This past year has been full of challenges and heartbreak for so many people and so it was a particularly hard blow to learn our brother, Joe, was diagnosed right before Christmas with esophageal cancer and then a further blow when we learned on New Year’s Eve that the cancer has metastasized to his lymph nodes and his brain.
Despite the risks of COVID-19, we were so pleased to spend time with the entire family — our parents, all the siblings and their respective families and children. It had been awhile since we had all been together at once at the same time and place.
As most of you know, Joe lost his valiant battle with cancer on August 1, 2021 at the age of 48 with his partner Kristi at his side. He leaves behind an adult son Ross and two young children Charli (6) and Brant (4). Joe loved being a dad and we can think of no better way to honor his memory, than to pivot this GoFundMe campaign to help fund the education campaign established for Charli and Brant at the Marine Bank in Macomb.
In addition to the education fund, we are also creating a book of memories to give to Joe’s children so they will have an everlasting resource to remind them of the wonderful son, brother, partner, dad and friend that Joe was to so many. If you have a story or a memory that you would like to share, let us know as GoFundMe will not allow us to place the email address on this site.
The overwhelming love, care, support, encouragement and kindness of our friends, family and colleagues helped sustain us through this difficult time. Joe was so amazed by the hundreds of people, many of whom he had never even met, who were praying for him and helping the family in a myriad of ways both great and small. He was so grateful for everyone that was helping him and his family.
On behalf of Joe’s partner, Kristi; his children Ross, Charli and Brant; his siblings Marc, Heather and Douglas — we thank you!
