Joe's Story

Joseph DiPrete Memorial Foundation
c/o Camden Natl Bank, Belfast, Maine

Running With Wings

September 7, 1989 - October 4, 2003

All who knew Joseph called him kind, smart, funny,
a good friend, never said a mean word to anyone.

Joe ran with his high school team in the Maine 2003
Cross Country Festival of Champions.
Joe lay down in the grass at 1:00 Oct. 4, 2003,
during his race.
The Meet continued with two more races.
Joe was found at about 3:00, 2 steps from the trail.
Spotters had seen him running at 1¼ mi. He was not seen at 1½ mi.                     Photo taken appr. 1 minute before Joe lay down (Joshua Bright)
He was in the cold windy rain for 2 hours. Doctors estimate he died between 2:30 and 3:00

* We are working for Emergency Response Plans for all schools,
to include student athlete safety in the athletic field;
Improved Pre-Participation Evaluation (Health History) forms;
AED awareness and training policies for ALL coaches, and for interested parents and students. *

This foundation is newly forming and we welcome input, assistance, advice, and any support you can give.
Thank You!
Contact us: mail@safeathletes.org (use link or copy/paste this address into your e-mail address bar)

To view newspaper articles about Joseph's life and about his race: News Links
Or to view pictures:      Pictures
               and   Pictures of XC in 2003

article ................ Joe, not forgotten

This Foundation is created in loving memory of

Joseph DiPrete-DiGioia                            Listen to Joe's favorite tunes: Black Dog   and   Scarlet Ribbons

Joe was always known by his friends and family for his sense of humor, his creative intelligence, his loyalty, and good nature. He was
generous of spirit and thought to all.
Joseph endeavored to realize the simple solutions for resolving human conflict, and found no reason to tolerate injustice.
Along his journey, he rode his bike, ran miles, played games, and passionately discussed every issue imaginable with his brother, his
many friends, and his parents. He did not consider a day ended until he had made someone smile and laugh.
If anyone ever had a problem, he was ready to help and persevere until all was well.
Joe was a high honors student, who placed himself, by examination, into the highest level courses available. He was a lifelong avid
reader of classic fiction and nonfiction. It is hard to say what he loved more: geography, atomic physics, natural science, or linguistics (but
definitely Not math). He was a traveler/explorer; a theatrical philosopher; a budding architect, writer, inventor; a quietly competitive
enthusiast.
He enjoyed soccer, track, and cross-country running. Joe qualified with his 1-mile in the Maine State Championship Track and Field, in
2003.   He also hiked the Camden Hills, explored State and National parks, and camped with friends and family. He loved to roam the
rocky shores with his buddies Kyle, Mike, and Robbie, or hang out with Evan, Adam, Mario, and Danny. He didn't catch any fish, but sure
was in awe of Kyle, who caught at least a million.
When Joe wasn't playing or exploring, he found work at the local movie theatre, mowing lawns, stacking firewood, building snow forts,
and raking blueberry barrens.
Above all, he loved to laugh and to make others laugh, with his endless energy, imagination, and unstoppable optimism.

Joseph lived for 14 years, which he filled with heart
and kindness.
To reflect his character and life,
the family and neighbors established a scholarship for
Waldo County high school graduates, and have awarded
several in the one and a half years since his death.

Please feel free to visit the family's personal webpage
of photos, artwork, and writings of Joe's
at :    www.msnusers.com/josephd