Over the past few days many of us have been trying to come to terms with the loss of our great friend, Joseph Curreri. He was the most loyal, passionate, intelligent, meticulous and driven friend I've ever had. And though the list of honorary adjectives are never-ending and can go on and on in his case, I think the best way to describe him is through his love: his love of his wife, his family, his country and his friends. Anyone who was close to Joe knew he would jump through hoops and go over any obstacle just to see his friends, whether it be for a quick hello or for a couple hours.
I'm reminded of two specific times that Joe did this for me. The first was when he had just finished a segment of his Army education and he was back in LA visiting Athena for a small period of time before having to complete the rest of his training. I got a call from him, saying he
was in LA. Needless to say I was super excited I was gonna be able to
see him...He told me,"I'll be there in an hour dude." To which I replied, "What the hell are you walking from Athena's??" "No", he said, "I'm running...with a 50 lbs bag." hahah, keep in mind Athena lived in West Hollywood and I was at the USC campus, I couldn't believe it. Sure enough, less than an hour later I'm on Ellendale, my phone rings, it's Joe, he tells me he's on Ellendale too. I look down the street and there's Joe...backpack and all running up towards me. He give's me (and everyone who's been lucky enough to have been truly hugged by Joe know's what I'm talking about) his typical big old bear hug. though this one was especially big because he had put on about 20 lbs of muscle since joining the army!
The second time, I was in Victoria, BC at a swim meet over the summer of 2006. He was stationed at Fort Lewis down in Seattle at the time. He rearranged his schedule to come up and see me and Ilika. Again, Seattle to Victoria (like West Hollywood to 'SC with no car) is not very easy to get to. But Joe found a way. It was like planes, trains and automobiles for him to get there (plus a ferry because Victoria was an Island) but he found a way, just like he always did. And though our time together was short in Victoria it was well worth it. It was the second to last time I saw Joe and those memories will always be fresh in my mind; Me and Joe, grabbing lunch right on the harbor in British Columbia. It's something I'll never forget.
Ilika and I have been trying to figure out ways to honor the guy that we called a brother. Ilika, though his web savvy, has set up a web
site:
http://Joeycurreri.blogspot.com/
where everyone can post a story like the two that I've shared with you; it can be funny, sappy, heartfelt..it really doesn't matter! It doesn't even have to be a story, it can be your thoughts, your feelings, etc.
It's just a great way for us to remember Joe for the GREAT man he was.
Also, on this web site we've set up an event list for all that can make
it: On Saturday, November 17th, we're having a celebration of Joe's life. The festivities kick off at 11 am at the Pantry, where each table will be getting a chili cheese omelette (Joe's favorite)..though I'll be getting one for myself. From there we're gonna head to Beach's on Manhattan Pier, where we have the second floor rented out from 2-5.
I want to encourage everyone to bring emails, letters, photo's..anything really, that Joe had sent you or given you that you think is important. We'll have a table centered where all pics of the good times that Joe had will be on display. At some point during Beach's we'd like to have 'sit down,' so to speak where those that want to get up and talk about Joe can. It'll be a great place for his family and friends to remember Joe..again this is a celebration.
Nothing would make Joe happier than seeing all the closest people in his life coming together with smiles on their faces. For those of you that are out of town and won't be able to make it but still want some of his emails read, or some of his pics shown, please email me and I'll be sure to do that for you.
It's important to know this celebration is not to take the place of the memorial services, which date and time is still pending. But to add to it; Joe was full of life and deserved 20 of these. I hope this email finds all of you well, and I look forward to seeing all those that can make it to this.
Your Friend,
Erik Vendt
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7 comments:
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Great idea on the blog. You have our condolences at the magazine.
Erik,
I remember the day Joe visited you in Canada. I was on vacation with my family and Joe called me on my cell and we talked for much of his ride home (when the phones weren't breaking up anyway). I remember thinking to myself what an incredible guy he was to go through all of that to see friends. I always knew he would do anything for family, but that hit me significantly that he had the same dedication and love for his friends. Joe had more love in his heart than anyone I could ever imagine. We are all better for having had him in our lives.
-Ryan
For the short time I knew Joe while swimming at 'SC, I just remember him as being very passionate. About everything! Thanks for being a great team leader...
Maria Hall
......Where do I start??? I first met Joe when I took my recruiting trip to USC. I might not have been USC’s favorite recruit because I wouldn’t shut up about my car (for those of you who can remember), but Joe made me feel like I was apart of the team, he made me feel like I was the #1 recruit in the nation. I think when he heard that I had signed with USC he probably rolled his eyes and said “oh no, that guy who wouldn’t shut up about his car is coming to USC.” When I arrived, Joe had accepted me for who I was and we instantly became friends. Even though I wasn’t your typical/model swimmer, meaning, waking up for “mandatory” morning workouts, not burning the candle at both ends…….lets just say I was no angel, and Joe was always there for me, always stood up for me and always tried his hardest to make me a better person. Even though he was younger then me, I looked to him as an older brother that always had my best interests in mind.
I had the pleasure of living with Joe for 2 years, I wish I could remember each an everyday we spent together, but that would be near impossible. One of the things I do remember is his love for his dog Bishop……………………Bishop……..everybody who knew Joe in college also knew his dog Bishop. That damn dog (granted I’d loved him), but he would always push my/everybody’s buttons. When he would do something wrong and know it, he would just look at you like……WHAT, what are you going to do. There was something about Joe in which he had a special and unique connection with everybody he came in contact with, even that dog. Joe could be 3 blocks away from the house on his way home and Bishop would jump up off the couch (which he wasn’t suppose to be on, he didn’t care) and start running around crazy. We all would look at each other and say “Joe must be close,” and sure enough Joe would come walking through the door. The smile on Joe’s face and the overwhelming happiness he felt when he saw “that dog” was similar to how he felt when he found out he was going to be a Green Beret.
In a sense I feel ashamed that I didn’t keep in contact with Joe more then I did. I would email him about once every month and a half. I did get to talk to him for about 45mins sometime in July and the great thing about it was we picked up where we left off. I told him all about my (single) life in Chicago, my business, my travels, etc. He updated me with everything that was going on in his life. He told me he was so happy doing what he was doing and that he finally has a path in life, a meaning. At the end of our conversation he said “Gausman, I’m so glad some things never change!” We had some great laughs, I told him that even though we don’t talk as much as we should I still love him and think about him all the time. He told me he couldn’t wait to come home in a couple months and it would be great if I could make it out to LA. Well I’m coming to LA to see you Joe, I just wish it were under different circumstances. I love you man.
Living with Joe (and his DOG) my “second” senior year was great, but I hated to see Joe as unhappy as he was. It was Erik, Joe and I. I remember Joe getting up every morning putting on those slacks and collared shirt, preparing himself for a long day in a cubical. Joe in a CUBICAL…..I know it crazy, he freaking hated it. I felt bad because I was enjoying my last year of college and Joe was sitting in a cubical. We talked all the time about how he didn’t know what he was doing with his life and how much he hated his job. Every time I came home from class or from Campus he was glued to the TV watching CNN or other news stations absorbing every piece of information on the war. I always gave him a hard time and started calling him Dad because he would 1. Listen to AM talk radio 2. Watch the news when he got home from work and 3. Look out for me. He was very into what was happening overseas and was determined to become a Navy Seal. Erik and I where there for him when he found out he would never be a Navy Seal because of his back. That was the saddest that I have ever seen him, but he didn’t give up, he was more determined then ever. Then, like Erik said it was the happiest day of his life when he found out he was going to be a Green Beret. Joe wasn’t made for a cubical, he wasn’t put here on this planet to headhunt or pencil push, he was put here to protect us and fight for our country and what he believed in. Joe had the biggest heart of anybody I know and helping those people and protecting those children in the Philippines completed Joe…….(actually Athena, you completed Joe, but you know what I mean) What I’m trying to say is Joe had found his destiny and he passed doing what he loved, for that I honor him even more.
Joe buddy, I miss you, I love you and I wish that I could have one more of those gorilla hugs you are so well known for. My heart goes out to all friends and family.
Joel Evarman, Jay Sayko, Mark Warkentin, Seth Meyer, David Hertzel, James Wells, and the great Joe Curreri... I started my American life with them in a suite at Fluor Tower. I still remember the first day of my life at Fluor Tower and it makes me smile every time I think of it. I hardly spoke English and had a hard time communicating with people when I first got there. Joe, however, was patient when I struggled to express myself in English and always tried to bring me into the circle of friendship. He didn't know how much it meant to me back then. I really appreciated his kindness and leadership. The welcoming atmosphere he created for me made me feel like I was a part of the Trojan family. I spent 5 years at USC and a lot happened during the wonder years. Joe was in a lot of the scenes in my good memories. Now that I am back in Japan and am pretty much settled, but I wish I had tried to contact him from here. Knowing that he is not on this planet anymore is really difficult to accept, and I miss him like I miss my lost father. One day all of us will leave this world and become someone’s memory. I know I will have my turn. He will definitely be one of the people I will look forward to see again then. So, I would like to say “I will see you around, Joe” instead of farewell.
It is a shame that there is so little I can do for Joe and his family from this distance, but please let me know if there is anything I can do.
Ryosuke Imai
I like that Ryo, very well putt, "I will you see around"
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