Joseph Malik Fannell was born on January 14, 1993 in Queens, New York. He is the third child and the only son of Jeffery and Evelyn Fannell. Joseph, was affectionately known to many as “Jo Jo.” He had a sweet spirit and gentle smile that left a lasting impression on all who came to know him.
Joseph possessed a variety of talents. He enjoyed drawing, gaming, singing and he could even play the keyboard (by ear) when he wanted to, but his greatest passion by far was writing. At the age of 9, Joseph wrote a story called "The Neighborhood." Later on, he went on to write countless poems and discovered his love for poetry. When Joseph was no more than 2 or 3 years old he was an expert at operating a VCR. He would pop in the videotape of “Jurassic Park” and watch it over and over and over again! Later on, as the family relocated first to Englewood and then Columbus, New Jersey, Joseph played Little League Baseball and organized basketball.
By the time Joseph entered Northern Burlington Regional High School, he had begun to develop his artistic side, most notably his talent as a poet. Joseph would go around to various classes reciting his poetry before his classmates and peers. Soon he was performing spoken word routines at his church, On Good Ground Christian Fellowship, and at other churches in New Jersey and Virginia. Joseph’s poetry moved and inspired young and old alike. Joseph was a humble young man, with a quick wit and engaging smile. He enjoyed using his Facebook posts to make you laugh and think at the same time. He also loved basketball and was thrilled when his beloved Cleveland Cavaliers made it to NBA Finals.
Joseph’s favorite TV shows were “Lost” and “Supernatural." He also loved "America's Got Talent" and was invited to submit his own videotaped audition, but he declined preferring to audition in person. It was something about being in the crowd. Joe's favorite movie was “John Q.” The movie is about a father whose son received a heart replacement and since his insurance would not cover it he took the matter in his own hands by holding the hospital hostage and forcing them to perform the procedure. Joseph would always compare himself to the son, and remark how his dad would do the same for him.
Joe liked coffee ice cream with chocolate sprinkles (very often as a late night snack), baby back ribs, his Dad’s macaroni and cheese and his Mom’s baked ziti. He also loved lounging around the house in his bath robe, no matter the temperature or time of day. And, of course, Joseph loved dressing in bright, vibrant colors, capped off with his signature bow ties. (Joe had recently sent a text to his mom of how he had just purchased 30 bowties, to add to his collection... Those bowties were given to family and friends to wear at Joseph's funeral). The bowtie has since become the trademark and logo for Joseph's Memorial Fund. The Fund also created and sold a limited edition of Joe-Ties, a custom-made bow tie in honor of Joseph.
Most of all, Joseph knew and loved God, having committed his life years ago to the Lord Jesus Christ.
