On Thursday, August 7, 2014, just a few days shy of his 12th birthday, Joseph suddenly passed away due to a rare lung condition 

Joseph was an avid reader, baseball and soccer player, and doting big brother. He shared his love for Jesus with other children, as he traveled  with his dad on trips to Latin America. 

Due to the number of tests that were done in an attempt to determine the cause of death and other hospital bills, his family have been left with a sizable debt.

In addition, a fund is being established in Joseph's memory to allow children to attend a summer camp, one of the last events Joseph was able to enjoy prior to his passing.