Donald K. Joseph

To The Philadelphia Lawyer, Summer 2026

I find it an honor to write about a golden member of the Philadelphia Bar Association, Donald K. Joseph, who died on April 17th after a valiant battle to return to health following a stroke. Don and I met when each was in our early 20s and remained devoted friends for over 50 years. A profound thinker, as well as true Renaissance Man, one of his deepest joys was discussing nuances of the law, as well as novels, poetry, films, plays, where he saw what was invisible to most. AND baseball, where I would nod respectfully, pretending to know what he was talking about.

For brevity, I will omit his numerous honors and tributes, which he would want me to do, for Don Joseph, throughout his life, preferred to work to promote and honor others, not call attention to his countless achievements. With quiet devotion and humility, he enhanced the lives of family members, clients, students, and friends he helped and supported in countless ways throughout the years.

Following graduation from MIT as a physics major, Don entered the Peace Corps, serving in Ghana, and upon returning, entered Penn Law School. Subsequently, he clerked for Maryland Federal Judge, Chief Judge Roszel Thomas, Jr. After 25 years as an attorney at Wolf Block LLP, Don transitioned into academics, becoming a devoted teacher and mentor, inspiring countless students through his keen intelligence, deep caring, and love of the law.

During countless lunches, Don relished the opportunity to speak to me about his “brave, committed, and talented students” (sharing no confidences, of course) as deeply as he loved to speak about his cherished family. Another core passion and commitment was to help non-attorneys (like me) grow aware of the myriad ways the Philadelphia Bar Association enhances the lives of Philadelphians, through legislation, pro bono commitments, and available resources.

To say I will miss Don profoundly does not begin to address the void of his passing. To say the legal community has lost one of your marvelous lights shining in humility and devotion to any work that held his signature can best be described as understatement.

SaraKay Smullens,
LCSW, ACSW, BCD, DCSW, CGP, CFLE, whose private and pro bono clinical social work practice is in Philadelphia, is a certified group psychotherapist and family life educator.