Joey and Maria’s Story.

Joey and Maria started dating in October of 2018 after they met through mutual friends at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Joey at the time was attending Milwaukee Area Technical College and was a part of their High Voltage Power Distribution program while Maria was attending UWW where she was studying Marketing. Maria, at the young age of 20 years old, and Joey, at 23 years old, had their whole lives ahead of them.

On April 3rd, 2020, Joey and Maria were the victims of a horrific car accident. An out-of-state fugitive led the U.S. Marshals on a high speed chase in the narrow streets of Milwaukee and Joey and Maria happened to be in the wrong spot at the wrong time. Maria passed away in the accident while Joey was rushed to the hospital in critical condition where he later passed away on April 4th, 2020. They both had made the brave decision to become organ donors and together saved many lives. Their decision to become organ donors didn’t really come as a surprise because of how selfless and willing they were to help others.

 Joey was the type of person to help out anyone that needed it, whether that be his grandparents, close friends, or even strangers off the street. He once took several unhoused people’s fast food orders so he could buy them dinner and when he came back with the food, one of the people stated, “I didn’t think you were actually coming back.” He had the biggest heart that reached no end and it showed. He may have tried to come across to others as the “tough guy” but he had such a soft side to him. He always made sure to hug his grandparents goodbye and tell them he loved them. He would also always detour from what he was doing to cuddle his puppies and give them endless kisses. Joey lived by one of his favorite sayings, “We rise by lifting others”, which he just so happened to have tattooed on his forearm. Lead your life with love and remember to lift those around you, just like Joey would.

Maria had the most infectious smile and giggle that could instantly brighten anyone’s day. She just had this glow about her that could light up any room and now everything is just a little more dim. She was sweet, smart, determined, ambitious, and witty. Maria also had the biggest heart and that’s one reason why her and Joey fit so well together. She would drop everything she was doing to help out a friend and ask for nothing in return. One story that describes Maria well is when her dad wanted to throw a parade for her when she won Worlds (!!!) with her dance team. When Maria found out about the parade, she shut it down. She didn’t want to push this accomplishment in anyone’s face even though this was a huge deal. She wasn’t one to boast about herself, but was the first person to be there cheering on her family and friends. She was one of a kind and a beautiful soul. She loved the saying, “See the good in all things”, which was something she strived to do on a daily basis. Remember to see the good and smile more often because you have the ability to brighten someone’s world, just like Maria did.