Joseph M Laufer

Born on January 26, 1953, Joseph Mark Laufer was the first child of Joe and Ann Laufer. He was the third born to an extended family that would grow to include 18 cousins.

Joseph lived beyond the passing of his parents and his younger brother Tim. He is remembered now by a brother Mark, sisters Beth and Alyce, three nieces, four nephews, three grandnieces, sixteen cousins and all the spouses and offspring that follow.

From his first box of Crayola’s, he was a confirmed artist. From his first garage theater production he was a confirmed thespian. His talent led him to Philadelphia College of Art and a career as a graphic designer and creative director. Joseph worked for several design firms in Philadelphia, including two of his own creation.

Joseph was active in the Philadelphia gay community, volunteering with Action Aids and helping organize the first Pride Parade in Philly. A group called the Healing Circle was created and facilitated by Joseph and some friends. He survived the aids epidemic which took the lives of several close friends.

During his 73 years he shared two close relationships with partners Alfredo Gregory and James Wade. Joseph, aka JoJo, was the full-time caregiver to James’ children, Liam and Aishe through their early years. The boys remain his heart’s devotion.

Joseph spent his last 13 years in West Philly living in the home of his good friend Alida Shatzer. Often mistaken for husband and wife, they were part of the fabric of friends and family on his beloved Beaumont Street. His face was recognized up and down Baltimore Avenue by the shopkeepers to whom he would wave as he passed by. Joseph was a parishioner of University Lutheran Church on Penn’s campus. Rev. Meagan Esterby gave him his last blessing.

Joseph lived his life along the bumpy road of mental illness. Through the highs and lows that many of us endured with him, he is remembered as a generous, caring, and loving man. His passions include art in all forms, Opera, Broadway, the Tony awards, fashion week, the Philadelphia Art Museum, the Penrose Diner, and a good Korean hoagie.

During the holidays he said if anyone was asking about him to say he was on vacation in France. (So, like Jacques Brel) Joseph Laufer is alive and well and living in Paris.