Joseph Merrill Clapsaddle

Joseph Merrill Clapsaddle passed away peacefully on February 10, 2024, at the Country
Villa Terrace skilled nursing facility in Los Angeles, California after a tragic series of
events following an assault.

Joe, as he is known to friends, graduated from Shortridge High School in Indianapolis,
Indiana before continuing his studies at DePauw University, where he received his
bachelor’s degree in English. Following this achievement, Joe went on to receive a
master’s degree in English from Boston University.

Joe’s early professional life aligned with his passion in its focus on fundraising for
performing arts organizations and other public works. Among his many
accomplishments, Joe twice produced the North American tour of the Royal Ballet of
London, a Broadway play, “Come Back to the Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean”,
and more recently, the American Icon Awards. Even in the later years of his life, he
worked tirelessly with creative people to bring books, movies, and plays to the public.
Joe’s second career was in the automobile industry, selling a variety of luxury car
brands in the Los Angeles area.

In addition to these professional activities, Joe was active in civic life and had a passion
for service. In particular, Joe was active with the West Hollywood Chamber of
Commerce, where he held several roles, including Chair of the Board of Directors. Joe
was also a passionate advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. After moving to Maryland
in 2018, Joe was appointed to the Anne Arundel County Human Relations Commission
and the Maryland State Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs.

Finally, Joe had a robust spirit and lived a life full of rich experiences. He loved to travel
and enjoyed sharing meals with friends and family. Despite the tragic circumstances
that ultimately ended his life, Joe was often found joking with his care givers and
doctors. In that way, he was a joy and an inspiration to those around him.
Joe is survived his son, Chad, of Arnold, Maryland, and his niece, Sara Hollenbeck, of
Cortland, New York.

Two funeral services are planned for Joe. The first will be held on Saturday, February
24, 2024, at 11:00 am at All Saints Episcopal Church, 504 N Camden Drive, Beverly Hills,
CA 90210. A second will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 am at St. Anne’s Episcopal
Church, Church Circle, Annapolis, Maryland 21401.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to All Saint’s Episcopal Church
or St. Anne’s Episcopal Church.

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