. Rest in peace Chrissy Connors Class of 84

  • 02/06/2022

    Doris Burns Nelson

  • 02/05/2022

    William Clifford Paulding

    To the Waisgerber family my deepest sympathy to your family on your loss Joe was a man who was always there to help you. Great man will surely be missed. Bill Paulding Kathleen B Paulding Boylston

  • 02/05/2022

    Frank Sheputa

    My deepest condolences to the Waisgerber family. Joe was a great mentor and friend. I cherish my many conversations with him and I was grateful being able to see and talk with him during the yard sale, a few months back. I will always remember Joe as a sweet kindhearted man. I not only enjoyed learning woodcarving from him, but also listening to the many stories that he told the woodcarving classes. I think what made Joe so special was that he was always willing to learn something new, even from the people that he was teaching. Joe help me be a better person, as I am sure that he has done for so many others. I will always cherish my memories of Joe each time I look at the items that he has made or the ones he helped me worked on. Frank Sheputa & Family

  • 02/05/2022

    Rena Shea

    My sincerest condolences to the entire Waisgerber Family. Joe and I spent many years together not only as educators but friends. My prayers to you all. Rena Shea

  • 02/04/2022

    Anthony Chiulli

    Peter and family, My deepest condolences to you and your family. Anthony Chiulli & Family

  • 02/04/2022

    Debbie (McConn) Morse

    Sincere condolences for the entire Waisgerber Family. Our prayers are with you. Mr. Waisgerber was a true mentor at RHS. He will be missed by all. Rest in peace.

  • 02/03/2022

    Steve Fernandez

    Mr Waisgerber was a great influence and mentor for me as a student at RHS and beyond. Me and the entire Fernandez family offer our condolences and sympathies to the Waisgerber family. God Bless You Mr. Wais Steve Fernandez and the Fernandez Family

  • 02/03/2022

    robert mitchell

    I had the great privilege of helping paint Mr. and Mrs. Waisberger's house 3 years ago with my brothers Chuck, Steve(Mitchell Painting) and Michael...what an inspiring couple both the nicest genuine soulful people you could ever meet...we all got a beautiful bird wood sculpture (priceless) when we finished...RIP Mr. Waisberger Kathy and Bob Mitchell

  • 02/03/2022

    Howie Reske

    Mr. Waisgerber was not just our Guidance Counselor and Teacher but he was a mentor. To myself and June. He will be sorely missed. June and Howie Reske Jr.

  • 02/03/2022

    Dianne Marie Stewart

    Sending you all my prayers. Mr. Waisgerber is always part of my memories growing up in Rockland. I smile knowing I had the pleasure of his guidance, teaching in Math class or him, just being nice, being him. God bless & Rest-In-Peace.

  • 02/03/2022

    Don Hussey (From Florida)

    My sincerest condolenced to the Waisgerber family. Joe was a very special guifance director, teacher and friend. He would always greet me with his enormous smile and a " Hey Huzz, how's it going, or something similar.. He was truly a gentleman and a scholar, and mostly a friend. He'll surely be missed.

  • 02/03/2022

    Susan eastman

    My condolences to the Weisgerber family. Joseph Weisgerber was my guidance counselor at RHS. Such a kind man he was too. very empathetic and always seemed to be so enthusiastic about his pupils accomplishments. Rest In Peace. Susan leary Eastman RHS 1968

  • 02/03/2022

    Jon Simons

    While I did not know Mr. Waisgerber, I see his character and compassion through his son Peter. My love and prayers for the entire family.

  • 02/03/2022

    Kathleen (Pearson) Dorman

    My deepest sympathy to the family. He will be greatly missed. Kathleen (Pearson) Dorman

  • 02/03/2022

    Emily A Strong

    Weisgerber Family: Mary Lee, Steve (and family), Carol Jo (and family), Peter (and family) so sorry for your loss - but your wonderful memories surely will put a smile on your face when you think of Uncle Joe. Have fond memories of visiting with Marion and Stan sitting around the table talking and later visiting Marion when she visited you. Uncle Joe was truly a renaissance man - he was so talented in so many ways. You have been so lucky to have him in your lives. Still have his hand-carved Christmas ornaments that I put on my tree, a pineapple that is on display in my kitchen and I gave the Eagle that he carved to Kim and she has it hanging on a wall in her home. Hugs to you all and Smile when you think of Joe!

  • 02/03/2022

    Claudia Bemis Condiff

    A guidance counselor and teacher to myself and two older brothers. Thank you, you will be remembered. Claudia Bemis Condiff class of 1971

  • 02/03/2022

    Ann Shannon

    Thank you for all you have done for Rockland. Well done and God bless.

  • 02/03/2022

    Bill Tanner

    God blesses us with a very special person every once in a while, and our lives are forever changed. I have fond memories of visiting Joe and his family over the years. What a joy. I have been fortunate to have such a special and loving uncle. In our souls, his memory will live forever.

  • 02/03/2022

    Robert D Keane

    Mr. Waisgerber was definitely "One of the Good Ones". He was the type of person who could leave a positive imprint in a life. RIP.

  • 02/02/2022

    Rae Ann ( Walker ) Thompson

    RIP Thank you for always lending an ear and guidance

  • 02/02/2022

    Andrea Kenney Sheehan

    What a wonderful loving n quite a man of honor respect n Integrity. When he walked into a room he let it up and it's children are so loved and respected just like him. Much love and prayers sent to you and the family and his loving wife. With much love, Andrea Kenney Sheehan

  • 02/02/2022

    Ann Marie Feinstein

    To the Waisgerber Family, Sending my sincere condolences . I have such fond memories of Mr. Waisgerber from RHS . Always a soft soul with a big heart & smile for his student who he treated as friends. May he Rest In Peace. With my deepest sympathy, Ann Marie Feinstein

  • 02/02/2022

    Kathleen Botelho Kawa

    To the Waisgerber Family, I have so many fond memories of Mr. Waisgerber, From growing up next door to the MacKinlays, seeing he and Mrs. Waisgerber there, to countless times at RHS, I-was so saddened to hear of his passing. To all of you, I share my most sincere condolences. How nice it was to meet he and Mrs. Waisgerber one day at Butterfield's, pre pandemic. It was so wonderful to stop and chat for a moment. I'm sending you all my prayers and heartfelt condolences. May God give you peace and rest his most kind and loving soul.

  • 02/02/2022

    Dee Chaplin

    know Joe was a special time in all my years working at RHS-always had a smile and a kind word when he saw you-Rest In Peace

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