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Josiah Low Obituary
Joe was born to Katherine and Josiah O. Low Jr. on June 5, 1939 in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in Colorado Springs and graduated from Cheyenne Mountain High School in 1957. Joe worked his way through Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts, graduating in 1961. At Williams, he was a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity where he forged many lifelong friendships.
After college, Joe built a career as an investment banker, first at Merrill Lynch and then at Donaldson, Lufkin, & Jenrette where he led the corporate finance group for 15 years. On Wall Street he was known for his unbending integrity and unending interest in others. Colleagues he worked with 40 years ago cite his mentorship as critical to their own success. Many also recall that he kept a saddle in the trunk of his car.
Joe left DLJ shortly after its acquisition by CSFB. He continued to serve on the board of a number of companies, including Centex Development, CoStar Group, and Rosetta Resources. He joined Catterton Partners in Greenwich as a Senior Advisor.
He advised CEOs of Fortune 500 Companies and later helped friends and local business people grow their companies or find a path out of trouble.
If you came in contact with Joe, you remembered him with a smile. He blew his nose with a trumpet that turned heads, and he sang along to opera and Willie Nelson, whether or not he knew the words. He entertained children with his cowboy yip and songs about cowpies.
He disliked mini-golf, "a bastardization of the game," cilantro and the snapping of gum.
Joe spent summers working as a ranch hand at French Creek, his family's guest ranch in Wyoming's Platte River Valley. His love for the West was infectious. He introduced hundreds of friends and colleagues to Wyoming with visits to the A Bar A, a ranch down the valley from French Creek.
Joe was unexpectedly friendly and sincerely interested in everyone he met. Ordering at a restaurant was always time consuming because Joe needed to learn the name and background of the waiter -- some connection could always be found. By the time dessert came, he was often sitting at another table with people he had just met.
To his 5 grandchildren, he was Poppa Joe. The grandfather who hid a radio under your pillow so you could listen to the Giants game at night. The patient teacher who poured a little extra root beer float in your glass to demonstrate the concept of principal and interest. He did not tolerate whining or weak handshakes. He was irreverent, generous, joyful and loving. He let you ride the ATV despite what your parents said. He paid his 6 year-old granddaughter to paint his toenails.
To his 3 sons, he was a father who arose every morning at 5:30 am to provide his children with opportunities and experiences that he never had. He encouraged his sons to pursue their passions, put together a plan, and then to "get it done." He was an investor in their dreams, their advisor, and friend.
Joe loved the outdoors and gave generously to the Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation. He planted hundreds of trees and was often seen mowing the meadows surrounding his home in Williamstown. He had an extensive collection of John Deere tractors. When he ran out of space for more tractors, he gave them away to friends, because "everyone needs a tractor."
He shared his passion for western music with his friends in the East by setting up concerts in Williamstown. At these events, he would often join his hero Don Edwards on stage for a duet, despite the cringes of his wife and children.
He served as a Williams class agent for many years and was selected to lead his class's procession at their 50th reunion. He was passionate about expanding Williamstown's economy and helped to establish Destination Williamstown, a non-profit that promotes Berkshire tourism.
He was the lead donor in the purchase and renovation of the Sand Springs Recreation Center, a historic aquatic center that now serves as community gathering place and swim academy in Williamstown. He set up a foundation to fund free swim lessons so that no child would ever be afraid of the water.
He loved opera, American antiques, and western art. His favorite fashion statement was a young woman with a ponytail poking out of the back of a baseball cap. Joe was unbeatable in horseshoes, a devious opponent in gin rummy, and he could still outdrive his sons well into his 70s. He gave his wife old pick-up trucks for her birthday. Children he barely knew named stuffed animals after him.
He was loved by so many. There is now a giant hole in our hearts that we will all try to fill with the openness and generosity that was Joe Low.
Joe is survived by Penny (Ireland) his loving wife of 50 years, three sons Tad (Alisa), Timothy (Loriann), and Jeffrey (Stacey), five grandchildren: Ryan, Julia, Aidan, Nicholas, and Eliza, his sister Katherine, and two brothers David and Charles, and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a private family memorial service.
Gifts in Joe's honor may be made to the Williamstown Rural Land Foundation Williamstown, MA 01267 or simply through unexpected kindness or interest in another person's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Josiah Low
Sponsored by The Low Family.
Tom Rudkin
March 30, 2022
Jo was always out front with his smile and enthusiasm and a professional at work and a joy to be with at play.
October 5, 2014
To all the Low family, we knew Joe from DLJ and are so sorry to hear of his passing. He always had a smile on his face & he would always brighten my day. Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. -Mike & Linda Roca
"Worker" White
July 9, 2014
Joe and I drove many times from Williamstown to home during our four years at Williams. He to Colorado, and me to Illinois. I will never forget the many happy times we spent together.
Blair Benjamin
July 7, 2014
Dear Penny,
I've enjoyed getting to know Joe over the past years at MASS MoCA events and around town. What an incredible spirit! My thoughts are with you and your family.
- Blair
John DeRosa
July 7, 2014
Penny . . So sorry to hear about Joe's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Holly Hardman
July 7, 2014
All Joe's Williamstown friends will miss his warmth, humor, and goodwill. A wonderful, accomplished man with a very big heart. I am thinking of you, Penny, and am so deeply sorry for your loss.
Janette Kessler (Dudley)
July 6, 2014
Dear Penny and Family -
Joe's infectious personality and generous spirit will be greatly missed by his many friends in Williamstown. Although I only knew Joe for two short years, during that time he became a mentor and a friend. I can honestly say that Sand Springs pool would not be open today were it not for Joe's vision, commitment and passion. He has wholeheartedly put his time and energy into this community, in so many ways, and his generosity and enthusiasm will never be forgotten.
Our thoughts are with all of you at this difficult time.
July 1, 2014
What beautiful words to describe a wonderful life. I remember Mr. Low when DLJ was working on a deal with a company where I was a young assistant. I don't remember any of the other guys working on that deal but I remember Mr. Low. Good hearted gentleman. My thoughts and prayers are with the Low family.
June 30, 2014
Vintage cars, trucks, wagons, horses, wild west, friends fom all walks,good looking women especially Penny, good times..just a great guy to call a friend to be sorely missed. Deepest sympathy to all the Lows..Rick (aka Dingle)
JEFF FREEMAN
June 29, 2014
once you'd met joe you witnessed a kindred soul and a wonderful human spirit...something special and unforgettable... surely a great blessing to all of us who knew him ...well done,joe..you're in our hearts forever... jeff freeman W'60
June 29, 2014
dear Penny and boys. how my girls, Lorin and Lisa, enjoyed ski trips with you. They came home with such stories--never forget the mouse in the ketsup! our thoughts are with you at this sad time. The Haughs family.
jon caviola
June 28, 2014
Great car guy and a very special person. Will miss his visits to my shop.
Jim Creber
June 27, 2014
Dear Penny and family, you were among the first neighbors we met after moving to Old Greenwich in the winter of 1971 from California. I can't tell you how much I appreciate your helpfulness and friendship. I met Joe soon after arriving at Merrill. One of the few stand up guys on Wall Street and a lot of fun to boot. My prayers are with you!
Jocelyne DeNunzio
June 26, 2014
Hi Penny
Joe was a true mentor and friend to everyone at DLJ, including myself. I remember his counsel, his bear hugs, his advice and his care. Working with him is one of my fondest memories. All my love to you, the boys and the grandkids.
John Cirigliano
June 26, 2014
Penney-I'm sure you don't remember me but Joe's mentorship and encouragement put me on a much better path. i am so grateful for that. my best, John
June 26, 2014
Dear Penny and boys,
You have our sincere sympathy on the loss of a special man! We are saddened by the news. Love, thoughts and prayers coming your way, Cindy & Bob Bailey, Salem, SC
Matthew Walters
June 26, 2014
I still can't help but smiling about how I knew on Friday's I could find you in the Catterton kitchen. When I was an analyst you treated me as a partner. I was blown away (but clearly it's quite obvious why) how you knew every single person in the hallway and some idiosyncratic detail about their life.
I loved hearing about your greatest joys - the west & grandchildren. I'll greatly miss the 10 minutes we spent in the Growth Fund meeting room prior to the Monday morning meetings. The little investment & life tidbits you gave me will stick with me forever.
MaryLouise (Weese) Chiappetta
June 25, 2014
Dear Penny, Tad, Tim and Jeff,
So sorry to hear about your Dad. I enjoyed taking care of all of you back on Dialstone Lane. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers in the days ahead as you celebrate his life.
Gisele Rodriguez
June 25, 2014
Hi Penny,
I am so very sorry to learn of Joe's passing. He was a wonderful, tender-hearted man. I enjoyed working with Joe as his assistant at Merrill Lynch and DLJ. He was an inspiration. My sincere condolences.
Andrew Chau
June 25, 2014
Joe was a board member at Rosetta Resources while I was an employee there. Yet he always made time for everyone regardless of his/her position in the company. He definitely will be missed. My condolences.
Rebecca Waldron and Family
June 25, 2014
Dearest Low Family,
All of the extended family here in Southern Oregon are sending our deepest sympathy. We too are saddened by Joe's passing and only wish we had known him more. Love to all, The Waldron family
June 25, 2014
RIP big guy. You were always the "big" brother to lots of us.
Jeff Thatcher
Berkeley Springs, WV
Dave Beaty
June 24, 2014
I was greatly saddened to hear of Joe's passing.. his visits to our office were always a bright spot in my day.. he will be missed...
mike seely
June 24, 2014
Hi, Penny--
So sorry to hear about Joe. When he came up to Dorset a couple of years ago, we had resolved to get together more often. Wish it had happened.
My kids still talk about his chaps and the six-shooter he showed them as young kids.
He was Wall Street's cowboy--in the best possible way.
My condolences.
Mike Seely
Dorset, VT
June 24, 2014
Penny, I am so sorry to learn of Joe's passing. He was a strong person and I enjoyed his company. My prayers are with you and your amazing family. Tom Stiers
Elizabeth Presley
June 24, 2014
Never met the man...but after reading his obituary, I am sorry I didn't. How blessed you were to have him. If it brings you any comfort, he is still with you, just in a different form.
June 24, 2014
our sympathy to the family,He will be missed by many. Nina and Don Farriss Lexington,Va.
Jack Bulkley
June 23, 2014
Penny,
Joe's irrepressible spirit will be missed by everyone with whom he came in contact. He was the epitome of the " most unforgettable person ever met".
June 23, 2014
Dear Low family,
I have such fond and fabulous memories and we all will miss him terribly. He was such a dear friend to my entire family for so many years and were so happy to have him known him.
Hugs and love to you all,
Chrsitne
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