Joseph Louis Silberberg

On Wednesday September 9, 2020, Joseph Louis Silberberg, passed away at the age 61. “Joe” was born on March 2, 1959 in Washington, DC to Robert and Georgia Silberberg and grew up in Great Falls, Virginia. He graduated from Langley High School in 1977 where he developed a passion for soccer, and played on world travel embassy teams. As a teenager, Joe was on the top travel team for his age - the Annandale Red Raiders. His team competed around the U.S., Canada, and Europe. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Materials Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Joe was a skilled framing carpenter and well known for his custom workmanship throughout the Washington area. He had a sharp eye for the architectural aesthetic and his work was featured in the Washington Post. He also created handcrafted musical harps and gifts with his wood-working skills. Joe had a great passion for his loved ones. He phoned members of his family and friends on their birthdays and special occasions every year. He was loved for his compassion, his great sense of humor and the interesting stories he told. Joe had a passion for life, many times, he would be the “subject” of the humorous stories. He was nicknamed by the Sproesser nieces “Funcle Joe” because he was so much fun to be around. Joe will be greatly missed by his friends and all who knew him and his heart of gold. He took comfort in living on the Patuxent River, and enjoyed nights at the round table savoring the view, discussing politics and enjoying a lively debate. Joe loved music, especially Mozart. He was just as happy sitting on a bale of hay at a festival watching the Seldom Scene and Bill Monroe as he was sporting a tuxedo at the Kennedy Center. Throughout his lifetime Joe played the Silver Flair trumpet in Langley High School’s Funny Hat Band and Mr. Horan’s nationally renowned jazz lab. He loved playing Earth Wind & Fire songs, especially “September” which he called a “tasty tune”. In 1995, he met the love of his life, Jeannie Sproesser. Together they enjoyed adventure, travel, nature and every day love, never taking for granted the wonderful life they were making together. Joe was preceded in death by his father Robert. He is survived by his loving fiancé, Paula Jean Sproesser, his mother, Georgia Silberberg, his sisters, Mary Rosenthal, Teresa Agre, and Catherin Tezcan, his four brothers, Frank, Vince, Jim and Tom Silberberg, and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Joe’s remains will be placed in Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton, Maryland. A Catholic service and Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when all family members can be together at once.

Joseph Louis Silberberg

March 2, 1959 - September 9, 2020