Joseph S. Birdsall, Jr.

Joseph Steelman Birdsall, Jr., 81, of Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2024. 

Born on September 13, 1943, to Joseph and Mary (née Ramsey) Birdsall, he grew up in the Frankford section of Philadelphia. 

Joseph graduated from Dobbins-Randolph Vocational Technical School in 1963, where he captained both the baseball and football teams. He continued his education at Gallaudet University, majoring in English Language and Literature. 

Joseph returned home, during his freshman year at Gallaudet, to care for his mother after the unexpected passing of his father. During this time, he embarked on a long and fulfilling career at Sperry UNIVAC’s global headquarters in Blue Bell, PA. He worked through the Company’s transition to Burroughs Corporation and later Unisys, retiring in the 1990’s, after decades of service. 

Known for his friendly and helpful nature, Joseph was a beloved colleague and friend, always ready to lend a hand or bring a smile to someone’s face. His passion for sports extended beyond his school years, as he was an active member of the company’s softball team and local bowling leagues. Even after retirement, he continued to play softball and enjoyed staying active at the gym. 

In his retirement, Joseph found a new passion in teaching American Sign Language and offering support to students, and their parents, at the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf for over 20 years. His passion for language and helping others reflected his generous spirit and love for the community. He was also a very active member within the Deaf community and was a member of several organizations, including the International Catholic Deaf Association for the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and the Hebrew Association of the Deaf Philadelphia.

He cherished his many friends and spending time with his mother, children, and grandchildren, often sharing his love for Philadelphia sports, especially the Phillies, with them. 

Joseph Steelman Birdsall, Jr. will be remembered for his warmth, his dedication to family and community, and his passion for sports. 

He is survived by his two sons, Joseph (Sarah) Birdsall and Michael (Shannon) Birdsall; and his six beloved grandchildren, Ava, Sadie, Michael, Joseph, Charlie, and Eleanor.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 6:00-8:00 PM Thursday, October 17, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 1627 West Chester Pike, West Chester, PA 19382 and 10:00-11:00 AM Friday at SS Simon & Jude Church, 8 Cavanaugh Ct., West Chester, PA followed by his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM. Burial will be private. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory, can be made directly to The Pennsylvania School for the Deaf https://psd.org/donate/.