In Memory of Joseph M. Procario

Joe Procario 1945-2010

It is most unbelievable and surreal that one week ago Joe and I were sitting down to a pizza during our usual weekly business meeting discussing the upcoming schedule and national syndication of the My Buddy Butch Show. He looked fine, felt good, and was excited about the upcoming events. Little did I know then, that it would be the last time I would speak to my friend of almost 25 years. There has never been a month, and during the last few years a week, that went by that Joe and I have not talked and joked about something in general. Whether it was politics, women, food, or business, Joe always had a joke, a word of encouragement, and a positive attitude about life that few people I have met possess. Joe touched many lives with his good nature and the way he could spark a conversation to get people to think about what they were saying. Throughout the years, as our friendship grew we were there to back each other up in good times and bad. Being a Vietnam Veteran in the Army Green Beret Special Forces, Joe knew what it meant to be there for a friend and brother through thick and thin “no matter what!” Joe taught me (and others) the meaning of honor, duty, and loyalty seldom seen in families let alone friends, and kept this credo throughout his life. Joe and I went through many tragedies together with relatives passing away, divorces, bad business deals… a typical list, and we always found a way to laugh at something through it all. Joe would say “If we couldn’t find something to laugh at in the bad times we would probably die!” We also had many great times which luckily, I can say, outnumbered the bad. Double dating to concerts, golfing, and spending time cooking for the current girlfriends at the lake were some of the best times we spent together, laughing and all sharing a good bottle of wine. Joe had a deep love for Italy also and he would tell me about his trip there. We had started talking about taking another trip in the future which I will make on his behalf. There are many memories that I could write here and tell you more about Joe, but I think we can all identify with the fact that losing someone that was a part of everyday life creates a void that can only be filled with the memory of that person. As time goes on you can fill up the void with those memories and the pain subsides leaving a good feeling, great memories, and funny stories you can share with those who come along. Joe was tough and he would expect no less from those who were closest to him. As the dedicated soldier that he was, he would want us to move on and forge ahead though his part of this journey on earth is over. My friend Joe “Piason” Procario passed away Sunday August 1st, 2010. “God’s Speed Piason, I’ll see you when I get there!”

Joe "Piason" Procario in 2004

THE MY BUDDY BUTCH RADIO SHOW WILL REMAIN SILENT IN AUGUST IN MEMORY OF JOE PROCARIO. WE WILL RESUME BROADCASTS IN SEPTEMBER 2010. PLEASE JOIN US THEN.