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BORN

1929

DIED

2026

FUNERAL HOME

James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway

Charleston, South Carolina

Carium Joseph, MD Obituary

Carium Joseph, MD

Charleston - Carium Joseph, MD (b. 10/6/29), son of Moses and Sadda Joseph of Greeleyville, SC entered into eternal rest on Monday January 5, 2026. He is survived by his children, Kathy Joseph Macaron, Kevin Joseph, Dr. Molly Joseph (Scott Pressler) , Amy Joseph Collins (Bryan Collins), Jennifer Joseph Fraser (Keith Fraser); his grandchildren, Megan Geckle Giebler (Matthew Giebler), Dr. Hannah Pressler, Luke Pressler, Jennifer Joseph, Elise Macaron, Chase Collins, Caroline Collins, Courtney Collins and his great-granddaughter, Maggie Giebler. He is predeceased by his wife, Peggy Conroy Joseph (d. 6/2/22), their eldest daughter Karen Joseph (d. 10/24/09), his daughter-in-law, Sally Ballard Joseph (d. 12/06/04), his son-in-law Elie Macaron (d. 2/20/21) and his brothers, Philip Joseph, Joe Joseph, Fred Joseph, Kelly Joseph, and his sisters, Janey Shahid, Sarah Shaluely, and Marie Snyder.

Carium graduated as Valedictorian of his high school class in 1946 from Greeleyville High School. He received his B.S. in Biology from Georgetown University in 1950. He attended the Georgetown University School of Medicine and received his M.D. degree in 1954. A Rotating Internship was completed at the DC General Hospital in Washington, D.C. in June 1955. He then volunteered to serve in the United States Air Force for a two-year period.

During his service tour he traveled through the Middle East and adjacent countries as a Captain in the USAF while being stationed at the base in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia for one year. He became an interim Hospital Commander for several months when the Hospital Commander had to return to the States for other duties.

Upon completion of his tour of service, he began his OBGYN residency at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, DC July 1, 1957. During his first year of training, he met the love of his life, Peggy Ann Conroy, who was in her second year in the Georgetown School of Nursing. She graduated in 1959 and he completed his residency on June 30, 1960. They were married July 5, 1960 and moved to Charleston, SC to pursue his dream of starting a solo practice in OBGYN and raise a family.

His purpose and approach in his marriage, family and professional life was rooted in his Jesuit education. In care of the patient, he tended to the wholeness of their being and his patients truly felt the sincerity of his care. He often spoke that the true sign of success was meeting the individual needs of the patient. His great moment of joy during his 45 years of practice in OBGYN was when his daughter, Dr. Molly Joseph, joined the practice as a partner in 1996. He had the honor and pleasure of practicing with her for ten years before retiring on September 1, 2006.

Carium was a devoted Catholic parishioner of the Blessed Sacrament Parish since 1962, where he and his wife Peggy, with the support of the local Bishop, initiated the PreCana conference program for engaged couples. He also continued service to his community as Chairman of Georgetown University Alumni Admissions program for South Carolina for 45 years.

One of his greatest accomplishments during his tenure as Chief of the OBGYN Department at St. Francis Hospital was the program he started, originally named "Fathers in the Delivery Room". It became very successful and within several months it was adopted by the other area community hospitals. He firmly believed this was a constructive effort to promote the family as the social unit of our community at the very beginning of parenting. The joy of seeing the anxious parents upon viewing their newborn infant for the first time was indeed a humbling privilege and honor for him.

His nonprofessional activities were family oriented. He promoted exercise as part of one's lifestyle and encouraged individual responsibility for their health as may be guided by their physician. Blessed with six children, he lived those same lifestyle principles. He enjoyed tennis, golf, running, biking, long walks and in his 80's and 90's he took up water aerobics. He was an avid reader well into his last few months of life as he never stopped seeking the value of intellectual stimulation and learning that the Jesuits instilled in him at an early age. He was humble, kind, and a generous happy man who enjoyed life and meeting people. He truly felt blessed to be an OBGYN physician, having the privilege of caring for his patients, and to have the company of his family and children throughout his life.

He was a member of the Charleston County Medical Society, the Medical Society of SC, the SC Medical Society, the American Medical Association, the S.C. OBGYN Society, the American College of OBGYN, active Member of all area hospitals, including Clinical Associate of the Medical University Hospital OBGYN Department, and also served a tenure as Chief of Infectious Disease at Roper Hospital in his early professional career. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a founding member of the Optimist Club of Charleston.

Family and friends of Dr. Carium Joseph are invited to attend his visitation between 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM Thursday January 15, 2025 at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 12:30 PM Friday, January 16, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 5 Saint Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Dr. Carium Joseph to the Blessed Sacrament Parish Life Center.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.

We invite you to share a memory and sign our guest book.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jan. 8 to Jan. 11, 2026.

Memories and Condolences
for Carium Joseph, MD

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Jenny Mccranie

February 1, 2026

He was my dr. And I loved him he brought my first born and last born into this world. He was a great man and will be forever missed by me!

Lynda Jackson Denaro

January 28, 2026

Dr Joseph delivered my son in 1982 and also operated on me for hysterectomy. I appreciated him for his truly Christian compassion and care. He prayed over me before surgery. I have never found an another doctor like him and he set the high standard. I know the family will greatly miss him and my prayers are with them and may the Lord bless you all

Gina Williams Jacobs

January 18, 2026

Dr. Joseph was a wonderful Dr that delivered my first two children. He was so kind and cared about his patients. When he retired he told me that he thought I should choose Dr Molly as his replacement, that she is his daughter and he thought we would get along famously. He was right. Dr Molly has his same bedside manner of care and concern. She even called to check on me at home when I was having a difficult time. Dr Carium definitely taught his children well and that is so evident in Dr. Molly. I appreciated his advice always and especially that he led me to his daughter who has delivered my youngest son and my granddaughter. I will always remember him fondly and he will be missed. He was a wonderful man and was always there when others needed him. Dr Molly and family, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a shinning example of a life well lived. I will be praying for your family in the days to come.

Stanley Wilson

January 16, 2026

Dr. Joseph was known as a kind and caring physician and was truly a class act. He was highly respected and known as a devoted patient advocate and genuinely good person, traits passed down to his children. Penny and I extend our deepest sympathies in this sad time for you all, but his life leaves much to celebrate.

Ann Uhar and Mauro Giacomantonio

January 15, 2026

We were sad to hear of Uncle Carium´s death and extend our condolences to Kathy, Kevin,Molly, Amy and Jenny. Your dad was a kind and gracious gentleman who genuinely cared about other people. I have lots of fond memories of him over the years. We send our prayers as you grieve his loss.

Philip M. Joseph

January 13, 2026

Many of you know Dr. Joseph as the outstanding physician that he was, but I know him as one of my favorite uncles. He and my Dad were brothers, and Dad thought so much of him. Dad was older and so proud of his baby brother.
One of my favorite childhood memories was with Uncle Carium at the Big House in Greeleyville where we picked pecans in the back yard. Some of our best conversations were during those times.
When I was a student at the Citadel, I was a guest at his home on many weekends. It was such a blessing for me to spend time with him and his family especially during Knob (freshman) year. As a side note, Aunt Peggy was a great cook! My parents knew I'd be well taken care of while in Charleston.
As an adult, I often sought his advice. His strong, Catholic faith was evident in all aspects of his life. He truly cared about his family.
I will truly miss him. Rest in peace, Uncle Carium.
Love, Philip

Jeanie Hampton

January 13, 2026

Dr. Carium Joseph was my doctor. He was such a kind and gentle person. I will never forget him. My condolences to the family

Clear Skies Bouquet

Coastal RV Center

Sent Sympathy Gifts including Flowers

Jimmy and Patty Hayes

January 13, 2026

To the Joseph family,
We are truly sorry to hear of your loss. He delivered myself and Patty many moons ago.He touched thousands of families during one of the most important times in our lives. Hold your memories close as they will always comfort you. God bless all of you!

Kathryn Mershon

January 12, 2026

I'm remembering when Carium and Peggy Ann moved to Charleston very early in my nursing career at St. Francis Hospital on Rutledge Ave. Before I left to continue my professional education, I was fortunate to work with Carium in the care of patients he admitted. He could have written the book on Patient (Person) Centered Care, long before the rest of world recognized its value. His total focus was on optimizing the outcomes of the care delivered. He was warm, and kind, in addition to being a competent practitioner. And, he was my cousin! He treated everyone with dignity and respect. He glorified God through his life. Kathryn Marcil Mershon, MSN, RN, FAAN Louisville, KY

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Hollis Page

Sent Flowers

Tony Beall

January 11, 2026

Dr. Joseph delivered me and quite a few of my 9 siblings. In fact my mother was so overwhelmed by his compassion and kindness that Joseph became my twin brother´s middle name! I also had the privilege of having his daughter Molly as one of my medical school classmates He truly was a kind soul and a gifted physician as well. He touched so many lives and his spirit will live on in his love and kindness. Well done!

Sandra Christopher

January 11, 2026

Dr. Joseph was very professional, kind, passionate, and cared for his patients. May he Rest in Peace. My prayers and condolences are with his family.
Sandra M. Christopher

Charlotte Vetter

January 11, 2026

Dr. Joseph delivered me in 1971. My mother always spoke highly of him. From what I have been told, my birth was not an easy one and he saved both our lives. I´m grateful he had a long, wonderful life and a great family to carry on his legacy.

Sonja Washington Smith

January 10, 2026

I will never forget his sincere and professional kindness .

Roula

January 10, 2026

RIP dr. Joseph . He brought our babies into the world.

Kathy

January 9, 2026

Special doctor who delivered both of my children and was right there for me during that special time and another that wasn´t. He was just so kind and always treated me with some kindness and respect.

Cindy Hatcher

January 9, 2026

Dr. Joseph was my doctor for many years and delivered my daughter. Always thought the world of him. My prayers and condolences to his family.

Kelly Y Nobbs

January 9, 2026

Dear Dr Molly Joseph, please forgive my old mind mistake for leaving you out of the kids (oops) I know your daddy was so very proud of your becoming an OB/GYN just like him and that you shared that legacy with him. Sending love to you and your family xoxo

Kelly Y. Nobbs

January 8, 2026

I had the honor of growing up with the Joseph family and practically lived at their house in my youth. You could not find a more special family who took care of anyone in their lives. I loved Dr Joseph, Mrs Joseph and Karen and send my love to Kathy, Kevin, Amy and Jenny and their wonderful families....they will be remembered and honored by so many people I am sure.....may Dr Joseph rest in peace.

Sandy Estes

January 8, 2026

What a prince of a man, he was! A wonderful colleague with whom I shared many a time with his educating me! The Charleston community has lost a legend. Condolences to his family.

Carolyn Murray Johnson

January 8, 2026

My Heartfelt Condolences to the Joseph Family.

Kathyleen Simmons

January 8, 2026

I am truly sadden by your loss. My condolences to the Joseph Family. Dr. Joseph was my gynecologist /obstetrics and delivered both of my babies. He was one of the most kindest and compassionate doctors that truly loved and cared genuinely for me, my well-being and family. Family you have great memories and an example of a life well lived. My prayers are with you as cope with his loss from the family. You are sadden now, yet joy will come in the morning .

Elsie. Clees

January 7, 2026

Dr Joseph was a wonderful person and boss. When I moved to Charleston he became my doctor and later he hired me to be his office secretary.

Barbara Blanton

January 7, 2026

He was a kind and compassionate doctor. He delivered both of our daughters and gave wonderful care.

Paula Strobel

January 7, 2026

Deepest condolences to the family. Dr. Joseph was one-of-a-kind! He was the most caring, compassionate doctor I ever had the privilege of knowing. Very few in any medical practice have ever come close to his professionalism and genuine interest in each patient! May he rest in peace!

Virginia Nuss Kerr

January 7, 2026

Dr Joseph was my doctor and he saved my life. He was a gentle caring soul May he rest in peace. I send sympathy to the family. You were so blessed to have him as your father!

Maria Campbell

January 7, 2026

To the Joseph family I send my sincere condolences and prayers. The moment that I saw his name I was flooded with memories. Dr. Joseph was such a wonderful doctor who was so kind and compassionate.

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Memorial Events
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Jan

15

Rosary

6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

James A. McAlister Funeral Home

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

Jan

15

Service

5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

James A. McAlister Funeral Home

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

Jan

16

Service

12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church

5 St. Teresa Drive, Charleston, SC 29407

Jan

16

Service

2:00 p.m. - 2:20 p.m.

Holy Cross Cemetery

604 Fort Johnson Road, Charleston, SC 29412

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James A. McAlister Funerals & Cremation

1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston, SC 29407

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