Joel Garbus

Joel Garbus was born May 12, 1927 in Baltimore, Md. He died February 18, 2026 at his home in Redmond, Oregon. He was the first born son of Bertha (Berenstein) and Samuel Garbus. He attended Johns Hopkins University. His college years were interrupted in 1945 when he was drafted into the Navy. After being honorably discharged he completed his education at JHU and began work as a chemistry lab technician.

He entered the University of Wisconsin in 1959 after his marriage to Theresa Horowitz. After receiving his PhD in biochemistry in 1962, he worked at the NIH in Bethesda, MD. In 1970 he moved with his family to Bristol, England doing research as a post doctoral fellow. From1971-1979 he worked at the University of MD Shock Trauma Center. He later taught at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, D.C and completed his career as a senior scientist for the Environmental Protection Agency.

Upon his retirement in 1999 he and his family moved to Cambridge, MD. He was an active member in his church, Redeemer Presbyterian, and enjoyed supporting his boys in a variety of athletic and academic pursuits. Joel was a lover of books. He sought to understand all things and nothing was out of his purview of interest. His memory, command of complex topics,and wit was truly remarkable.

Joel is survived by his wife, Mona Carey of nearly 40 years, his daughter, Julie (Geoff Herrig) and grandson, Rudi. His daughter Chih Garbus and sons Samuel (Molly) grandsons, Isaiah,Oren and Jude and son Benjamin (Jennifer) and grandchildren Eloise, Charlie and Margot. His grandchildren were a source of great delight and he was so thankful to have lived long enough to know them.