Read next: FAREWELL TO URUSEMAL: Uniquely outer-island Yapese – Chikin Meļeļe
Joseph J. Urusemal died on September 16, 2025, in the Republic of Palau at the age of 73. He was former President of the Federated States of Micronesia.
FAMILY REMEMBERS URUSEMAL
Desiree Kuor said: “It was because of you we got to come back to where our roots started.”
Kuor said she and her family were living in Oregon when Urusemal contacted her dad, Matt Kuor. Urusemal had wanted to ask him to come work for him.
“At that time he was the President of the FSM,” said Desiree Kuor. “We arrived and he took us to his house where we met the family. Out of the kindness of his heart, he told Kysh (my sister) and I to sleep in their room because it was ac’ed. Even now that we’re out here on Houk (Chuuk; neighboring Satawal, where he will be buried) you’d always call and text to ask about dad. You two were so close. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to call you my ‘papa.’ I will miss your calls, texts and your laughs. But I will always cherish them in my heart.”
Finally, XHS website stated, “we extend our prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones during this time.”
“Rest in peace, Uncle,” said Isaiah Yatilman, “your memories will live on forever in our hearts. You were such a bright guiding light and lessons you taught will stay with us always. Thank you for everything.”
‘SOFT-SPOKEN LEADER’
“Urusemal is remembered as a soft-spoken but resolute leader, and a devoted husband to his wife,” stated the Facebook page of the Office of the President, FSM.
“He was the sixth president of FSM: proceeded by Leo A. Falcam (1999-2003) and succeeded by Emmanuel Manny Mori (2007-2015). He was also known for his humility, strong principles, and commitment to traditional values.”
PRODUCT OF XAVER HIGH
Urusemal was a product of Xavier high school, a leading Jesuit school in the production of Micronesian leaders—from the Marshalls to FSM to Palau to Saipan.
“A proud member of the Class of 1973, President Urusemal carried Xavier in his heart throughout his life. His support for his alma mater never wavered, even as he faithfully served the people of the FSM,” stated XHS website, xaviernavigator.org.
WOLEAIAN MARRIED SATAWALESE
Urusemal was from the island of Woleai, Yap; married into the island of Satawal to former First Lady Olania Latileilam. They had four children: B.J., Tarsis, Craig and Elenita.
“The Urusemal kids had already asked, and got the okay to take their dad to bury near them on Satawal island,” Sabino Sauchomal, former Floor Leader of Yap State Legislature.
DEDICATED MAN, BORN 1952
“Born March 19, 1952; Urusemal dedicated his life to public service, education, and the advancement of our nation,” stated the FSM President’s FB page. “After completing his early schooling in Woleai, and graduating from Xavier High School in Chuuk (class of 1973), he then pursued higher education at Rockhurst College in Kansas City, MO. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice in 1976.
“Urusemal continued his service in Congress, most recently as Chairman of the Committee on Education and the Yap Congressional Delegation. Throughout his career, he was a member of several key congressional committees, including Ways and Means, Health and Social Affairs, and Transportation and Communication. His leadership and vision helped guide the Nation’s development while remaining grounded in respect for culture, education, and the sustainable use of our limited resources.”
He worked briefly in the states, according to Wikipedia, before returning to Yap and working as a teacher 1982. He was also a counselor at the Yap State Department of Education.
HE BEGAN PUBLIC LIFE
Urusemal began his political service in 1987.
Out of Yap, said Wiki, he was elected at-large representative to the “Fifth Congress of the Federated States of Micronesia… a position he held with distinction for many years.”
“He served as Floor Leader for twelve years,” continued the FSM President’s FB page, “before being elected President of the FSM.”
“He will be missed. A humble man with a humble beginning; and a great statesman and leader of our time,” said Andrew Yatilman, former Lt. Gov of Yap and FSM
Department of Environment, Climate Change & Emergency Management Secretary.
HE WAS VERY ILL
“Urusemal was sick for a while in Yap state hospital,” said Isaiah Yatilman, a nephew on Guam. “Later, he was transferred to Palau via Pacific Mission Aviation, but doctors couldn’t help him there either. And he finally went to rest.”
ONCE ARRIVES FROM PALAU
Yeah, where do we expect to go from there?
“Most likely the body will come to Yap via Guam on October 7,” said Sauchomal, also Chief Executive Officer for Yap Community Action Program. “By then FSS Voyager should be here; thus, enabling the coffin to go straight to the ship and to Satawal.”
Also by then, he said, the Yapese community will be ready to receive the remains.
“Supporters of Urusemal and friends have requested for an hour stop at a local church on the island of Yap, for them to offer gratitude for his years of assistance and service to yap,” Sauchomal said. “This would also offer those NOT going with the remains on the boat to Satawal to bid their last good-byes.”
“It is with deep respect and profound sadness that the FSM announces the passing of the Honorable Joseph J. Urusemal,” announced the FSM President’s FB page.
