Joseph A. Schlesinger

Schlesinger Joseph Anthony Schlesinger, age 52, of Columbus passed away at home surrounded by his family and companion cats on Thursday, July 4, 2013. He fought a courageous and determined battle against cancer and took great delight in defying his doctors’ predictions for almost 4 years. He was born in Louisville, KY on April 22, 1961and named John J. Gillespie before being adopted and renamed a few days later by the late Thomas and Mary “Frances” (Campbell) Schlesinger. From a young age he showed an intense interest in electronics and built his first computer from scratch at the age of 15. He loved computer programming and “just making things go.” He graduated from Durrett High School in Louisville and attended the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering. Later he helped found Lynx Motion Technology Corp., a robotics company in Greenville, IN. In 1991 he earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and became a national champion the following year. In addition to martial arts, he loved hiking, rock climbing, camping and traveling, and spent much of his free time in the outdoors appreciating nature. In 1995 he moved to Columbus where he began an eighteen year career at Bank One/JP Morgan Chase and later married his wife, Karen. He was a seeker of knowledge and ongoingly pursued personal growth and development through Landmark Education where he became a candidated leader, the Mankind Project, and other organizations where he could sharpen his mind, body and spirit. He fostered love and friendship everywhere he went and was loved dearly by many for his quick wit, wisdom, and generous heart. Joseph is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 16 years, Karen (Murphy), and his daughter, Jennifer (Josh) Chlebus, step-daughter Melanie Brunton, an aunt, numerous cousins and countless friends. Friends and family may visit from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, 2013 and attend the Memorial Service at 10 a.m. at RUTHERFORD-CORBIN FUNERAL HOME, 515 High St., Worthington, OH 43085. A Catholic mass will be held in Louisville, KY on Monday, June 15, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Incarnation Catholic Church, 2229 Lower Hunters Trace, Louisville, KY 40216. In lieu of flowers friends may make a tribute donation to CaringBridge.org in Joseph’s name or to the Cancer Support Community at cancersupportcommunity.org. Condolences to family may be sent to www.rutherfordfuneralhome.com.