Joey left behind a painting, one that speaks louder than words ever could. Its colors swirl in chaos and light, shadow and flame, wings of hope stretching above the turmoil below. To those who loved him, this artwork is more than just brushstrokes on canvas. It is a window into Joey’s heart, a reflection of his inner world—a world that, despite being filled with laughter and adventure, carried an unseen weight.
Born in Illinois and raised by a family who cherished him deeply, Joey lived a life brimming with connection. He was the person who would walk into a room, his smile alone enough to lift the spirits of everyone around him. There was an undeniable warmth about Joey, an energy that made people feel valued, heard, and understood. His adventurous spirit took him from cliff diving at Blue Cove to offering food to the homeless in Florida, always seeking to make meaningful moments out of life’s simplest joys. Joey wasn’t just someone who lived fully; he made sure everyone around him did too.
But Joey’s life, as bright and open as it seemed, was marked by struggles only he could feel. His family and friends remember him as the boy who loved deeply and gave generously. He had an uncanny ability to draw people in, to make them feel like they belonged in his orbit. And yet, even surrounded by love and companionship, Joey carried an inner conflict—a conflict captured so vividly in his final piece of art.
This painting, created not long before Joey’s passing, holds deep significance for those he left behind. At its center is a figure, shadowed and solemn, seated near a blaze of fire. Above, ethereal energy flows into the figure from one direction and leaves from another, perhaps symbolizing the transformation Joey experienced internally.The painting’s fiery hues, chaotic swirls, and contrasting elements are a testament to the internal push and pull Joey must have felt—caught between the darkness of his struggles and the light of the love he gave to others.
For Joey’s family, this painting is more than just a reflection of his inner turmoil—it is a story, one of contrasts and complexities, much like Joey himself. The artwork speaks to the parts of Joey that words never could, expressing emotions he rarely shared, even with those closest to him. His family finds solace in it, a piece of him left behind, offering both beauty and a glimpse into his soul.
In the final months of his life, Joey found himself in Florida, where he quickly formed new friendships. His ability to connect with people was nothing short of remarkable. When his family gathered for his celebration of life, hundreds of people from 17 different states came to honor him. His friends shared stories of his kindness, his infectious joy, and the way Joey made everyone feel special. It was a moment that showed just how many lives Joey had touched—how his presence had left ripples in places his family had never even been.
Since his passing, Joey’s family has found ways to keep his spirit alive. One of their most cherished traditions is hosting “First Friday Dinners,” where Joey’s friends gather to reconnect, to share memories, and to honor the friendships he built. Each dinner is a reflection of Joey’s legacy—the way he brought people together, not just in life, but even now, in his absence.
There are other moments, too, when Joey’s family feels his presence. Shortly after his passing, on the drive home with his belongings, the song “I Can See Clearly Now” played on the radio, and as the rain cleared, his family felt Joey with them, letting them know he had found peace. Yellow butterflies have also become a symbol of Joey’s presence, often appearing at just the right time, as if to say, “I’m still here.”
But amidst these moments of connection, Joey’s family also carries with them a message—a message born from the realization that even someone as loved and surrounded as Joey was can still feel alone. “Don’t let them hide,” his family urges. It’s easy to believe someone is okay, that their outward joy reflects their inner peace. But sometimes, it doesn’t. Joey’s family wants his story to be a reminder to check in on loved ones, to be there in the moments when someone might need it most.
In partnering with 2Polarities, Joey’s family hopes to spread this message far and wide. They want others who are struggling to know that help is always there, that no one has to face their battles alone. Joey’s life was a testament to love, kindness, and connection—but it is also a reminder that the battles we can’t see are just as important to acknowledge.
Joey’s painting, with all its contrasts and complexities, will be shared alongside this story, a reflection of a life that was both light and shadow. His family hopes that in sharing his story, they can offer others the understanding and support that Joey needed. Though his journey ended far too soon, his love, his art, and his legacy continue to inspire those he left behind.
And in the end, Joey’s painting serves as both a message and a memory—one that his family and friends will hold close forever.
