Joe Heaps Nelson

I am so sorry to learn today of Joe's death. We were classmates in English at Penn and I always felt he had something important to say- we reconnected years later while I was living in Philadelphia and I admired the way he lived his life as an artist very much. I am so sorry and send his family my condolences.-
Judith Silverman Hodara ( Philadelphia)

I was on a newspaper archive site and looked up one of my favorite bands and found a Register article from 1985 about his zine. I wanted to know what he was up to now and was saddened to learn he had passed four months ago.

Just now learning this very sad news, and finding it surreal having just spoken with Joe less than 2 months ago. Deepest sympathies to Joe's loving family, whom I know he so admired and adored. He will be sorely missed and frequently remembered for his brilliance, passion, humor and wonderful curiosity about the world and everyone in it. I loved him so!
We first met and briefly dated in 1996. Our friendship lasted 22 years more- quite an accomplishment in NYC. I will always cherish my...

Joe was my first room mate in Brooklyn. Our first meeting we sat in the apartment kitchen table a and talked for hours. He let me know is family line went back to Lewis and I told him mine went back to Clark. How strange it was that their descendants found themselves in Brooklyn kitchen. He moved in via subway- carrying his mattress and a few items on the F Train. I too was making a remark about Joe last week to some coworkers. How he followed his dream and passion to create art and became...

Joe Heaps was irreverent, funny, talented and overwhelmingly KIND. He was so generous with his spirit, curious about the world and always up for adventures. I miss him. He loved America in all of its eccentric glory and his paintings are an indelible testament to this. I met him in 1997 shortly after I first moved to NYC and from then on he was an honorary member of the Romeo tribe. Eric, Bea and I have all been commemorating your life and we deeply feel your loss. Thoughts of you and...

I'm so happy I was able to cross paths with Heaps in this big world. He was so insightful and funny, an Americana Hero. I'm sorry he's gone and that he and his family suffered through his sickness. He was a bright shining light of awesome.