Tuesday, June 3, 2025
Joe, you were a great friend, a loyal friend, and I will say, a very close friend. We shared many adventures together and fun times over the years, all of which are forever seared into my memory.
On one occasion, back in college days, campus security got "egged" by our crew of mischievous underclassmen. Trouble ensued. There was a meeting, a "trial," with The Dean. Joe said, "Let me do the talking!" Verdict- case dismissed!
That was Joe. If he wasn't a stock analyst, he would have made a terrific lawyer.
Many times, Joe and I went to his place upstate, to hang out and to attend a music festival. I'd pick him up at Stuytown. He often had quite a few items to bring, so our departure was delayed. Finally, we're on the road but still had to visit Walmart to get Joe's food supply, followed by a stop at Home Depot. Then on to the waterhole to get Joe's spring water. By the time we got to the festival, the show was half over! That was Joe.
In 1999, Joe and I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon and camped by the Colorado River. On the day we hiked out it was very hot, and Joe became dehydrated. He was feeling faint, so we stopped and rested under a shaded rock formation. I gave Joe the rest of our food and more water. He recovered and we made our way to the rim. In the years that followed, when the subject came up, Joe would get very serious, saying, and insisting, that I "saved his life." I didn't really, but that's the kind of guy Joe was.
I will miss you, "Pal O' Mine" (Honeymooners). Of course, it goes without saying, Joe knew all the lines!
Rest In Peace My Friend.
Mike Tupone
