August 14, 1944 - February 17, 2021
Written by Randall K. Nichols ’62
My friend Joe died on February 17, 2021. He was only two months older than I. Joe will be remembered by a huge network of friends, family, colleagues, acquaintances and few, if any, enemies. I knew Joe well at Friends Seminary during our formative years as adults. He had a wonderful effect on people around him and on me. His wide smile was both super infectious and disarming. You couldn’t help but like him. He was convivial and immediately you knew he was a sincere and genuine individual. He was like ice cream: you couldn’t get enough. It didn’t matter what crowd you ran in or your popularity “Q” score, Joe would make you feel comfortable and have you generally laughing in the first few moments of conversation. However, Joe turned into something different on the basketball court. I know. I broke my ankle just before graduation trying to catch him during a jump shot. Mr. Ice Cream turned into Mr. Asparagus.
In 1991, Joe married his wife of 40 years, Patricia Kerrigan. Marriages that long don’t last unless there is a very special bond in place. I suspect that Joe’s smile acted as part of the glue. I had a chance to catch up with Joe at our 40th reunion. At the table were two grey-haired guys acting like 18. It was as if nothing had ever changed. His smile was just as potent. I will miss him. May the Lord walk with him and laugh along the way.