Joseph E. Illick III ’56

Joe died Feb. 23, 2023, in San Francisco, after sustaining serious brain trauma from a fall following one of his nearly-daily swims in the San Francisco Bay. He was 88.

After growing up in rural Pennsylvania, Joe attended Princeton and graduated in 1956. He majored in engineering, was a member of the varsity swim team, and regaled younger alumni with stories of swim practice in the nude in Dillon Gym pool, a brand-new facility at the time. 

Joe earned a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania in American history then relocated to San Francisco, where he lived for nearly 60 years. He was a professor of American history at San Francisco State University from 1963 until 2002. 

Joe authored five books, mostly about Colonial Pennsylvania and historical perspectives on childhood. He was also a frequent contributor to various letters to the editor; a brief letter published by PAW in September 2020 “on respectful listening and change” sums up Joe’s approach to thoughtful engagement with everyone he met. 

Joe developed a passion for art, and over the last four decades produced hundreds of paintings, sculptures, ceramic pieces, and woodcuts. He was an avid swimmer and active member of the Dolphin Swimming & Boating Club right up to the end. 

Joe is survived by his former wife, Toni; his children Joe, Katie, and Clara; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.