Joe Moroni was the nephew of D4D’s Founder Ed Kane and the sister of D4D’s Board Member Claire Moroni Sayers. A tribute written by his parents follows….
“It is with great sadness that I tell you all our beloved son Joseph passed away last night. He was the bravest and toughest person I ever met. Joe was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy when he was 5, and was wheelchair bound from the time her was 12, until today when he passed at age 35. He never complained about the cards he was dealt, and I mean never. Isn’t that something?
He graduated from DePaul after living on campus in a dorm, just close enough to mom and dad so we could be there in half an hour, and far enough that he could explore the freedom and dignity of living on his own. He was a proud brother in the Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
He was not afraid of anything. He joined the marching band in High School. What kind of kid in a wheelchair joins the marching band?
His brother and sisters, 5 nieces, numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins adored him. He had a way of making every person feel special. He was his mother’s pride and joy. Cathy developed a comprehensive care plan for Joe that was revolutionary to the care of MD kids. She devoted her life to her son and she is absolutely heartbroken. When he was diagnosed they told us his life expectancy was 17 years. Ha, the never met Cathy and Joe Moroni, that’s for sure.
I lost my best friend. In order, it was Blue demons, White Sox, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls. That’s it. We did everything together. Our proudest achievement was attending every home game in the historic playoff and World Series run for our beloved south siders. Joe was and is my hero. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. And don’t worry there is plenty of room, he can be your hero too.”
– Frank and Cathy Moroni
