Joe, It was a pleasure knowing you and a privilege to be known by you as one of the Phillies pioneers.  Knowing that I was a member of the Pepperell Jets, the forerunner of the Phillies, you gave me a chance to try out one more time at the age of 36, and I made the club, which was a bucket list item for me.
We talked baseball, family, faith, and life through the years from time to time.  Your commitment to the team was as deep as my commitment to the church.  Our commitments kept us both busy and dedicated.  Part of my job is to make sure people get right with God.  To those who read this, I can tell you that Joe had a strong faith in God, and once I learned that, I never worried about that again.
Joe, your absence will be felt down at Marshall Park, and in the hearts of the hundreds of quality baseball players who had the privilege of playing for you on the Phillies.
I wanted to be there for the funeral, but an emergency at the church prevented me from leaving the building.
I am wearing my Phillies hat today in your honor, and I look forward to meeting up with you for some “around the horn” over in glory.
Rest in peace, Joe.  You loved your family and carried the burden for the Phillies so faithfully.
To Joe’s wife and family, may I say a humble thank you for letting Joe live the dream.  Without you, he couldn’t have done it.  I am deeply saddened with the news of Joe’s passing.  I will think of him often.
If there is ever anything I can do for you, please let me know.

-Pastor Steve Koroskenyi
SS, C, CF

Christian Life Center
Downtown Leominster