Joseph S. Lemmon, Phd, Lcsw, Ceap

On May 17th, 2023 Dr. Joseph S. Lemmon passed away suddenly while traveling abroad. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland where he graduated from Calvert Hall College High School prior to earning his Bachelor of Science (BS) in Counseling Psychology from Towson University in 1977 and completion of his Masters in Social Work (MSW) from University of Maryland in 1982. His passion for work as a director of a hospital-based addictions program and behavioral risk management consultant led to his completion of a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology at the age of 62 in 2018. His doctoral work focused on integrating leadership, addictions, and systems theory for his qualitative research and dissertation. For over 30 years he was Principal at Work Life Xcel, Inc. where he served both government and private clients in organization development and behavioral health. Dr. Lemmon served two terms as President of the Chesapeake Chapter of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) and was an active volunteer in the community through Prison Ministry at St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church, the Howard County Human Resources Society, and the Risk Management Society Legislative Committee, among others.

In 1991 he married Cynthia A. Cusack, a native Baltimorean. They lived in Howard County, Maryland for over 30 years where they welcomed and raised two beautiful daughters, Emily and Elisabeth (Beth). In his free time, Dr. Lemmon was a nature lover and an avid biker, runner, hiker, kayaker,  and golfer. He was a deep thinker who enjoyed creative writing and spending time with close friends attending Baltimore Orioles games, art festivals, and rock concerts. He is survived by his wife Cynthia Lemmon of Columbia, MD and two children; Emily Lemmon of Crownsville, MD and Beth Lemmon and fiancé Nathan of Philadelphia, PA. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Lauer and husband Tom of Marriottsville, MD and nephew Sam Murphy of Baltimore, MD. He was an active parishioner of St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church for over 30 years where he raised both of his children, Emily and Beth, in the Catholic faith. Although he will be profoundly missed, we are comforted in knowing he was a deeply faithful man with a strong relationship with God.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 8th, 2023 at 12pm at St. John The Evangelist Roman Catholic Church Wilde Lake Interfaith Center 10431 Twin Rivers Road Columbia, MD 21044. The Lemmon Family would like to extend a warm invitation to a reception to follow the funeral mass.

In honor of Dr. Lemmon’s dedication to bettering mental health well-being in his community, contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to the Mental Health Association of Maryland in memory of our loving husband, father, brother, son, and friend.