Joseph Marasco, A Life Lost Too Soon

Joseph Marasco was just 32 years old on May 26th when he decided to play Pokemon Go with his two friends in Tonawanda, NY.  While walking through the neighborhood with his friends playing, a man came up and shot him through the stomach, damaging several major organs with the bullet.  

Joseph was rushed to ECMC where he underwent 4 surgeries to try and save his life, having his spleen, parts of both intestines and parts of his colon removed, a stint put in his heart, and 14 pints of blood.  Joseph had to be put into a medical coma to stop the excruciating pain.  But it didn't help.  Joseph's organs continued to fail and his body went into sepsis.  After many hours of fighting, his body finally could not take anymore and we lost him to this senseless act of random violence.

Joseph leaves behind a 5 year old daughter who was his world.  She was the light of his life and he always bragged about how smart she was.  One of his favorite things to do was to play games with her  and show her off to everyone, boasting about all of her accomplishments.  Joseph wanted for her nothing but joy. When he was with her, he never stopped smiling, and she smiled right along with him. Sadly, Joseph will never be able to hold his daughter or hug her or tell her things will be OK ever again.

Joseph was so young and energetic and full of life that no one ever expected him to be gone at such a young age.  He never had time to plan for his future.  He was just beginning his life.  But now his mother and sister need help to raise funds to cover the cost of his additional expenses.  


Please help us honor Joseph, a big teddy bear of a man with a heart of gold, in the way he should be with lots of love and support.  Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.