Tribute to a Friend and Colleague
by Dr. Tom Sweeney

Joseph R. Kandor, the third president of CSI (1988-89), passed away on July 24, 2018.  He served as a counselor educator at the State University of New York (SUNY)- Brockport for 39 years and as its department chair for 29 years. Such tenure is testimony to an extraordinarily intelligent, compassionate and effective professional. He also had the distinction of being the longest serving chair of the Council for the Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP). More than a distinguished leader he was a dear friend and mentor to many. 

I had an opportunity to get to know Joe through both CACREP and CSI. In fact, I had something to do with his offering to be a candidate for office. Joe had a low-key personal style, winning smile and genuine commitment to our profession. He exemplified what later became our servant leader model. Service to others is above self in all ways.

As our third president, his decision to run for office was as a statement of faith in the need for a new organization dedicated to the pursuit of excellence for its members and the profession.  He said, “…  the major thrust of CSI growth and development is through its chapters. CSI must provide service to the membership through viable and productive programs which meet CSI’s professional goals and membership needs." Having served as the first and founding Chapter Faculty Advisor for NU chapter, he knew well the value of early leadership involvement of those new to the profession.

It was during his tenure as CSI President that Rho Chi Sigma Rehabilitation Honor Society officially merged into CSI. With thirty chapters and over 400 members across the country, RCS and CSI led the way in efforts to help unify the counseling profession. In 2017, rehabilitation counseling accreditation (Council on Rehabilitation Education, CORE) was unified with CACREP.

Perhaps no one knew him better than another CSI past president and retired CEO and president of CACREP, Carol Bobby:

“Simply put, Joe was one of those guys whose demeanor reflected a sense of confidence, fairness, and reliability. He collected his thoughts before speaking (or at least most of the time he did).  He had a sense of humor.  He was organized.  Thus, in a short 1½ years after beginning service on the CACREP Board, he was elected unanimously by the Board members to serve as its 3rd chair.

He cared deeply about the work of CACREP.  He cared deeply about gaining recognition for the counseling profession.  He cared deeply about his students and the faculty at SUNY Brockport.  He also cared deeply about his friends.  He had a group of basketball-playing buddies and a group of breakfast buddies that he often talked about with great enthusiasm and fondness. For Joe, relationship was important.  But it was always clear to me that Joe cared most deeply about his family.  Joe cherished his family – his wife Jan, his daughters Ronalee and Sundae and their respective spouses, and his two grandchildren.  In later years, when I would get holiday letters from Joe and Jan, it was clear that it was his family that gave him continued and enduring meaning in his life.“

No higher tribute can be made. Joe was a model of excellence in all ways that are important. I am among the many who miss him.

Obituary for Dr. Joseph R. Kandor
Published by Fowler Funeral Home Inc., Brockport, NY

Joseph R. Kandor passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 24, 2018.  He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Janice, beloved daughters, Ronalee (Bill) Newman, Sundae (Greg) Avery, his favorite grandson, Brendan Newman and his favorite granddaughter, Sophia Avery.

Joe worked at The College at Brockport for 39 years and was Chairman of the Counselor Education Department for 29 years. During his college years, he was a member of the varsity tennis and varsity swim teams. At The College of Brockport, he was an avid noon-time basketball player. He continued his love of sports watching Brendan and Sophia in their athletics.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, July 28th at 10 AM at the First Presbyterian Church, 35 State St., Brockport. Flowers are respectfully declined. Donations may be made to the Joseph R. Kandor Award of onExcellence Scholarship, c/o Brockport Foundation, 350 New Campus Drive, The College of Brockport, Brockport, NY 14420 or the Palliative Care Program, Unit 4.1200, PO Box 278996, 300 E. River Rd., Rochester, NY 14627.

If you would like to make a donation to CSI in memory of Dr. Kandor you can contribute to CSI’s General Fund.

Originally published at csi-net.org on August 27, 2018.