Joseph G. Choi

Colonie - Joseph Goonhyon Choi, 89, of Colonie died early Monday, Jan. 24, 2022, following a short illness.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, his mother returned the family to Seoul, Korea in 1940, which included his brother and two sisters.

Goonhyon befriended and worked for American soldiers in the Korean War who encouraged him to pursue an education in the U.S. He came to University of Nebraska, where he received an engineering degree and played violin in the university orchestra. In New York City, he met his future bride, Gisela Koschitzki, during dance class at the YWCA, marrying in 1960 and earned a Masters degree in nuclear engineering at Columbia University.  In 1966 his family moved to Colonie and he began a 29 year career Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory.

He loved sailing his Kestrel at the  Saratoga Lake Sailing Club, skiing especially at Stowe Vt. and resorts in the Rockies and Europe with the O.C. Ski Club and playing golf and lunching with fellow KAPL retirees.

He enjoyed traveling, including several trips to Europe, Korea, and Japan. He loved opera and classical music, especially the Chamber Music Series at Union College in Schenectady and the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln Center.

Along with his beloved wife Gisela, survivors include his daughter, Erika Choi of Colonie, his son, Kenneth (Joyce) Choi of Niskayuna; and three grandchildren, Claire, Thomas and Matthew.

Calling hours will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 28, at the Church of St. Clare, 1947 Central Ave., Colonie, followed by interment at Memory Garden, Colonie.

Contributions in his memory may be made to the Empire State Youth Orchestra, 432 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com