My first time meeting Joe was at a local punk show some around 96, somewhere around old bridge. I remember thinking, look at that dragon tattoo! No one was sporting anything like that at our age! We got to talking over our t-shirts and realized we shared a passion for all things punk rock. We exchanged phone numbers, chatted here and there, and caught some more shows together. That boy was born to play music, I remeber tagging along with him to some Sacred Ground band practices and meeting close friends of his, Keith, Manny, other names escape me. I still have the Sacred Ground cassette, it's got some great tracks. We could talk guitar all day. Sometimes he would cruise up my way in an old station wagon, AMC woodie, I think? Or I would head down his way. I used to catch him working at tattoo ville and would stop by now and again just to shoot the breeze. since the day I met him he always wore that giant smile, like a badge of honor. I would always describe him to people as just a really good guy. I never met someone so kind hearted, ready to help, and supportive as a friend. Though we lost touch over the years, I always thought about him and sent a thought out to him. I was hanging out with some friends earlier today talking old bands, shows, and saw Joe dancing and singing in a brimstones video from a show in Philly back around two thousand. I jumped on the Internet to look him up hoping to find an address or Facebook page. Instead I found this. My heart dropped and I'm still having a hard time believing this. Although we did not speak for several years, time and distance had separated us, I will always love Big Joe and always remeber him just like in that video, dancing, smiling, and singing. Every time I saw him he had the essence of the youth I saw in his face the day I met him. I'm sorry I searched so late for an old friend. Please reach out to the ones you love and rekindle the bonds you had and don't take relationships or life for granted, I will miss you terribly Joe and your larger than life presence, but I will always remember two kids,with love for guitar, punk rock , each other, and that unforgettable smile. Love and condolences to the Gotto family, and all joe's friends.