A Message Board for Joe's friends and family.

I would like to thank all of the wonderful cruisers that came to Joe's memorial. It was great to see all the people who came out to help celebrate Joe's life. I speak for myself, my family and as a merchant of Old Town when I say that Joe was "one of a kind" and I will miss him very much. He is no longer in pain, and he is waiting to greet each of us with a checkered flag and a smile. Thank you Joe for being there, thank you cruisers and a BIG thank you to Joe's family for "sharing" such a wonderful dedicated man. Joe was the only Santa that my three children have ever known. We will miss the quick smile and that twinkle in his eye but mark my words his spirit lives on in each and every cruise that hits the brick streets of Old Town....
 

Trish Cain from  Port Orange, FL  stopped by on 12/29/2009 and left the following message.

I am truely sorry for your loss. Joe meant alot to Doug and I over the years as we used to see him more often than we get to see our own family which made him feel like family to us and he will be truely missed. He was truely one of a kind. Love Doug and Trish Cain
 

Jim Rich (The Dukes) from  St. Cloud, FL  stopped by on 12/29/2009 and left the following message.

Joe has been a great friend and supporter of the Dukes for many years. We will miss him stopping by at the end of the night and saying someting to make us laugh,and smile. We'll be singing one for you Joe.
 

Butch and Jen Johnston from  Winter Garden, FL  stopped by on 12/28/2009 and left the following message.

From our days working together at Old Town through the building of our home and screened room out back, Joe was a part of our lives. I have so many wonderful memories. I learned a lot from Joe over the years, but most of all I learned that he is a true friend and supporter of the people he cares about. I'll miss our many lunches together at Rossi's. But what I will miss the most is our friendship. He had a strong passion for his family and friends. We are so blessed to have had him in our lives. Thank you Karen, Dee and Tina for including his friends during this most difficult time. And thanks to the grand children for sharing their Papa with us over the years.
 

Chris and Barry Braden from  Orlando, FL  stopped by on 12/27/2009 and left the following message.

We were so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Our prayers go out to his family. The world will be a little less bright without Joe in it.
 

Larry & Cris Day from  Kissimmee, FL  stopped by on 12/27/2009 and left the following message.

So sorry to hear about Joe. We sure missed having him at Old Town this last year. We will miss him terribly. Joe was the best!!
 

Tom & Carolyn from  Grapeland, TX  stopped by on 12/27/2009 and left the following message.

Anyone who knew Joe loved him. He just had a gift that way. He was always kind, always smiling. He didn't have a bad word to say about anyone. He will be missed by all. Our thoughts and prayers are with his entire family. Carolyn and Tom Peters
 

G.R.Collins from  Orlando, FL  stopped by on 12/27/2009 and left the following message.

It`s realy hard to deal with a loss like this, when one cruised with him, did a few car shows with him, and most of all worked with him on a weekly bases. When you see the passion in everything he did, the outward concern for the OLD-TOWN Merchants and how they are dealing with these troubled times, making a special call to a person going in for surgery , even when his own health was questionable. I`m glad to have had the pleasure and privilage to know Joe, knowing him, he`s already met with his fellow cruiser`s that have past, Together they are organising a cruise up there, so when our time comes he will be there to "sign us in".
 

Mesha S. from  Kissimmee/Poinciana, FL  stopped by on 12/15/199 and left the following message.

I have a lot of memories of Joe. All of which are good. I'd have to say my favorite ones are when he was Santa. He is a big part of Old Town and will be missed greatly, it just doesn't feel that same without him. Joe used to always make you smile, even when you wanted to frown, just seeing his happy face made you have a smile on yours. I will cherish every memory I have of Joe and he will always be in our hearts! To the best dang Cruise Director Old Town has ever seen, Joe.
 

Emil Horwitz from  Palm Harbor, FL  stopped by on 12/26/2009 and left the following message.

I've known Joe for many years but sadly only got to see him and talk to him on Saturdays at Old Town where he was an intregal part of the system that made Old Town what it is today. I know he will be greatly missed and my heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends who were close to him.
 

Marsha Peters from  Orlando, FL  stopped by on 12/25/2009 and left the following message.

Joe was a great man all around. I knew him best as my grandpa. He was an amazing guy with the best heart. Many knew him as Santa, or the man racing in the yellow golf cart, or a successful business man with his siding company, but to me.. he was my Papa. There is not a single word to describe him being gone. Its hard to write about him cause he's much greater than words. Many has cherished his well being for many years, bringing smiles and joy to all occasions. There are not enough tears in the sea to show how much he will be missed. He has watched over me and even shown me what Old Town is all about, it was his second home. I can't say thank you enough to all the cruisers who cruised down our street on his birthday, making Old Town come to him, its a moment I think about everyday. We will all miss him terribly, and everyday he will be on my mind more and more, he will never be forgotten. Yet he is a long living legend to Old Town, it will never be the same without him. But yet I cannot grieve forever, I must celebrate who he is, what he has accomplished, and what a great life he has lived. He would want that. Please know that I will miss you and love you deep in my heart always Papa. You will be truely remembered as the greatest Papa I know. I love you, and rest in peace. Love Forever And Always, Your oldest grandaughter- Marsha
 

Lori Hand from  Sorrento, FL  stopped by on 12/25/2009 and left the following message.

I thought alot of Joe. I have many good memories of him. He also was the "best" Santa :)
 

Mike Singer from  Winter Haven, FL  stopped by on 12/25/2009 and left the following message.

Joe was one of the cornerstones at the Old Town Cruises. He was always there, always ready and willing to help anyone in need. He was usually the first to greet you as you arrived. Joe was a lot of things to a lot of people, to me he was part of the old guard and a very dear friend! Joe, you will be missed by all, especially me!
 

Steve Butler from  Kissimmee, FL  stopped by on 12/25/2009 and left the following message.

A request from some of Joe's closest friends, was that I include some sort of a message board or Guest Book, so that more of Joe's friends and family can celebrate Joe's life, even if they can not attend the memorial. I would also encourage any that do attend the Memorial to leave a message as well. Joe will not be forgotten, he was an intregral part of the Cruises right from the start.