A Hug from Their Husband
Genesee Lodge No. 174 | Right Worshipful Grand Chaplain
There wasn’t anyone who knew Joel Florida who didn’t know how deeply he loved being a Mason. The stories are countless. If we passed a lodge during our travels and there were cars in the parking lot, more often than not he would stop to see what was going on. I kept a book in the car for myself to read “just in case” they needed him to fill in or offer support. He not only held the ideals of the Craft dear, but he also did his best to live them every day.
One of our funniest experiences occurred shortly after we were married. Joel told me that the dress code for an upcoming event was formal. Being new to Masonry and in the Grand Lodge line, I purchased a beautiful floor-length gown, and off we went. It turned out that the event was anything but formal; it was completely casual. I quickly learned to double-check with one of the other wives.
One of Joel’s greatest gifts was his ability to conduct memorial services with dignity, compassion, and sincerity. He was often complimented on the way he led these services and on his ability to comfort grieving families. Many times, he would follow up by reaching out to Masonic widows, offering them a hug “from their husband.” I never fully realized how meaningful that gesture was until it happened to me.
Masonry enriched Joel’s daily life and, in turn, blessed his family, friends, and everyone he met. He exemplified the values of the Craft through his kindness, service, and genuine care for others.
Joel was deeply loved and is dearly missed.
Submitted by: Susan Florida-Wallace