Joseph B. Warren

Joseph B. Warren passed away leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and leadership that touched countless lives across Kentucky. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and lifelong advocate for working people, he was guided throughout his life by a deep and steadfast Catholic faith. Joseph was a proud graduate of St. Xavier High School and completed the Pipefitters Apprenticeship Program. He furthered his education with a Certificate of Industrial Relations from the University of Louisville and participated in numerous seminars and conferences throughout his career. He honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1951 to 1954 during the Korean Conflict. A devoted Catholic, Joseph was a longtime and faithful member of St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church, where his faith shaped his values, sense of service, and commitment to helping others. His belief in dignity, fairness, and community informed both his personal life and his decades of public service. Joseph dedicated most of his professional life to the Pipefitters trade and the labor movement. He worked for various contractors before embarking on decades of service with Pipefitters Local Union No. 522 and later Local Union 502. Over the years, he held numerous leadership positions including Executive Board member, President, Business Manager, Financial Secretary-Treasurer, Trustee of all funds, and President of Local Union 502. His service to the United Association spanned more than four decades, during which he served as a convention delegate, hearing officer, committee member, and was actively involved with the Pipe Fabrication Institute. Beyond his local union work, Joseph held influential leadership roles throughout Kentucky’s labor organizations. He served on the Kentucky Pipe Trades Association Executive Board as Secretary-Treasurer, was Vice President and President of the Louisville Building and Construction Trades Council, and held multiple executive positions with the Kentucky State AFL-CIO, where he was later honored as President Emeritus. Joseph’s commitment to service extended well beyond labor organizations. He served as a director of the Kentuckiana Children’s Center, labor representative for Louisville Labor Management, secretary of the Louisville Waterfront Commission, chairman of Louisville “Heats On,” member of the Kentucky Board of Education, and a member of several economic development and government advisory councils. His contributions were recognized with the Louisville “Key to the City” and being named an Honoree by the State of Israel. He also chaired numerous charitable fundraisers throughout his life. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Sharon Warren; his two sons, Chris Warren (Kenyatta) and Jamie Warren (Kristin); his cherished grandchildren; and so many others who loved him, learned from him, and looked up to him throughout his life. Visitation Thursday, December 18 | 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Owen Funeral Home 5317 Dixie Highway Louisville, Kentucky Funeral Mass Friday, December 19 | 9:30 a.m. St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church 1104 South 6th Street Louisville, Kentucky Entombment Calvary Cemetery Mausoleum 1300 Bardstown Road Louisville, Kentucky In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice that serves our community. Known for his wisdom, energy, and unwavering dedication, Joseph believed deeply in faith, family, mentorship, and service. He often remarked that there are “old 50-year-olds and young 70-year-olds,” proudly counting himself among the latter. Joseph B. Warren will be remembered for his strong Catholic faith, integrity, tireless work ethic, and the profound and lasting impact he made on his family, his church, and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Joseph B. Warren

September 20, 1931 - December 12, 2025