Joseph
JOSEPH
BASIC R.C. BELIEF Husband of Mary, foster-father of Jesus. Roman Catholics do not believe he ever lived with Mary as a true husband but was protector of Mary and Jesus. It took centuries for anyone to notice him, but recently he has been elevated beyond all saints except Mary. Because of his intimate contact with Mary and Jesus, many theologians claim a freedom from sin for him. Some restrict this sinlessness to when he was married to Mary. It is more commonly held that throughout his life he never sinned grievously (CATHOLIC DICTIONARY OF THEOLOGY, volume II, page 165).
A unique level of veneration, proto-dulia, is advocated by some for Joseph.
The tradition that he died before the Crucifixion is probably upheld by Jesus’ committing Mary to John; His own brothers being unbelievers (John 7:5).