Louis M. Joseph
November 30, 2015

JOSEPH, LOUIS M.: On Monday, November 30, 2015; Beloved son of Jay and Annabelle (Sachs) Joseph. Loving brother of Leslie (Fred) Bonci. Uncle of Gregory Bonci (Jackie Haker) and Cary Bonci, Nephew of Marcia Grodin and Herbert (Roslyn) Sachs. Lou was a highly skilled Bridge player with the rank of Gold Life Master. He was past president of the Pittsburgh Bridge Association. Lou and his father Jay were in the plumbing and heating supply business. Services at Ralph Schugar Chapel, Inc., 5509 Centre Avenue, Shadyside on Thursday, December 3, 2015 at 1 PM. Visitation one hour prior to Services (12 Noon - 1 PM). Interment Tree of Life Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice. www.schugar.com

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Just got word of Lou\'s passing, there is a loss of a great person and a friend to everyone he met. I am sure the Pittsburgh Bridge community will sorely miss his leadership and presence at the table. My condolences to his family and close friends.

By Bob Finstad - December 09, 2015

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We are both saddened to hear of Lou's passing. Our deepest sympathy is yours. He will sadly be missed by all of us who played bridge with him.

By Steven & Barbara Grzegorzewski - December 04, 2015

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Back in 1989 I was new to the duplicate bridge scene and had just begun playing in the novice game at the PBA in Oakland. After playing with a co-worker of mine every Friday night for several months, Lou and I agreed to play in one of the instant matchpoint games where an entire gold point was available. Well, Lou and I didn’t win any gold that night, but I sure did win gold in the long run: a golden partner and friend that is. Lou and I quickly became regular partners and began playing together and traveling to tournaments to earn our gold cards. There was nothing like playing and traveling with Lou. He was a delight both at and away from the table. Our driving time was spent reviewing conventions and every possible combination of bids in our system. He would always have some Broadway music or A Prairie Home Companion on the stereo, and the drives were almost as enjoyable as the bridge itself. Over the years he became my favorite partner. He was such a delight, with a keen wit, gentle assuredness and an uplifting demeanor that was contagious. Over the years I saw him grow into one of the shining stars of the unit and district. He offered so much of himself in so many ways. Everyone looked up to him and he was gracious in victory and defeat. He would make me laugh so hard, sometimes without even trying. One of the funniest moments was early in our partnership when at a tournament an older gentleman passed his wife’s strong opening 2 Club bid (because he had clubs!) I got a fit of the giggles and couldn’t stop laughing. Lou, in his attempt to save me from embarrassment, tried to explain my behavior by stating that “He and I had done that once, too.” That only caused me to lose it even more, and I had to leave the table under the guise of getting water because I was choking so hard with laughter. Lou and I had many successes together and were lucky enough to represent the district on more than one occasion in both the Grand National Teams and the North American Pairs. I know how lucky I was to have been his partner, but that doesn’t numb the terrible loss I feel in losing such a one-of-a-kind partner and friend. I will always remember his gentle spirit, sharp mind, and generosity. Bridge for me will never be the same. I’ll miss you, Lou. Thanks for being the best partner a bridge player could ever have.

By Joe Velardita - December 03, 2015

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Our sympathy to you. Lou was known by us through bridge. He was our teacher and friend and we will miss him, especially since he left us too soon.

By Carole Shanahan & William Seran - December 03, 2015

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I started playing bridge a few years ago, and Lou was a part of welcoming me into the bridge community. He was always friendly and always cracking jokes either at the table or as an emcee. He will be missed.

By Marla Slusky - December 03, 2015

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My dear friend...you will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved you. Monday nights will never be the same without you across the dinner table wherever we dined. You will never be forgotten for your generosity, sence of humor, bridge knowledge, and for taking such good care of my cat. Till we meet again...know how much you were loved.

By Sue McQuillan - December 03, 2015

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I loved Lou, and I am truly saddened by his passing. He was too young, and had so much more to contribute to this world. My beloved husband died on Thanksgiving day, so please forgive my not paying my respects. It is still too painful. My sincere condolences to the Joseph family. Barbara Abraham

By Barbara Abraham - December 03, 2015

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Richard and I are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Lou Joseph. He taught us to play bridge. He was the most kind and helpful man. How very sad that he will no longer be with us. Our deepest sympathy to his family. Olive Verbit

By Our Deepest Sympathy - December 03, 2015

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We are so sorry to hear of this and remember Louie as a smiling happy child. With deepest sympathy, Gail and Carol

By Gail Sachs and Carol Sachs Weisman - December 02, 2015

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A minutes ago I received this sad notice, that Louis Joseph passed away last November 30. Ours condolences to Annabelle and Jay, from Santiago de Chile, Silvia Contreras and family.

By Silvia Contreras and family - December 02, 2015

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Please accept my sincere sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

By Leisel Locke Lengyel - December 02, 2015

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Leslie my heart just aches for you and your family, at the sudden loss of your brother. May the memories you shared bring you some peace and solace. Sending big hugs and lots of love to you and your family.

By Susan Whitacre - December 02, 2015

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So very sorry for your loss. I knew Lou from playing Bridge. He taught me and I also played with him at the same table on occasion. He was extremely knowledgeable, helpful and kind.

By Carol Nathenson - December 02, 2015

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Please accept our sincere condolences.

By Jane & Alan Bress - December 02, 2015

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Lou, you were a joy to me and many with your great smile and quick wit. You were a good bridge teacher, a good writer and a good guy all the way around. I miss you very much.

By Mary Lou D'Altorio - December 02, 2015

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Very sorry to hear this news. Thank you for your advice at the bridge table, and heartfelt condolences to your family.

By George Small and Linda Fried - December 02, 2015

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Dee and I are greatly saddened by the loss of Lou. He was a great friend and bridge partner. We played together regularly once a month for several years and I looked forward to our games eagerly. He had a quick wit and a great sense of humor and always kept me laughing at the bridge table. I will miss him tremendously as will the Pittsburgh bridge world who he gave endlessly of his time. Rest in peace my friend. Being in Florida, I am sorry I cannot be there to mourn with your friends and family but rest assured my our thoughts and prayers are with you.

By Alan Lefcort and Dolores Ikach-Lefcort - December 01, 2015

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Wow, what a loss to our bridge community! Even players who didn\'t know him, knew of him because of his years of governing, teaching, and writing the local bridge newsletter. He will be missed by all of us.

By Sue Golier - December 01, 2015

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I am heartbroken that Lou has left us. He was a wonderful human being who gave us the gift of laughter. He was so smart, and a most loyal friend. His ability to help us see the lighter side of life even in difficult circumstances was a treasured gift. Oh, how we will miss him.

By Laurel Johnson - December 01, 2015

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