ACLU Foundation
Realizing the promise of the Bill of Rights for all - the ACLU dares to create a more perfect union.
About
Joe Elston lived exactly the life he wanted — and made it look easy. With a warm and relaxed nature that drew people to him instantly, Joe had the rare gift of making everyone around him feel like the luckiest person in the room. He passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, at the Los Angeles home he'd shared with his family for more than 60 years. He was 94.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Joe was shaped early by the grit and character of that borough. He began his college career at the University of Georgia, then proudly served in the United States Army before earning his degree from NYU. Like the Dodgers he cheered for, Joe made his way west in the late 1950s — settling into a sun-soaked California bachelorhood with Willie, a K-9 companion who only listened to him when he listened at all. It was a good life. Then he met Harriet Kramer, and it became a great one.
Joe and Harriet married on February 17, 1962, a celebration resulting in 65 years of partnership, joy, laughter, and mutual admiration. Together they welcomed son Matt and daughter Suzanne. Their family grew richer with granddaughter Laura, and more international with daughter-in-law Farida and granddaughter Alexandra.
After working in the Kramer family business, Joe struck out on his own as a children's manufacturer's representative at the Cal Mart in the mid-1970s. Harriet soon joined him, and together they built a business that was greater than the sum of its parts — their complementary skills, shared trust, and genuine enjoyment of each other's company carrying them all the way to a well-earned retirement in 1996.
Joe was a sportsman through and through. In his youth at Erasmus Hall High School in Brooklyn, he was a dominant competitive swimmer — and never stopped marveling at the times today's athletes post. In his early Southern California years, it was four-wall handball. Then came golf, a love affair that lasted decades. At Brentwood Country Club and nearby courses, Joe racked up numerous titles and accomplishments: two holes-in-one, Guest Days, Invitationals, Gold and Presidents Cups, Team Play events, multiple Super Senior Club Championships over a 17-plus-year stretch, and — the crown jewel — shooting his age at 72. His multiple Father-Son wins alongside Matt were among his proudest moments on the course. Joe was also a devoted supporter of the UCLA Women's Golf Team and a loyal fan of the LPGA Tour, where many Bruins went on to shine.
Golf was good for Joe — but retirement made him better. He took up yoga and, by his early 70s, stood taller and moved with more ease than he had at 65. Joe and Harriet traveled widely and happily, though he always loved coming home to Los Angeles. He had a big heart for giving back, supporting numerous nonprofits over the years, and never missed an opportunity to pick up the check for family and friends. It was one of his great pleasures.
In 1969, Joe and his beloved "middle child" — the Elston family dog — took first place in their K-9 obedience class. He gazed at that trophy with quiet pride for the rest of his life.
Joe was enormously proud of both his children and deeply loved being their father. It was his greatest honor. His huge heart — figuratively and, ultimately, literally — was the center of his life. He passed from congestive heart failure, the very organ that gave so much love to so many.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife Harriet; son Matt; daughter Suzanne; daughter-in-law Farida; granddaughters Laura and Ali; sister Susan; nieces Jean, Sarah, Kay, and Regina; nephews Cy and Steve, and extended family and friends too numerous to mention. He was predeceased by his parents Regina and Isadore, his sister Carol, brother-in-laws Bob, Harry and Roland, and his nephews William & Rob.
Joe Elston did not merely pass through this world — he graced it. He was likeable to everyone fortunate enough to meet him, and that was no accident. It was character. It was Joe.
Nonprofits Joe Regularly Supported
The ALS Association
Leading the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy.
American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association is working to prevent/cure diabetes while improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
ASPCA
From rescue to recovery to adoption, the ASPCA is there for animals every step of the way.
Blood Cancer United
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is now Blood Cancer United.
Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association
Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association is a nonprofit organization focused on advocating or providing services for animals. It is based in Los Angeles, CA. It received its nonprofit status in 1963.
Guide Dogs for the Blind
One of Joe's Favorites!
We are more than an industry-leading guide dog school; we are a passionate community serving people who are blind or low vision.
Humane World for Animals
(fka Humane Society of the United States)
KPCC
KPCC is the primary public media news source for Southern California, delivering news, information and entertainment that reflects life in our region.
Multiple Sclerosis Association of America
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support.
Parkinson Place
Is to improve the lives of everyone affected by the disease.
Prostate Cancer Foundation
PCF is the leader in philanthropic funding, accelerating the world's most promising prostate cancer research.
Public Media Group of Southern California (PBS SoCal)
PBS SoCal is your home for PBS in Southern California.
Smile Train
We are an international children’s charity with a sustainable approach to a single, solvable problem: cleft lip and palate.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Finding cures. Saving children.
Susan G. Komen
A force united by a promise to end breast cancer, funding groundbreaking research, community health & advocacy programs globally.
World Jewish Congress
Representing Jewish Communities in 100 Countries Across Six Continents
Alzheimer's Greater Los Angeles
Founded in 1981, Alzheimer's Los Angeles is a local, community-based organization providing free programs & services.
Autism Society of America
Autism Society of America is a nonprofit organization. It is based in Bethesda, MD. It received its nonprofit status in 1992.
Arthritis Foundation
Arthritis Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines. It is based in Atlanta, GA. It received its nonprofit status in 1977.
Anti-Defamation League
Anti-Defamation League is a nonprofit organization focused on human and civil rights. It is based in New York, NY. It received its nonprofit status in 1948.
Braille Institute of America
Braille Institute of America is a nonprofit organization focused on providing human services. It is based in Los Angeles, CA. It received its nonprofit status in 1963.
Glaucoma Foundation
Glaucoma Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines. It is based in New York, NY. It received its nonprofit status in 1985.
JDRF International
JDRF International is a nonprofit organization focused on diseases, disorders, and medical disciplines. It is based in New York, NY. It received its nonprofit status in 1973.
Mercy Ships
Mercy Ships is a nonprofit organization focused on international issues. It is based in Lindale, TX. It received its nonprofit status in 2008.
Save Lacma
An organization focused on arts, culture, or humanities. It received its nonprofit status in 2020.
SCGA Foundation
SCGA Foundation is a nonprofit organization focused on recreation, sports, leisure, or athletics. It is based in Studio City, CA. It received its nonprofit status in 1986.
The Seeing Eye
The Seeing Eye is a nonprofit organization focused on providing human services. It is based in Morristown, NJ. It received its nonprofit status in 1934.
ICRF
ICRF is a nonprofit organization. It is based in New York, NY. It received its nonprofit status in 1976.