The loss of his son Chris altered forever the trajectory of Joe’s life, and brought him into so many of ours … and the ripple effect continues as the examples he set for caring and comfort carry forward.

Joe truly turned his scars into stars. In his quiet, kind way, he helped literally thousands of suicide survivors navigate through their tremendous sorrows, and put his exquisite listening skills to use as a New Hope counselor and trainer.

He was a tireless volunteer for other causes related to suicide prevention and postvention. He was a volunteer for the Yellow Ribbon program, working with local schools to promote suicide education and prevention.

Several times he accepted speaking engagements to talk about suicide, and once appeared at Camp Pendleton – Being an Army vet who served in Vietnam, he was amused to find himself addressing hundreds of Marines and commanding their full attention.

As my co-facilitator at SOS for 17 of my 28 years, he was such a comforting presence, and known by countless people for his quiet wisdom and constant encouragement … both at group or by phone.

Joe is the original poster child for surviving with courage and grace. Gary and I – and so many others- love and miss you, Joe – Jeri