Support Joey Center's final resting expenses

Infectious Joy

Joey Center was one of those rare individuals who could capture your heart with a single infectious smile. Anyone fortunate enough to have witnessed that smile knows the warmth and happiness it brought to everyone around him.

It is with an incredibly heavy heart that I share the news that Joey passed peacefully on August 15th and the smile we all cherished is no longer with us. The Joey we all know and love has been tragically taken from us.

On July 24th, Joey was riding his bike home after a day of work at the Jewel in Skokie when he was struck by a car, suffering a catastrophic brain injury from which he would never awaken.

For those who knew Joey, he was more than just a son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend—he was a bright light in the hearts of everyone around him. Whether it was his customers at work or the family that watched him grow, Joey's infectious energy and genuine spirit always shone through.

Throughout his life, music was at the very core of Joey's existence. His father, Joe, affectionately called him his "little drummer boy." Joey began learning the drums at an early age, and with his father's guidance, his skills flourished over the years.

But Joey's passion for music didn’t stop there. His talents expanded when he discovered the guitar, an instrument he mastered with the same enthusiasm and dedication. As his aunt would say, "Joey could play the guitar like Eddie Van Halen and the drums like Alex Van Halen." His musical gifts were a source of joy and pride for everyone who knew him.

Here is Joey playing a solo at Arts of Life —just one of many moments where his talent and love for music were on full display.

Despite facing challenges growing up, Joey's natural ability to inspire and touch the hearts of those around him remained one of his most genuine and beautiful qualities. He had an incredible way of making everyone feel special, often without even realizing the impact he was having.

Joey was blessed with a support network that extended far beyond his family. From his roommates at Achieve Development to his friends and caseworkers at Arts of Life, and his co-workers and customers at Jewel, Joey became an integral part of so many lives. His light shined brightly through all of you who supported and guided him. We are deeply grateful for the love and care you showed Joey.

As we sit here reflecting on the moments we shared with Joey, we realize that he was so much more than the innocent child with the bright eyes or the young man who brought so much joy to our lives. Joey was an inspiration to everyone who knew him—a reminder of the beauty that exists in selflessness and pure-heartedness.

The devastation we feel inside is overwhelming and sudden. Imagining a life without Joey is something none of us can fully grasp. Yet here we are, all of us mourning the loss of a 27-year-old who was on his way home from work, looking forward to picking up his guitar and playing a few notes with the excitement and smile we all knew so well. Though Joey is no longer with us, his infectious spirit will forever live on in our hearts and minds.

All donations will go directly to the funeral and memorial services for Joey.

With overwhelming sadness,

The family of Joey Center