Obituary of Joseph Gelb

Joseph Gelb, 86, a lifelong resident of Stamford, passed away at Stamford Hospital on August 23, 2023. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on January 27, 1937, to Harry and Minnie Gelb. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Miriam, his daughter Marcia Rutstein (Jeff), son Howard Gelb (Beth) and his grandchildren David Rutstein, Jillian Rutstein, Matthew Gelb and Jacob Gelb. He is also survived by his sister, Arlene Gelb Kamarata and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his stepfather Morris Liebling, and his sister Rita Gelb Rosen. 

Joe was an army veteran and a member of the Stamford Jewish War Veterans, who annually drove his 1966 Mustang in the local Veterans Day parade. He became a Bar Mitzvah at his synagogue, Congregation Agudath Sholom and remained a devoted and active lifelong member. He began his career at I&L Sales serving small local grocery stores, later worked for American National Candy and Tobacco, and then owned his own driving service for over 25 years. Joe could often be seen walking the path around Cove Island Park where he would meet old and new friends with a smile. Always willing to share a good joke, he was the unofficial “mayor” of Stamford, helping the Stamford Historical Society in their efforts to document the city’s history. He regularly invited people into his home to share a meal, especially for the Jewish holidays.

The Funeral will take place at Congregation Agudath Sholom on Friday, August 25th at 10:30 AM with burial following at the Agudath Sholom Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Hebrew Free Burial Association, Congregation Agudath Sholom or the American Cancer Society.

Services are under the care of Thomas M. Gallagher Funeral Home located at 104 Myrtle Ave. Stamford, CT 06902. For online condolences please visit Gallagherfuneralhome.com