Joseph Williams-Rossi - Gone too soon!

My name is Sherry Zielke-Suplee and I’m reaching out to you for my dear sister, Karen McLaughlin, and her husband, Joseph (Joe) Williams-Rossi. Joe sadly lost his medical battle and died early this morning. As you probably know, Joe was a victim of a heart problem and has been fighting to live long enough to see a new heart via transplant. He has been on a cardiac machine that kept his heart beating for many years now. He could not get it wet, had to monitor and keep batteries charged daily, and had to worry about something like a power outage. Not having the ability to work, him and Karen have only had one income for over eight years now and with the insurmountable cost of the medications, equipment, and copayments, there is a dire need of some financial assistance. Karen and Joe have been sweethearts for 24 years – true soulmates who liked to travel, wine taste, and enjoy their lives. Anyone who knows Joe would remember that he came from a really tough childhood and he was very proud of the life him and Karen built in Ridley Township. He was also appreciative and adored his two girls, Sabrina and Kaila and his most recent baby GIZMO, the cutest but chunkiest Guinea Pig ever. The last many years for Joe have been challenging and he has suffered with a lot of lost hope. Karen has been his sole caregiver all while working every day. Her role being a model for the youth in Ridley Township as a School-Based Probation officer has touched many lives. Her kind warm personality is what kept her going through even the toughest of situations. I know Karen really wants to honor Joe’s life and give him a cremation and celebration of his life that was cut short - way to soon! Joe died at only 49 years of age. We will all miss his joy of barbeque and his search for all the Guy Fieri restaurants visited on his travels. He always was on the hunt for a good deal and loved visiting Cowtown and shopping the marketplace. His love of movies and tv shows always kept everyone up to date on the latest. I will personally remember him for his participation in the chili cook off at a local winery and many good times over the years in our big Zielke - McLaughlin Family. His love of Wildwood and the jersey shore and Disney World was shared with all of his family and many memories were born from vacations there with his kids. If you have a few dollars or more to spare, I know my sister would really appreciate it. She’s been climbing a mountain for years now through this heartbreaking and painful process and I can guarantee you, the money will be put to a very honorable use. Thank you for reading our story and God Bless all of you and, of course Joe. May you rest in peace Joe!