1937 - 2026
Born in Newton and raised in Wellesley Hills, Joe built a life centered on meaningful relationships. Among the most treasured was his lifelong friendship with Robert “Robbie” Chellis — a bond that began in childhood and endured throughout the decades.
Joe graduated from Noble and Greenough School in 1954, serving as class president and distinguishing himself in athletics. He went on to graduate from Amherst College, class of 1958, where he was a member of Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and captain of the hockey team.
Following his passion for medicine, he earned his degree from Boston University School of Medicine and completed his residency at San Francisco General Hospital. A respected pulmonologist, he taught on the faculty at Boston University Medical School and contributed original work on lung sound diagnostics before opening a primary care practice in Weston, MA. Known for his exceptional bedside manner, Dr. Davidson devoted his professional life to compassionate patient care.
A veteran of the U.S. Army, Joe, fluent in German, was stationed in Germany, where he worked for Army Intelligence, enjoyed German culture, skied, and famously managed to keep his skates sharp, continuing to play the hockey he loved since high school.
His love for athletics and the outdoors never faded. He was an enthusiastic skier, tennis player, golfer, and boater. Some of his most cherished moments were spent on South China Lake in Maine, navigating the waters in his treasured 1938 Chris-Craft motorboat and Thistle sailboat — surrounded by friends and family in a place that meant so much to him.
Joe also found joy in music and literature. He played both piano and guitar and for many years sang with the Dedham and Wellesley choral societies.
In addition to his wife, Marsha, he is survived by his three children, Frank, Andrea, and Jill, along with their respective partners. He was the proud grandfather of five grandchildren and leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will carry his memory forward.
Service Information: Private family arrangements are under the care of Chesmore Funeral Home of Holliston. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joe’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders (give.doctorswithoutborders.org).
