Joe

For many years I've been an avid reader, and occasional collector, of the obituaries that appear in my hometown newspaper. I've often thought that a well-written obituary can provide insights into life that we really don't find anyplace else.

At least not when it comes to the lives of ordinary people. At their best they reveal that there are, in fact, extraordinary people who have lived among us. (I also scan the day's list, before I read any of the details, just to be sure that my name isn't among them. So far, so good, lol.)

Anyway, tonight I was reading along and came to Joe's obit. And for those who are not sports fans--or have not lived at least part of their lives downwind from the city of Cleveland and its perennially disappointing sports teams--well, this one tells the story. And gave me a laugh when I wasn't expecting one.

It said, in part,

Joe was a die-hard Cleveland Browns fan. His hero was Bernie Kosar, who was #19 on his jersey, but #1 in his heart. He enjoyed racing Corvettes when he was younger and was an avid bowler, acquiring many trophies and awards throughout the years. He loved his grandchildren dearly and was "a millionaire with children."

Joe had requested the Cleveland Browns' defense to be his pall bearers so they could let him down one last time.

I just think, after reading this, that Joe was the kind of guy we're all gonna miss, even though we didn't know him. My sincere condolences to his family and friends...

LPK
Dreamwidth
12.11.2019