Josef F. Thurston, a computer engineer and former Towson resident, died June 22 of acute leukemia at New York-Presbyterian Hospital's Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York. He was 32 and lived in Washingtonville, N.Y.

Born in Stoneham, Mass., he was raised in Framingham. He came to Baltimore about 10 years ago as a Navy courier. While here, he enrolled at Towson University, where he earned a degree in international studies.

Mr. Thurston was active in the Baltimore Opera Company and appeared in nonsinging roles in several productions.

Graveside services will be held July 13 in St. Mary's Cemetery in Washingtonville.

He is survived by his parents, Fred and Frances Thurston of Washingtonville; a brother, Theodore Thurston of Bakersfield, Calif.; and two sisters, Bonnie Thurston and Mary Thurston, also of Washingtonville.