Dr. Joseph Hirsch Escovitz of Yarmouth Port, MA, passed away at the age of 79 on July 7, 2025.

Joe was born in Boston on December 25, 1945, to Maurice and Rose Escovitz. He graduated from Boston Latin School and earned a bachelor's degree from Brandeis University, followed by a master’s and PhD in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies from McGill University.

A historian and educator, Joe began his career teaching at Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, as well as at Simon Fraser University and the University of British Columbia. He continued his work in nonprofits with fundraising roles at Brandeis University, Clark University, the Harvard School of Public Health, New York University, Stony Brook University, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel Hospital.

Joe was an avid bicyclist and photographer, and he found joy in reading history and mystery books, watching The Godfather films, cheering on the Patriots, and spending time on the beaches of Cape Cod.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Flavia; his children, Misha and Shereen; his granddaughter, Leila; daughter-in-law, Pinky; son-in-law, Christian; and nieces, Karen and Lisa. He was predeceased by his brother, Gerald.

A graveside service was held at Woodside Cemetery in Yarmouth Port on July 11. In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Joe’s memory with a donation to the Cape & Islands Veterans Outreach Center or the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

May his memory be a blessing.

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