Condolence: Joe and I were 15 year-old freshmen in high school when we met. I was new to Catholic schools and didn't know anyone. Joe took it upon himself to make me feel welcome, introduced me to his many friends and encouraged me to get involved in sports and other activities. It might sound like a small thing but it meant a great deal to me.

I soon found out that Joe had lost his dad not many years earlier--something that I knew affected him greatly. But i also knew that Joe cam from a large and loving family filled with bright and creative people and that must have been a great source of strength for him then--as they were also a great source of joy throughout his life.

No one can doubt that Joe was one-of-kind. Over the arc of his life, he spread more happiness to more people than anyone I ever met by a country mile. He was, however, also a serious and thoughtful person. Joe graduated near the top of his high school class and attended Syracuse University on a full scholarship. There he might the love of his life, Val and he really blossomed.

Joe's interests were vast. He loved art, film, literature, theater and especially music Once, his sister Barb and her then boyfriend (now husband) Mike Russell, offered to take us to the historic concert at Watkins Glen--Joe was in heaven!

Joe could write beautiful and often funny prose and poetry seemingly effortlessly. His deliberately bad poetry--which he called "Joems"--were as bad as any poetry ever written and just as funny as they were bad.

His smarts and sensitivity combined to make him an interested (as well as interesting) person. He was interested in people (even total strangers-- to their initial shock and then quick delight). He was passionate about sports of all kinds both as an athlete (he was a natural) and as a spectator. He loved running, basketball, golf, bike riding and even silly "sports" like frisbee games and nerf basketball. I just heard from a friend that Joe may have invented Frisbee golf circa 1975! He told Paul Tyler that he laid out a course on the grounds of the art museum in Rome, NY, developed holes, rules--the whole deal. Paul didn't say who won the match but there can be little doubt.

Joe was also passionate about politics. When visiting me in DC, the lawless occupant in the White House did something especially egregious. Joe suggested that we. protest the next day and designed a huge sign that we took to Pennsylvania Ave the next day. The large group of protesters already assembled were so impressed with the sign, that they asked us to lead the march. An AP wire photo of the sign and Joe made the national papers the next day.

Joe loved people and life as long as he was able and brought joy to everyone (EVERYONE!) who knew him. And he loved no-one more more than Val who took such excellent care of him for so many difficult years.

Condolence: This is a footnote to my previous post...

I attended the memorial gathering for Joe on Saturday and wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to all Joe's family and friends for sharing their thoughts and stories of Joe, which touched us all.

I was thinking of the many times that Joe & Val stayed in my home in South Wellfleet in the early 90's and of the journal entries left in our 'visitor journal'. My daughters (now 25 and 28) fondly called Joe and Val Mr. and Mrs. Funny Bunny, referring to the entertaining stories they left behind (with illustrations, of course). I went back and read those entries on Sunday, as I thought of Joe after the service...and was reminded that some of you may have stayed in that house for a family reunion in 1991. I am happy to have played a small part in providing a setting where you all could make more family memories.

I will think of Joe often and hold my own memories dear.
with love,
susan

Condolence: Joe was my college roommate at Syracuse. I couldn't have asked for a better one. I don't remember a whole lot of studying. We did play countless hours of frisbee; our freestyle trick routine was good. Around the back, through the legs- he could do it all. We painted ourselves orange to attend the basketball games. We pretended to want to pledge fraternities just to drink their beer for free. A Grateful Dead soundtrack seemed to run constantly. Somehow we managed to graduate.
Although later we settled worlds apart , Joe was good about keeping in touch. I looked forward to the annual bike tour report. He would send me a book if he thought I'd like it. I sent him a plastic bat for his pith helmet. He had a great spirit about him. Inquisitive and good humored. He enriched my life and I will miss him dearly.
Fritz Iversen
Talkeetna Alaska

Condolence: Growing up (and to this day), stories were a huge part of our life. Our dad would pull out his best tales for us, however, as he would often tell us, it didn't hold a candle to what Uncle Joe could do. There was rarely an email unforwarded or a card unshared from Uncle Joe in our home, and I think that was largely due to the deep admiration my father surely had for his brother and his way with words. Uncle Joe's anecdotes, cards and gifts served as reminders to be kind, clever and to never stop asking our parents about their teenage years. His words and influence will be deeply missed.

Sending love from Denver,
Hannah, Sarah and Sean

Condolence: Bob and I are so sad and sorry to have lost such a good friend and heartbroken for our dear friend Val. We miss him terribly but hopefully will find comfort in all our wonderful memories. There are so many 'Joe' stories to share - He was a unique fun loving soul that filled our world with joy and happiness. He lit up a room with his genuine smile complete with adorable dimples that no one could resist. He was the core of an exceptional circle of friends and the heart of the BBRO.
A true fashion icon that could really pull off them ugly shirts, also known in some circles as Professor fancy pants. A fan of the Yankees and the Celtics and of all creatures - bats and sheep alike. A connoisseur of both good and bad art and a major contributor to the bad art out house.
Lover of music, art, literature, and most of all Val. The one, the only and by far the most entertaining alien we will every have the pleasure to know (aliens are monsters too).A spontaneous spirit; full of surprises that made our life just a bit more interesting.A cherished friend that will be greatly missed, our lives will never be quite the same

Condolence: So sorry to hear of Joe's death...I first met Joe, at Harvard, 25 years ago...He and Val have been a constant presence in my life over the years. He was a gentle soul with a subtle sense of humor and a wonderful work companion, patient and always ready to lend a hand.

I know he loved spending a few weeks on Cape Cod each year with Val, especially in the fall, taking long walks and checking out the natural wonders that the cape offered.

My thoughts are with Val and the rest of the family, and I will continue to think of him often, as I have for so many years. I will miss him.

Condolence: Val and the entire Urtz Family,

I worked with Joe for about 3 years and got to know him for the kind gentle soul with a wonderful sense of humor that he was. He will be missed by many and you most of all. I hope that your memories will help comfort you during the difficult days ahead. I will keep Joe and all of you in my prayers - may he rest in peace.

Condolence: I lived at "The Terrace" right before you before you, Joe, and more than likely, might have crossed paths at a party. Either way there's a connection, most particularly, through our many many, mutual friends and all the wonderful things they had always said about you. Deepest sympathies and heartfelt support to your wife Val. Forever in all of our hearts.

Bruce "Fritz" Kirschbaum

Condolence: So sorry for this loss of a friend. Joe always went out of his way to be thoughtful and kind. He made many music CD's for Jack which were always appreciated. And funny! Joe always made us laugh. His recollections of the Bike rides are hysterical-we cherish them. Many happy memories with Joe and Val. H will not be forgotten.