Later, he became a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where he taught students about crowns and bridge work, his niece said.
Joseph said Dr. Press' parents worked two jobs to put their only child through Temple University Dental School. He graduated in 1949. Before that, he completed studies at what was then Southern High School in Philadelphia.He served in the Korean War as a U.S. Navy captain stationed at Virginia Beach, his niece said.
At various times, Dr. Press lived in Fairless Hills, Princeton, and Northeast Philadelphia. Eighteen months ago, his son, Evan, moved him to a nursing home in Fayetteville.
Dr. Press enjoyed watching the Phillies play in Clearwater, Fla., and in Philadelphia. He loved bowling so much he owned a Feasterville bowling alley for a time in the 1980s; he doted on German shepherds and kept nine of them at his Princeton home; and he enjoyed playing Texas Hold 'Em, a variation of poker, in Atlantic City.
"He liked to joke about reading the other players, but not too well, because he always lost," his niece said.
He was married to the former Rhona Rosner. The two met at Temple. She died in 2001.
Surviving, in addition to his son and niece, are two grandchildren and many great-nieces and great-nephews. A brother and sister died earlier.
A memorial service in Philadelphia was being planned.
Contributions may be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA, 350 E. Erie Ave., Philadelphia 19134.
Contact Bonnie L. Cook at 215-854-2611 or bcook@phillynews.com.
