I recently lost one of my closest friends; Joseph Julius Wunsch. Looking back, before I moved to New York, I had friends, but no one that meant anything to me before I met Joe in 8th grade in 2000. I was a newcomer from Florida and didn't know a single person. I was walking the halls, when this big guy came up to me with a huge smile on his face and introduced himself to me and we automatically clicked. He introduced to me a group of his friends; Alex Notorangelo, Emmy Rodriguez, Vincent Urrutia, and so many other notable names. Over the next week, we would develop a true friendship; make jokes, making each other crack up. Joe had a way with people, especially with the ladies! He had a great laugh! His whole body would shake whenever he laughed hard, which in turn would make other people laugh even harder.

Joe had an amazing life, even if it was cut short, but they say only the good die young. Joe changed me for the better. There was a time when I was in high school, I was on the brink of destruction, doing all types of drugs, not going to school, drinking, and was in a deep depression. Joe sat me down, and put me in my place. He told me that I was a better person, and knew that I was better than that, and really opened my eyes on what I was actually doing. He changed my life, I realize now that his presence in my life helped shaped me into the person I am today. I am now living in New York City and a part of a successful online business. Joe was truly a great man, and he will be missed!

There was something about Joe; he had a way about him. He was a true friend. Joe was caring, trustworthy, clever, brave, respectful, hilarious, smart, and unique. He had a deep appreciation for his family. He was thankful for his parents and his younger sister, for giving him the life he had. I never heard him once speak badly about them. He was a type of friend that would be there no matter what! His personality was calm and cool. Joe could put anybody in a good mood. All the people that knew him not had one bad thing to say about him. That says a lot about his character.

Joe, I know you’re looking down on us from heaven, watching over all of us. I know we lost communication for a while there, but I want you to know that my feelings for you hasn't changed, I still consider you one of my closest friends. I will never forget all the memories that we shared, and I will live on, with you in my heart and my soul. Sometimes I feel your presence when I think about you. I pray to god every night to watch over my family, and I thank him for putting you and your family in my life.

Joe’s death was sudden; I actually tried to get in contact with him the week of his passing, and left him a lengthy message, hoping he would call me back. I will never receive a call back from Joe, but I know that when I perish, I will see him again smiling and laughing again. I will be able to speak to and hug my friend again. Right now I feel a very large void, not so much because his physical presence is now gone, but more because the way in which he shared himself, was something that filled us all with the sense that we were someone special to him - as special as he was to us. I’m going to miss you bro.

With love,

Nick Escobar