Dr. Joseph Shoss

Dr. Joseph (Joe) Shoss, age 96, passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, in Houston, TX, surrounded by his loved ones. Born to Becky and Max Shoss on July 26, 1927, Joe grew up with his three brothers above his family’s dry goods store on Canal Street in Houston. After graduating from San Jacinto High School at age 16, he attended Rice University year-round during the day and University of Houston at night, while also working at his parents’ store. He graduated from Baylor Medical School with a medical degree at age 21. In 1949, Joe married Ann Gelman and they traveled together across the United States during his medical training. Joe completed his internship in Detroit, followed by a pediatric residency in St. Louis, Missouri. They then moved to California where Joe worked in Los Angeles as a senior pediatric resident and in Victorville on the George Air Force Base as a pediatrician. Upon returning to Houston in 1954, Joe practiced pediatrics for 52 years. During these years, he was Chief of Pediatrics at St. Joseph’s Hospital, an initial member of the Texas Children’s Hospital medical staff, Vice President of the Texas Children’s Hospital general staff, and Chief of Pediatrics at Sharpstown General Hospital. He will always be remembered for his devotion to the care of his patients. Joe played an active role in the Houston community. He enjoyed many years of racquetball, and was a dedicated fan of local sports teams. He was an active member at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, serving on the Board of Trustees and participating in many other synagogue activities. Joe and Ann were happily married for 52 years until her passing in 2001. Together they raised three children: Connie, Stan and Jeanne. More than anything else, Joe loved his family and had immense pride in his three children, nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, and, of course, his beloved dogs. Joe married Constance Koslin in 2004, and was blessed with another extended family. He and Constance spent eighteen happy years together. Joe was a warm, caring person and the ultimate caretaker, putting everyone else’s needs ahead of his own. Joe is preceded in death by his parents, Max and Becky Shoss, his brothers Isadore (Beverly) and Milton Shoss (Jane), and his sister-in-law Bess Wishnow (Harry). He is survived by his brother, Samuel Shoss (Karen). Joe is also survived by his three children: Connie Dotan (Douglas), Stanford Shoss (Jan), Jeanne Rubin (Jay); nine grandchildren: Greg Gerstenhaber (Courtney), Julie Wade (Reid), Lindsay Seruya (Daniel), Jeffrey Shoss (Hannah), Bradley Shoss (Mindy), Jessica Shoss, Brian Rubin (Elizabeth), Robyn Pecora (Austin), Robert Rubin (Katerina); and fifteen great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. A very special thank you to Jackie Collier, his wonderful caretaker and companion, and to the facilities of Brookdale Galleria Senior Living and Brazos Towers at Bayou Manor for providing excellent care. A service will be held at Beth Yeshurun Post Oak Cemetery, Bender Chapel (7445 Awty School Ln, Houston, TX 77055) on Wednesday, October 11th at 2PM CDT. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or Jewish Family Services. A livestream of the service will be available at the following link: https://venue.streamspot.com/f8d04b5b

Dr. Joseph Shoss

July 26, 1927 - October 7, 2023