Mark's updating of the Davidson Woods website and Patty's Memories of Canton blog have inspired me to write about our brother Joe. The timing seems good too, just after his shared November birthday with Cathy and before Christmas and his late December 2022 passing. I'm hoping this blog could serve as a place to help us remember Joe. I'll share some memories here and, if so inclined, you could share some memories or stories about Joe as well. This could be a happy memories book like we had prepared once for Joe with letters and photographs to remind him of Dad and Mom and all of us when we weren't around. I'll just do a few bullets for now but I/we can add or expand on them as memories come back and "as time goes by".

*  The first thing that comes to mind for me is how Joe was so full of love and happiness. He had such an outgoing personality. I always admired that about Joe, always saying hi and extending a hand to anyone and everyone, kind of just like Dad. He was so happy, loving and caring to the people in his life: his family, his housemates, and his friends at his work and various programs. Remember how he would stretch out his arms from his wheelchair and say "awe, come on, give me a hug" to his loved ones. And he was a constant tease and a flirt, wanting restaurant waitresses and nurses to be his girlfriend, "will you marry me". 

*  Joe loved sports, especially football, baseball and basketball, and specifically the Yankees and the Cowboys. Bob H., Mark D. and our  nephews could watch and converse with Joe about games, teams and team members on any occasion. Remember all the Special Olympic medals he won for swimming and how he could swim the full length and back of Bob and Cathy's pool, under water. Wow! He loved the Yankees, maybe their biggest fan. Mark D. got him to numerous Yankee games, an extra great treat!

*  We had such happy times with Dad and Mom on a regular basis on Saturday evenings going out to the movies and dinner and movies at Robert's. Joe, Robert and I were partners", hey partner! He loved certain words, like the word "hypocrite". I think I remember correctly Joe, Robert and I were visiting Dad and Mom in Florida watching the news and during a debate one politician called another politican a hypocrite and that was a spark for Joe, "hypocrite", he loved saying it! Robert or Dad would say "Joe, don't be a hypocrite" and Joe would reply right back, Dad, don't be a hypocrite. Robert, don't be a hypocrite, and we would laugh so hard. That caught on and lasted for years and I still catch us saying it once in a while and think so happily of Joe. Kind of like we do with the word "incredible".

So, those are a few memories of Joe that come back to me at this moment. Joe was a constant tie that binded our family. He gave and received so much love. 

This is what I had written to say at Joe's memorial in May of 2023

Dear family and friends,

Thank you Father Carlino for providing this service today for our brother Joe and our family. You visited and blessed Joe numerous times while he was at Ellis Hospital the last two weeks in December. You gave him last rites in the presence of Frank, Robert and myself. We were so thankful.

Just this past weekend we joyfully celebrated the marriage of our brother John to his lovely bride Nadia down in Charleston, South Carolina. It was a beautiful day and gathering.

Today, another beautiful day and gathering, we celebrate the inspiring life of our brother Joe. To know Joe was to love Joe. Always a smile, a handshake, a hug and a kiss ever ready for anyone and everyone. He had such a special bond with our Dad. He was like our Dad, gregarious and outgoing, and he liked to tease us just like Dad. Joe loved us all and we loved him back.

Joe far exceeded the limitations he faced in life. Thanks to our Dad and Moms dedication and Joe's determination, he stayed in school for as long as possible, where he received purposeful training and learned skills. He graduated from Linton High School. After that he worked and he was proud of working and he loved getting his paycheck. Joe loved his housemates and friends, especially Kenny, Ron and Roger. Joe, loved and appreciated the various staff at his residences, Park Ave. and Cambridge Court. Joe lived an active, full and independant life which is what we celebrate today.

Caring for Joe, something we all shared, was a reflection on Dad and Mom and an ongoing connection for us all. Our parents gave us unconditional love and encouragement. They taught us how to care and nurture by their example as they cared for Grandma Bracewell, Aunt Hildegarde, Aunt Helen, Joe and each of us over the years. And in return, we cared for our parents and for Joe when and as it was needed.

Now Joe is here next to Dad and Mom. He is the third generation of our family here at Holy Redeemer with our parents, our paternal grand parents, Uncle Francis and Aunt Helen, and also Mo and Betty Hoffman.

This afternoon we'll have the opportunity to share memories of Joe over lunch at Robert's home. Thank you Robert for hosting us today. Thank you Patty and Tom for preparing today's service and music. Thank you all!

Open this link and you will see the obituary Frank helped me write for the Gazette and Times Union along with some nice comments to the family from people who knew Joe and/or the family: 

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/legacyremembers/joseph-woods-memorial?id=38507224