Joseph Michael "Joe" Truini

So long Voodoo Joe, a great friend and a terrific person. We worked together and ran together, and he was a super person in both ways. I've written a short tribute to Joe on my running blog: http://hitthetrails.wordpress.com/2009/08/07/finally-back-to-trails/

Joey, as I would call him, my cousin and good friend. I still can't believe you are gone, but not forgotten. I've known "Big Joe" since childhood and won't forget. I'm foolish for not spending more time with you after college as we both lived in Akron. It's now I realize what a great impact you had on everyone you met. You gave no excuses and found the time for others when they needed you physically and emotionally. Joe's spirit will live on in all of us. I'm still soo sad but inspired to be...

There's not much more I can say that others haven't so beautifully said. I haven't seen Joe in several years, but when I would run into him he would always treat me as a friend. His being gone so soon is one of those inexplicable things in life. My heart goes out to his friends and family.

I am not sure I have the words to express my sympathy to you all, Joe's family, the people he told his runner buddies about, the people he loved dearly. Joe was an amazing man and meant so much to me, I don't think I would still be running today if it weren't for his inspiration, his motivation and his friendship. His quick wit, his charm and compassion are already missed. I will see you again one day, my friend, at a much grander finish line, have a banana waiting for me, ok?

I also knew Joe through an online running forum. Our group had meetings and runs that happened around the country, but I had not traveled to any of them yet. Unfortunately, that means I never knew the distinct pleasure of meeting him.

Everyone I know who has spent time with our friend "Voodoo" has always raved about what a truly kind soul he was.

November in North Carolina was to be the first time I met him. I was so looking forward to it. I am forever saddened at...

I only met Joe in person one time (at the Surf City marathon last year) but he was truly an inspiring runner and all around good guy. He will certainly be missed by all of us that knew him online.

Please, lovely family of Joe's, understand that he has deeply and permanently touched many, many people beyond the visible scope of his life. Thank you for sharing him with us. We cherish his kindness, his intelligence, and his generosity.

I regret not being able to run with him one more time, or spend more time talking. But the inspiration that he and his life have imparted will influence me for the rest of my life.

There are many people who will run tomorrow in his...

Dear Joe,

Thanks for being a part of my life. It is great to know you. Whenever we'd see each other, you always made me laugh at the crazy conversations we would have in the Valley. I will think of you, and I can't wait to see you in the next life. I will miss you til then. God Bless You, your family,and all your friends. God Is Love

I never had the priviledge of meeting Joe in person. We met via a running forum and I enjoyed sharing in his stories of running and thoughful posts on other topics. I was socked and saddened to hear of his passing. He touched many people and he will be missed greatly by the running community. My sympathy and condolences to his family.