Funeral services were held Oct. 25 for Dr. Joseph F. Scott, 89. He passed away Oct. 21. A true native son of Jersey City, Dr. Scott was a graduate of St. Michael’s High School and St. Peter’s College and received his master’s and doctorate degrees from Fordham University. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Service Medal for his military service five major battles during WWII including the Battle of the Bulge and in 2013 was honored by the French Consulate for his WWII service.
Dr. Scott had an illustrious career in academia, serving as teacher and director of boys at NJ Boystown from 1948-1953. Following his work there, he was an instructor at Fordham University, St. Peter’s College and Collegio San Ignacio in Puerto Rico. Dr. Scott also served as associate professor, chairman of Sociology and Dean of College at Jersey City State College (now NJCU). In 1977, Dr. Scott joined the newly established Hudson County Community College as the executive vice president. He became the president of HCCC in 1981 and served in that capacity until retiring in 1987. During his tenure at the college, the highly acclaimed Culinary Arts Institute was born.
Dr. Scott served on the boards of St. Francis Hospital, Jersey City Board of Education, The Hudson County Corrections Oversight Committee and the NJ Community College Presidents Association. He was the 2006 recipient of the HCCC Heritage Award, Saint Peter’s College Order of the Cross Keys and Most Noble Order of the Peacock and was inducted into Jersey City State College’s Athletic Hall of Fame.
Joe was an avid equestrian who bred, trained and owned thoroughbred racehorses. He was a fantastic uncle and surrogate grandfather to all of his nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He enjoyed sharing time individually with each of them exploring whatever their passion was. He was predeceased by his sisters, Marie Heitzman and Ellen Karole. He is survived by his sister, Regina Scott and nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Services arranged by the McLaughlin Funeral Home, Jersey City.