Joseph E. Baum

Joseph E. Baum, of Columbia, Maryland, passed away on Monday, September 15th, 2025, at the age of 75. He is survived by many loving cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his dear parents, Sylvia and Ralph Baum.

Joseph devoted more than 30 years of his career to serving as an attorney with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, while making his home for many years in Columbia, Maryland. In his capacity at HUD, he worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of residents of subsidized housing. He took on difficult issues which resulted in positive outcomes for families, especially those with children. Joe was a caring and loving person who prized his friendships, and cared deeply for his mother who he relocated to Baltimore and then looked after with incredible devotion for 7 years. A true music aficionado, he had a deep love of jazz, ragtime, and blues, with a particular admiration for Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday—whose poster he cherished. His impressive vinyl collection reflected his passion for music, which he shared with others through his active involvement in the local jazz and blues scene. Beyond music, Joseph also found great joy in movies and reading.

Services at Mount Moriah Cemetery, 685 Fairview Avenue, Fairview, NJ 07022, on Thursday, September 18th, 2025, at 1:00 pm. Please omit flowers. Contributions in his memory may be sent to the Parkinson's Foundation, 5757 Waterford District Drive, Suite 310, Miami, FL 33126.