Joey's Story - An Inspiring Young Athlete
His Spirit Will Live On!
To know Joey, was to love him. He was not merely an extraordinary boy; he was a radiant beacon of joy and love, whose vibrant spirit illuminated the lives of everyone around him. His infectious laughter and playful heart transformed ordinary moments into cherished memories for his siblings and all fortunate enough to know him. With whimsical pranks and a caring sense of humor, Joey brought a delightful lightness to their days, leaving an indelible mark on their hearts.
As stated previously, Joey was an exceptional athlete. His passion for soccer was evident, whether he was valiantly guarding the goal or skillfully stepping in as an alternate striker. He embodied the true essence of teamwork, and his effortless ability to forge friendships enriched the lives of countless others. This is why we need to honor his memory in a meaningful way.
In Joey's honor, we have established a scholarship program to uplift children who share their love for sports yet face financial hurdles. This initiative reflects
October 13, 2013 - June 19, 2023
his enthusiasm but also extends a hand of support to young athletes striving to chase their dreams. Furthermore, the values Joey cherished—his deep compassion for animals and the natural world—will continue to flourish through our commitment to local animal rescues. Those enchanting childhood adventures, like catching lightning bugs on warm summer nights, remind us of the pure joy we can find in life’s simplest pleasures.
The heartbreaking circumstances surrounding Joey’s untimely passing serve as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for safety education. His tragic loss emphasizes our responsibility to raise awareness among children about the importance of safety in all outdoor activities. By championing this essential safety program, we can ensure that other children can revel in the beauty of life, equipped with the knowledge and skills to protect themselves, just as Joey would have wanted.
Together, let us generate a lasting legacy that reflects Joey’s exuberance for life, his unwavering love for sports, and his compassion for all living beings. Join us in this mission—to remember Joey and actively honor him by creating a deep impact in our community. Together, we can ensure that his spirit continues to inspire us, guiding us to live fully, and thoughtfully, as we work towards a safer, more vibrant future for all children.
When we lost our beloved Joey, our lives changed forever. His radiant smile, infectious laughter, captivating eyes, and vivacious spirit have left an indescribable void in our hearts. Although he was with us for only nine short years, Joey had a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. Our memories of him are priceless and will be treasured for eternity.
We have a precious opportunity to keep his spirit and legacy alive through this nonprofit organization. Joey's Gifts is dedicated to supporting underprivileged children and animals in need. We believe every child and animal deserves a chance to thrive and experience joy. With your generous support, we can honor Joey’s legacy and create meaningful change in their lives. Please learn more about our programs here. We are deeply grateful for your compassionate assistance in celebrating our beloved Joey.
Joey's maternal grandfather crafted and engraved a beautiful bench in memory of him, which bears the name "Joey's Buddy Bench" to include his late uncle Buddy. On September 9, 2023, the family and community held a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony to dedicate the bench. The bench now resides at Simmons Elementary in Horsham, PA, where Joey and his older siblings attended school. Joey was an avid reader, so we placed the bench in the reading garden at the front of the school. It was a touching and moving experience to witness the community coming together to remember and celebrate Joey's life.
For more photos and videos of the dedication, please visit the "Special Events" tab.
"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."
- unknown