We are sorry to announce that Joseph Ozobia, former Assistant Maintenance Manager at Queen Mary’s Mile End campus, passed away in January.

Joseph started at Queen Mary on 1 July 1994 as an electrician at Charterhouse Square.

He continued to be within the sphere of Infrastructure & Maintenance, transferring to Whitechapel as a Maintenance Supervisor in 1999 and since held various recognised roles across Infrastructure & Maintenance.  During his time, he achieved a series of awards and certifications which helped to support him in his role as Assistant Maintenance Manager.

He was a much-recognised presence at the Mile End Campus and his dedication and commitment helped to support and ensure the effective running of the Academic maintenance operations across the site. 

His hard work coupled with his cheerful and outgoing personality made him a much-loved and respected colleague.

Sarah Nightingale, EAF operations administrator, who worked with Joseph for over 12 years remembers him fondly:

“I worked with Joseph for many years; many of those years were working very closely with him, as I was the only admin within Maintenance. Joe was always such a hard worker and would help everybody out, Joe seemed to know everyone on campus and everyone knew Joe.   Always smiling, laughing and running around everywhere!  I can remember when Joe would come up to see me in E223 all the time for a little chat and a moan.

A couple of years back Joe gave me a beaded wooden bracelet with a little cross on that he brought back from his country , I still have that bracelet and will cherish that as he said that it would protect me. I have so many fond memories of Joe that it would be too much to write down. 

He was taken too soon from his family and friends and my thoughts and love go out to his family.”

Joseph left Queen Mary in August 2020 after taking voluntary severance.

Our condolences go to his family and friends.