Lay Johnny LaBoy to Rest

We are here today with a heavy heart to share a tragedy our family has endured. On Sunday, February 19th, 2023 the world unexpectedly lost a beloved soul, Joe Jonathan LaBoy, also known to his family and friends as “Johnny” who suddenly passed away due to a blood clot in his heart. We want to take the time to honor our sweet Johnny, as he was much more than just a soul who passed away due to a blood clot. Johnny was a son, brother, grandchild, nephew, cousin, friend, and soul who spread light, joy, and positivity to the world, even on the darkest days he encountered. Despite his mental health challenges, such as schizophrenia and anxiety, he found comfort through sports and music to heal himself from the battles he faced. Mental health has not always been in favor of Johnny. Unfortunately, he was always medicated and this had a huge weight on him because his anxiety increased and it became hard for him to do any sort of public activities. However, what made our beloved Johnny so strong and inspiring is that he never gave up on himself and found any possible way to help express himself through sports, music, and culture. He fought every day to find normalcy so that he can love those around him and we were all sure that we were loved and appreciated by our sweet boy. Johnny was a representation of a true “North East Los Angeles 90’s child.” He had a huge admiration for the Dodgers, Raiders, and Lakers. Even on Super Bowl, he made sure to represent the Raiders and it was so amazing to see how happy he was to watch football. On his most difficult days, he looked forward to sports, swimming, BBQ's and music. Johnny loved music from the 90s, as it always reminded him of his youth and upbringing. There was not a day that went by that he didn’t utilize youtube, his cassettes, and his walkman to play music everywhere he went. As Johnny lived a very difficult life, he was able to relate to artists 2Pac Shakur, Keith Sweat, 50 Cent, and The Notorious B.I.G. These artists inspired Johnny in so many ways and even made him dance daily and creatively shape him. 2pac Shakur once said, “Behind every sweet smile, there is a bitter sadness that no one can ever see or feel.”

We want to emphasize that mental health was never easy for Johnny to cope with. He had very difficult days and still fought to be an advocate for all mental health disorders. He will leave a legacy of hope, culture, and the power to have faith on the highest and lowest days. As Johnny says, “Better Days.”

We ask for your prayers, support, and any financial help in raising funds for our beloved Joe Jonathan LaBoy's funeral and outstanding medical bills. Since he died so young, tragically and unexpectedly, the family was unprepared for his funeral's extreme costs. Any amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated so we can peacefully lay our sweet Johnny to rest.

Kindly sharing this link with the community, friends, and family will allow Johnny to be remembered as he means so much to our family.

Thank you for supporting us through this difficult journey.