Episode 31: Joseph Schott - Resilience, Legacy, Creativity

In this powerful and deeply moving episode of the LilyList podcast, we are honored to welcome Joseph Schott, a man who has witnessed over a century of change, challenge, and triumph. Born in 1922, Joe shares an extraordinary life story that spans from the hardships of the Great Depression to his vital work as a Navy radio technician in WWII, a distinguished career at Bell Labs, and a vibrant second act as a celebrated artist. Joe’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, love, and the enduring power of a creative spirit. Prepare to be moved and inspired by a perspective forged over 100 years of a life lived to the fullest.

To learn more about Joe and his work:

Joe describes his Navy deployment crossing the North Atlantic to Scotland including Christmas Day 1942, similar, except for battle, to Tom Hank's recent movie Greyhound: https://youtube.com/video/epjPGxtzgvc

WABC Radio Sunday night with Joe Piscopo marveling at Joe’s story about Frank Sinatra at his High School Prom: https://youtube.com/video/L2HXBwIx4cw

Joe Schott, 96, visits his Fall 1942 Boot Camp at Great Lakes Naval Base in 2018: https://youtube.com/video/dC58bzwqEiU

Joe Schott, 97, tubing on Lake George, NY July 2019, with Joel Wright: https://youtube.com/video/XY6tINLwjgs

Boy Scouts Silver Beaver Award 2-25-19: https://youtube.com/video/ZClX8_PDUR8

  Here are some highlights from the episode:

* Surviving the Great Depression after losing his father at age eight, and the ingenious ways his incredibly strong mother kept her five children together against all odds.

* His vivid memories of serving in the Navy during WWII, from a snowy troopship crossing the Atlantic while hearing Bing Crosby's "White Christmas," to working as a radio technician in Northern Ireland.

* The pivotal and often surprising moments in his education, including an elementary school teacher's hurtful "beautiful but dumb" comment and a high school teacher's incredible foresight about the future of electronics.

* A love story for the ages: how he spotted his wife, Nancy, across a dance floor and knew instantly they were meant to be, leading to a lifetime of partnership and five children.

* How he rediscovered his passion for painting later in life, developing a unique style that finds beauty and humor in everyday objects and continues to bring him joy and connection today.

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Outro music: Denouement by Sift - https://siftmusic.com