Joey and I first met through State College little league, and we bonded in high school through our common interest in sports, music, and honestly - girls. Despite Joey being two years ahead of me in school, we always had a mutual respect for each other which made it easy to ignore our age difference. From the time I met him, Joey was one of the most athletic, brightest, funniest, coolest kids around.. and that is how I will remember him.
In addition to the cool guy persona he was known for, Joey was also one of the most caring people I have known. Whether he was playing sports, coming up with business ideas, or rapping to music with friends - Joey brought so much life to every situation, and he seemed to enjoy himself most when the people around him were enjoying themselves too.
As a sophomore in high school I had a falling out with the basketball program and was looking for productive ways to spend my time after school. It was Joey, a senior, who advocated for me and got me on the championship-winning team with the upperclassmen. It may have only been high school IM basketball, but the details I will always remember are the great memories being on the team with Joey, and the ways he made me feel accepted by the older guys as a player and as a person.
Just a few years ago, I was in a foreign country struggling with my health - and it was Joey who helped provide the support and perspective I needed even as he was dealing with problems of his own. Earlier this year, Joey reached out and we shared a joke which I think made us both laugh - and maybe fitting for our relationship, that was the last exchange we had. Whether he was actively supporting you or just making a joke, Joey was somebody who made you feel good.
As painful as it is to lose him, and as much as I would enjoy more time with him - I am incredibly grateful that I had Joey in my life for the time that I did. He taught me several life lessons either through advice or by example, and he is part of some of the very best memories in my life. I plan to honor his life by keeping those lessons and great memories alive both in my own life and among friends or family.
I am so glad that so many of you also got to experience good times with such a great person in Joey.
To all family, friends, and anyone else who knew Joey - I love you and I'm so sorry for your loss.
I love you CJW
