Joseph Henry Ball, Teacher And Poet
Joseph Henry Ball, Teacher And Poet
Joseph Henry Ball, 63, died July 30 in Tucson, Ariz., surrounded by family.
He is survived by his daughter, Christine Miller and her husband, Konrad, of Newtown, his daughter Katherine Rasey and her husband, Ryan, of Tucson; his sons Christopher Ball of Tucson, James Ball and his wife, Josianne, of Tucson, John Ball and his wife, Carrie, of Cleveland, Ohio, and Robert Ball and his wife, Molly, of Marietta, Ga. His grandchildren are Samantha Williams, Spencer Williams, Karl Miller, Madison Hull, Megan Rasey, Frederick Rasey, and William Ball. The mother of his children, Rebecca Radley Ball of Tucson, also survives him.
He was an incredible man and father known for sarcastic wit, great intelligence, and total devotion to those he loved. He served in the Peace Corps after college and then began a teaching career that spanned more than 30 years, most of which were spent at Staples High School in Westport. He was a published poet (Consider this Man, 1984, Even Photographs Grow Old, 1988, and Imagining You at the Beach Waiting for the Sunrise, 1994; in addition to having poems in more than 50 journals, books, and other publications). He was honored as the NEATE Poet of the Year in 1991. He leaves a legacy of his words to his children and grandchildren.
He loved the sport of soccer and was involved in Newtown soccer for many years.
His life will be celebrated at a family gathering in Tucson. His children would appreciate donations in honor of their father to the American Diabetes Association, c/o Christopher E. Ball, 1273 West Navajo, Tucson AZ 85705.
The Newtown Bee       August 5, 2005