Joseph Perlstein

July 6th, 2024

Mr. PEARLSTEIN , taught me so much about reading. My government, and the importance of my vote. I am now a teacher myself and I always remember the things he would say. I loved him so much am I sad to hear of his passing. I wish there was more teachers like him teachers that cared teacher that really taught. I have been to high school and college and I can say no teacher has taught me more than him. My condolences to his family and friends he will never be replaced in my eyes . CSP should have made all teachers teach under him as a model .

~Monique H Woodfork
~Student, Chicago

January 21st, 2024

I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the extraordinary impact you have had on my life. Growing up in an area fraught with economic challenges, I often found myself navigating a path clouded with uncertainty. Yet, amidst these trials, your presence as a teacher and principal stood as a beacon of hope and inspiration.

You were much more than an educator; you were a mentor, a guide, and a profound influence during my formative years. Your unwavering belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has been a source of strength that I carry with me to this day. Your ability to challenge us, to push us beyond our perceived limits, has instilled in me a resilience and determination that I apply in every endeavor.

Your teachings transcended the boundaries of conventional education. You inspired me to be the best version of myself, not just academically, but as a human being who contributes positively to society. The compassion and dedication you showed in looking after each student resonated deeply with me, teaching me the value of empathy and service to others.

As I reflect on the journey I have embarked upon, I realize that the hope and confidence you instilled in me have been fundamental to my achievements. Your belief in my potential during those critical years helped shape the person I am today. I have always appreciated you, not just for the knowledge you imparted, but for the life lessons that have guided me through various chapters of my life.

Your legacy extends far beyond the walls of the classroom; it lives on in the lives of the countless students whose lives you have touched. As I move forward, I carry the lessons and values you have instilled in me, and I aspire to inspire others as you have inspired me.

Thank you for being an exceptional teacher and principal, but above all, thank you for being an incredible role model. Your impact is immeasurable, and for that, I am eternally grateful. You always told me to shoot for the moon. And know I did. I work for Space X. Through my time in Silicon Valley I always thought of your belief that I can do anything from while working in Apple to Google. Thank you for being the most loving and inspiring teacher . May god welcome you with open arms, and know every Monroy life you touched made us who we are now.

~Oscar Monroy
~Student : Washington Irving School, Columbus, Ohio

March 4th, 2023

Last night I learned of Joe’s passing. In Judaism, it is said, “May his memory be for a blessing.” Joe is a blessing. What a grand role he had in our universe.

We arrived at school hours before the children and stayed hours after they left. Favorite days were when Joe walked in saying something like, ”Do you know what my kids are doing/having/getting in their school? If my children are getting that in our suburb then our children at Irving should have the same.” And a project and new Irving tradition was begun. It was my honor to partner with him in some of his greatest ideas.

He was for equity. He was for all children to have the best. His energy and enthusiasm had no bounds. If you read comments made by past students, you are quite aware of his heart. And his respect. He fostered each one’s culture. He fostered, modeled, and implemented.

Thank you, Joe, for inspiring and leading. For caring. For friendship. And for the laughs.

To Joe’s family, thank you for the generous way you shared him with us. My gosh, he loved to talk about you; you know how much he loved you and was so proud of you.

With Love, Respect, and Admiration
Mary Wonderlick

~Mary Wonderlick
~Friend and Colleague, Chicago, IL

March 3rd, 2023

What can I say?

A few of my relatives got to experience you directly as their teacher (sister and cousin), while I experienced you as the school’s disciplinarian. At the time I was just a struggling and failing student purely bent on rebellion and outburst of confusion. You saw beyond it every time. I remember having in-school suspension with you for over a month for vandalism of property. The look of disappointment on your face was enough to make me want to get it together. I could write a book about our talks and the wisdom you shared with me as an established educator. I never stopped thinking about you, Mr. P.
Those days sitting in your classroom. Just us two. You reading and me doing class work sent from downstairs.

Man…
I grew to know you as the coolest.

When it was time for me to return back to my classroom.. I might of acted out just to come and sit back up there with you in quiet.

Thank you so much.

RIP Mr. Perlstein 🕊

~Shelt Richardson
~Former Student, Chicago, IL

March 2nd, 2023

Joe was truly one of the most amazing people I have ever known. Whether it was a simple word of knowledge, a well placed nail or the turn of the right tool, he always knew exactly what you needed.

I had the privilege of spending many days doing projects together and countless hours spent with him while entertaining my children when they were young. He would often come over unannounced and tell me he was going to take all 3 of his grandchildren (who were less than 4 years apart) by himself out on an adventure. It was like he knew exactly when I needed a break or just to go run an errand without my beautiful children in tow.

Family was so important to Joe. All of his grandchildren would not be the amazing people they are today without the influence and love both he and Evey gave them. God took one of the very best, but his spirit will always be with everyone who was blessed enough to have had him in their lives.

~Sheila Perlstein
~Ex-Daughter-In_Law, Lindenhurst, IL

March 2nd, 2023

You were more than just a teacher. You inspired and showed us we could have anything in life that we wanted. Love you Mr. P, you definitely earned your wings! Class of 98′

~Frank Ware
~Student, Chicago

March 1st, 2023

Mr P I will always remember his science lessons from 1988 and 1989 he was always very passionate when it came to teaching he actually cared about his students not every teacher practices that the chicago public school system needs more teachers like Mr perlstein. he definitely changed his students lives and became a great and positive influence om them he was one of a kind

~ricardo lozano
~former student, berwyn illinois

March 1st, 2023

Hopefully happy memories will get you thru this difficult time

Love

~HILLEL & NAOMI KRESNER
~COUSIN, LONG BEACH NY

March 1st, 2023

Mr. P was an amazing teacher, mentor, role model for me. He has helped me in so many ways during my time at Washington Irving. He treated me as family. I will never forget the year my uncle passed away Mr. P witnessed how it affected me at the end of my 8th grade year. He yetis his hardest to pull many strings to help me graduate work my class. Buy with the stress and grieving I wan not able to. He encouraged me to return to Washington Irving again and complete 8th grade for the second time with him as my teacher again. He made sure I was on task and focused. I will forever remember Mr. P. And I will forever miss him. He was close to a second father to me. My heart is truly saddened by this. I send hugs and condolences to his family.

~Crystal Haynes
~Former student, Calumet city Illinois

March 1st, 2023

First, my sincere condolences to the family I have you all in my thoughts and prayers. Mr. P was one of the greatest teachers that I’ve ever met; he gave of himself with words and action and led by example. I’ll never forget Perlstonia! His lessons were eye-opening and they forced us to think outside the box! I am so thankful that I had the privilege of being one of your many students. I will never forget you! May you rest well in Paradise

~Lorraine Meda
~Former Student, Chicago, IL

February 28th, 2023

Mr.P…. Man man man, I literally was just telling my daughter about you!!! Last week, I asked her if she knew what the holocaust was and she didn’t, it hurts to know these teachers aren’t teaching like they use to. She literally has been reading Anne frank because I explained to her things you taught us. Our chocolate selling, our DC trip, our roots breakdown lol, Ill never forget any of it!! You definitely were one of the best teacher I’ve had in my life!!! I pray for you Mr.P, and for your family during this difficult time…. You will never be forgotten!! I love you! Nicole c/o 98’!!!!

~Nicole
~Former student, Chicago, Illinois

February 28th, 2023

I’m so sorry.

I immediately went over to Betty, who remembered with me, so well, when our boys were young, especially, leading the picnic games.

You and your family are in our hearts…at this very difficult time. May Joseph’s memory truly be a blessing.

Ira & Betty

~Ira and Betty Zukerman
~cousin, Silver Spring, MD 20904

February 28th, 2023

Mr. P was my 7th grade teacher. He resumed teaching in 1985 and I was very fortunate to be part of that class. To say that he inspired me to achieve greatness would be an understatement. He is the reason this little Mexican girl believed that she could not just go to college but law school. He was a great teacher and human being. I’ll never forget him. To the Perlstein family , I am so sorry for your loss.

~Angelica Lozano
~Teacher, Altadena, California

February 28th, 2023

I never had the pleassure of meeting this fine man, but as a cousin I send my condolences and wish you comfort and Shalom. Thank you for posting the wonderful photo on the recent email to the cousin’s club. Love, Naomi

~Naomi Hecht
~cousin, Calabasas

February 28th, 2023

Mr. Perlstein was not only a huge part of my childhood, but a significant figure for our neighborhood during his time at Washington Irving Elementary School. I had the pleasure of being one of his students during my time at Irving. So many great memories of a wonderful man who wanted nothing more than to teach us and inspire us to dream big. One of those dreams was for an 8th grade class from Washington Irving to take their 8th grade field trip to Washington DC. We from the class of 1991 were lucky to be the first to experience that dream. I am sure there were plenty of people involved in making that trip happen, but I know Mr. Perlstein’s vision was a big reason why we were able to have that experience. You impacted my life in more ways than I could have imagined and you will forever live in my heart.

~Antonio ‘Tony’ Ayala
~Student from Washington Irving, Las Vegas, Nevada

February 28th, 2023

Mr.P was one of the best teachers I’ve ever had. His passion for history was amazing. He never gave up on me and told me to never be a get by guy. I now try and teach my kids about history and install my passion for it on them. Like Mr.P said we learn about history to prevent it from happening in the future. Thank you for everything you did for me.

~Alfonso Avalos
~Former student, Chicago, IL

February 28th, 2023

My condolences to his family.
Mr. Perlstein didn’t just teach—he prepared us for the road ahead. He was truly about his students and made a huge impact on us.
Washington Irving School
Class of 1984

~Maria Hernandez
~Former student, Texas

February 27th, 2023

Mr. P was one of my favorite teachers (8th grade)! He was an amazing educator who always kept the classroom interesting and really helped us when we needed it most. I’ll never forget our field trip with him to Washington, D.C.; such a memorable time with him guiding the way. He will truly be missed. Rest in peace, Mr. P

~Taryn Garza
~Student, Chicago, IL

February 27th, 2023

First time we met Joey he was wearing Frankenstein bolts and frightened my daughter. He was a good friend to Mike Weber z”l.

~Phyllis Dritz
~Friend, Wheeling

February 27th, 2023

Joe entered my life as the big brother who I wasn’t fortunate enough to have until then. Joe touched so many lives, including mine, by being there, always ready to help. He did so much for so many. He did so graciously in an understated way, which made me appreciate and love him all the more. I will miss Joe, but know that he is still very much in my life and heart.

~Jolanta Juszkiewicz
~Former sister-in-law, Fairfax