Joseph S. Lerner, Jr., of Atlanta, Georgia (formerly of Kansas City), a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 6 after a brief illness, surrounded by his family.
Joe was the definition of a family man who loved and revered his family. He also always was extremely considerate of the wellbeing of his many friends. He loved playing tennis, listening to music, toasting on special occasions, and dining out with his wife of 56 years, Juliana.
Joe graduated from the Pembroke Country Day School in Kansas City. He attended the Culver Summer Naval School one summer, and spent his college years at Stanford University, where he was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and the Stanford tennis team. He was most proud of the fact that he founded the Stanford Men’s Glee Club and was its president for three years.
Upon graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army, and he ultimately became a first lieutenant in the Adjutant General Corps, before serving in the Army Reserve.
His father’s extensive business background led him into a 50-plus year career in the retail industry, which included many years as a furrier and many years as a GIA certified jeweler, all in Atlanta.
Joe was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph S. Lerner, Sr., and Miriam W. Lerner; brother Terence Lerner; sister, Sonia Carol (“Sunny”) Lerner; and son, Joey Lerner.
He is survived by his wife, Juliana; daughter, Lauren; son, Mark; daughter-in-law, Sara; brother Mick; grandchildren, Caroline, Zachary and Julian; and several nieces, nephews, and brothers-in-law.
Joe’s funeral was held at The Temple in Atlanta on June 9, followed by burial at Crest Lawn Cemetery in Atlanta.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to The Winship Cancer Institute (1365-C Clifton Rd. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30322) or The Temple (1589 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30309).
