Joe was so many things to so many people. He was his parents' baby boy and first son; a brother, best friend, and biggest supporter; a loving grandson, nephew, and cousin to his family; and a best friend to many, treating his friends like they were his chosen family. Joe was an avid sports fan, and followed his New England teams—Celtics, Red Sox, and Patriots.

Growing up, Joe did the typical things – arguing with his brother, competing about who was smarter, who had the better looks, who was going to be richer, and who their parents loved more! But there also were things about Joe that really set him apart. He was authentic, driven, loving and caring. Friends, friends’ moms, coaches, teachers, and family have shared, “Joe is the kindest person I know,” and that he would always go out of his way to put a smile on their faces. When he asked how they had been doing and they said, “I’m fine,” he would look at them again and say, “No, how are you really doing?” Joe was the kind of person you met once and never forgot. Whether you were his best friend or not, he would be the first person to lift you up and put a smile on your face.

Joe also struggled with depression and anxiety, with his brain riddled with anxiety most days, even when he was greeting you with a smile. Mental illness is not the type of “sick” that you can see from the outside or monitor with a screen—it is the type of sick that is a silent killer;