I am writing this with a heavy heart, on Friday September 4th, 2020 we tragically and unexpectedly lost Joseph Peter Giamartino Sr. Anyone who knew Joe knew he was a man of great pride and had an incredible work ethic. Anyone who had the opportunity to cross paths with Joe knew he had a smile that would light up the room, a laugh that was utterly contagious, and a heart ten times the normal size. He was protective, caring, loving, and most importantly a family man. This is the last thing Joe, his wife or his children would have ever anticipated for. Asking for help is not easy to do, but it is in this time of need that they require it the most. 


After Covid-19 hit, Joe lost his job. As a result, they became behind on mortgage payments which put them in jeopardy of losing their home. As a result of Joe’s tragic and unexpected death, Laurie and the family are left with no life insurance, no pension, and no social security aid. Joe had helped Laurie start her own business, which they poured any extra time and money into, leaving them with little to no savings before Joe lost his job. This is a man who would work 65 hour work weeks just to make ends meet and make sure no one he knew went without anything.    


Joe would give anyone the shirt off his back, the last twenty dollars in his pocket, and a ride to wherever they needed to go. Joe and Laurie have helped countless kids get back on their feet, offering their home, food, money and even furniture to many in need. They would lend free childcare, an ear to listen, a voice to fight for you, a hug when you need it most… This is just who they are, if you did not have the resources for yourself, they helped you. No matter who you were. A quote Joe and Laurie kept on their fridge from St. Augustine read, “Since you cannot do good for all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by accidents of time or place, or circumstance are brought into closer connection with you.” 


Joe’s death created such a shock and void to this family, one that no one can ever expect to understand or fill. By donating to this fund, the money will go to funeral costs, saving their family home, creating a secure fund for Laurie to continue paying rent at her business location so she can continue to work doing what she loves, and giving the family much needed time to rest and mourn the loss of Joe properly. 


Not once in this lifetime did this family ever expect to have a need to reach out like this. Their father raised them to be hardworking individuals and to be providers. To be the ones who helped others in need even if they, themselves, weren’t that well off. However, life is not predictable and the world doesn’t stop just because yours does. 


I would like to extend a thank you from the entire family to anyone who has the ability to donate to them.