Linda Nicolosi, Joe's lifelong collaborator and also his wife of 39 years, is grateful for everyone's prayers and words of appreciation and has shared these words:
"Joe was certainly a larger-than-life, one-of-a-kind guy. Never worried about political correctness, he was happy to swim against the cultural tide when he was sure the culture was going in the wrong direction. That got him into trouble quite a few times. Gay-activist web sites, for example, are still fond of quoting the occasional risqué jokes he made during his life in the public eye, and of showing and re-showing him tossing a microphone back at a rude TV interviewer. But Joe had ardent convictions about the truth of male and female design, and because of his conviction and courage, his awareness that he would face biased reporters didn't stop him from appearing on Oprah Winfrey, Larry King Live, Hannity and Colmes, O'Reilly Factor, 20/20, Dr. Phil, BBC News, and so on.
Joe had always hoped for his legacy as the creator of Reparative Therapy to go on. His career was dedicated to helping people align their lives with their deeply held convictions. Anyone, he stressed, is free to live his life as gay; but we are inevitably gendered beings, and our fullest humanity calls us to live out our biological design. (To read more from Linda, click on the "His Life" tab).
Tributes
Leave a tributeYou will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.
Dr. Nicolosi was a great inspiration to me as he advocated for clients rights to self determination. His book sits on my shelf and has been a great help to a number of my former clients.
I pray that the Lord would comfort your family with His peace.
May he rest in peace in the Lord
I studied in Southern California with psychologists who lectured on psycho-theological integration. Joe, in contrast, lived integration. And in so doing, he lived out his faith. That will always inspire me.
I have asked the editor of WORLD magazine to give Joe's passing the recognition it deserves in the Christian community. The secular leaders of the APA should also honor Joe as a champion of client autonomy and self-determination, but of course they won't. That is left to us.
My deepest condolences to Linda and your son. Can you hear God say, "Well done" to Joe? I can.
Nathan A. Solomon, Ph.D.
Joe led and together with others built an organization, small in numbers but national and international in scope. NARTH is his legacy gift to us in the broader community.
Linda you and Joe are such a team, his pride in you and Joey continues now as a hidden and essential integral to the NARTH Legacy. We who have known you and the family over the years know this and you have our deepest admiration, gratitude, and respect for your contributions to our lives.
May you always find peace and comfort from the knowledge that you and the Nicolosi family have and continue to live life honestly and in truth. Always my love. Ben Kaufman .
Joe was a dear friend with whom I worked concerning several areas of mutual interests for nearly 15 years. He will be missed. May G-d have mercy on his soul.
Joe has not only made an incredible impact on my life, but he has also left his mark on the world. As Harry S. Truman once wrote, it is '…men with fortitude, honesty, and a belief in the right that makes epochs in the history of the world.' Dr. Joseph Nicolosi is indeed one of those men.
Leave a Tribute
Requiescat in Pace.
My cousin Joe was a very kind, compassionate and fun loving person. Although I am 9 years younger, we still had a lot in common being a Nicolosi. Our father's were very close brothers who immigrated from Tunisia to Brooklyn back in the late 30's. We were very close to our parents and as large as the Nicolosi famiy is, most are in New York. We have some in Florida and couple of us here in CA. Even though my cousin and I lived less than 90 mnutes from each other, we did not see each other often due to his traveling all over the world and I with my work. However, when we did we immediately regressed to growing up in the Bronx and Long Island. We both love to cook and both loved telling stories. The few hours we had together consisted of him cooking and us laughing. The ironic thing is that we were supposed to be together the Sunday after he died. We had been planning to visit our aunt in Rancho Cucamonga along with another cousin named Joe Nicolosi. I had planned it out and we were all looking forward to it because we knew once we were altogether the Nicolosi humor would come out. We had actually planned to make the trip the week prior to his death but canceled because he had a cold. Never in a million years would I imagine my cousin would be dead in three days. This guy worked out everyday, ate the right foods, skinny as a rail and me the complete opposite. I cannot believe he is gone and I am still here. Although we did not see each other much, his loss has affected me greatly and I will miss him. I know he cared and loved me and I the same for him. My priority now is to make sure his wife, Linda and son, Dr Joe Jr, my cousins, remain close with us that are still here. I will still laugh when I think of him and family stories we used to tell each other only now my smile will not be as big. God Bless you my cousin, rest in peace. I love you. Cousin Jackie
Dr Joe was always so kind to me...once I was having a really hard time and needed to talk to a counselor. Knowing Dr Nocolosi for a very long time I called him as he used to counsel with some of our guys by phone. I told him what was going on and I asked him if he would do the same for me as I was very sad over my son's situation. He explained that he was so busy..and then all at once he said, "you know what, Gloria, since it is you, I will do it, not to worry." Through my tears I told him that I would try to find someone in San Antonio. He then proceeded to talk with me for at least an hour. I will always remember his concern and his generosity towards me, knowing how busy he was. He was truly a good man I will remember him always.
May God comfort Joey and Linda.
Thank you Joe, thank you so much!
At the news of Joe passing I immediately thought "no, please, not now, we need you more now than ever". I am forever grateful for this man standing up to 2 of the biggest "bully pulpits" in our culture today 1) APA 2) intolrarant political gay lobby. As as a same sex attracted man, Joe helped me stand in my power that my voice and beliefs for a different life were VALID. His writings mentored, fathered and empowered a vision for something more. I am so grateful for him. I will admit my fear that a VERY big gap has been left open. Who could possibly replace his voice of authority? This is a call to every therapist, religious and non-religious organization to WAKE UP. The time is now to forward Joe's writing and research. He has given us all a great gift with his calling on his life.
Thank you God, for the faithfulness of your son Joe. I celebrate your words to him "well done good and faithful servant". With grief, tears of sadness and gratitude, well done Joe, well done!
To God be the glory,
Jase B.
"It's Gonna Be Worth It" by Rita Springer ---> https://youtu.be/DzSJ8snhXao