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Joe Sovacool Obituary
Thousands of you heard his voice over the years. If you called the paper looking for somebody, or just to rant at the state of the world, Joe was more often than not the guy who picked up the phone. Charlotte Observer, Sovacool. Or just Observer, Sovacool. We joked that thousands of years from now, when robots ran the earth, Joe would still be there at his desk, soothing the angry robot callers in his soft and low late-night-DJ voice.
Observer, Sovacool.
Joe went and died on us Thursday. (His sister posted the news on Facebook, and I finally learned -- Joseph William Sovacool was 53.) He had been battling lung cancer for a couple of years and then the tumors spread to his brain. He was a little stick of a guy even before he got sick, and the cancer thinned him even more. He lost his Jesus hair. He had trouble with his balance. But he kept working up until a few weeks ago.
Sometimes the place you work becomes home. I'd see Joe outside the office now and then, usually at Thomas Street Tavern, where he'd drink a beer and read a book at the corner of the bar. I know the paper wasn't where he slept. But in my mind, it was always where he lived.
In every office there are one or two people who keep the whole operation from veering into the ditch. They are never the highest-paid people. For years Joe was in charge of the clerks who answered phones, ordered supplies, took obits from funeral homes, kept the copiers running, doled out the mail, and did a hundred other things to make our office go. If you were a panicked reporter in the field (and I've often been a panicked reporter in the field), when you heard Joe's voice on the phone you knew things would be all right. He'd find the editor who had run off to the john. He'd dig out the fax that was buried in the stack. He'd take care of you.
We bonded over Steely Dan. Joe was one of those fans who had heard the Japanese bootleg and the seventh alternate take of the album track. I covered one of their concerts when I was music writer in the mid-90s, and after that he'd send YouTube videos or blog posts he'd run across on the Web. To this day I can't listen to the Dan without hearing Joe talk about them in his hipster patter, man those cats were so tight that night, they laid it out and brought it all the way back...
We've had a lot of heartbreak in our newsroom these last couple of years. Like most companies in this economy, we've let go a lot of good people, and others have let go of us. Every one of those people was a big part of the paper. But no one else was as much a part of our place as Joe. His desk was right there as you walked in the newsroom, and it was so odd these last few weeks to walk in and not see him there. I don't know what it's going to feel like now. I'd just love to hear that voice one more time.
Observer, Sovacool.
Two words. One and the same.
- Tommy Tomlinson, The Charlotte Observer
Memories and Condolences
for Joe Sovacool
59 Entries
Vanessa (Hair) Blanc
January 5, 2016
I started in the newsroom on his team the week of 9/11. I was looking for his contact information online today because I found a printed copy of an email he sent out when he hired me and I just wanted to say hi. Funny how we take for granted that we can always come back and say hello to someone we knew.
October 10, 2015
I knew joe in high school. He could play guitar at age 16 like leo kotche. His last name says it all so very cool. I am so sad to hear of his passing.
Sylvia Badger
October 24, 2011
I went to high school with Joe. He was the coolest guy even back then. Always nice, always friendly.
October 18, 2011
I just happen to see Joe's Obiturary. I knew him way back in middle school and I always thought the World of Joe. My heart goes out to his family. He's a legacy here in Charlotte, NC. RIP
Tangela Dawkins
October 14, 2011
I was fortunate to work in the Charlotte Observer newsroom as a copy carrier. Joe was the coolest. He will be missed. RIP Joe Sovacool.
wood brown
October 10, 2011
You soul rest in peace
Pat Weeden
October 6, 2011
Just learned of Joe's passing yesterday. Never met him in person but talked frequently on the phone and via e-mail for years concerning issues with the weather page in the Observer. Always a treat to converse with him, even when he was correcting something we had screwed up. I have several old e-mails from Joe saved just for the way he talked, and I heard his voice when I went back and read them all today. Lots of "hey man" and "thanks hoss" along with a ton of made up words, but you knew what he meant.
Rock on, Joe, from Weather Central.
Coral Dexter
September 27, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He was such a great guy and so much fun. I was one of the lucky people who got to know him & to share camping and beach trips with him and mutual friends. My thoughts are with his family.
September 24, 2011
To the family,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences.My prayers and thoughts will be with you in this difficult time.
Denise Boyd
September 21, 2011
We have lost a true friend. I was sad to hear that Joe had passed, he always had a smile and a kind word to brighten your day. The Observer will never be the same. God Speed "Joe Cool"
Tracy Tripodi
September 19, 2011
I was very saddened to hear of Joe's passing. He was, by far, the most knowledgeable person at the Observer. When you are at the front desk with a customer staring at you, wanting an immediate answer regarding a story, there was only one person to call...Joe. And an answer he would have, even if he asked for a few minutes to track it down. He must have had an intel pentium processor in his brain to retain all of the information that was in there. Above all else, Joe was such a gentleman. He was never too busy to smile and say hi, even if he was on the move. And, yes, a book was always in one hand, and, if outside, a cigarette in the other. Your gentle demeanor and kindness will never be forgotten, my friend.
Linwood Solomon
September 19, 2011
It was a sad evening when I got the email from my mom that Joe had passed away. For years I would walk by and talk to Joe as I would com into the newsroom to see my mom and later as my boss when I started working as a copy carrier. Joe was the cool, calming presence in the newsroom an I know he is and will be missed. My prayers go out to his family during this time.
September 19, 2011
So sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I will remember with fondness the conversations we had on the 'Thomas St. Tavern' front patio while sharing a beverage and talking about the books we had both read. It was always fun to hear Joe's insight about music, movies, literature and 'Breaking Bad'. A true gentleman with the most gentle soul.
My heartfelt condolences to his family for your loss of such a wonderful man. I will miss you, my friend.
Gary Kelly
September 18, 2011
We wish to extend our heartfelt thoughts and prayers to Joe and his family.
The Sprinkle Family
September 18, 2011
I so fondly remember Joe when he was a student at Harding and I was his eleventh grade English teacher......so smart interesting. I was such a young teacher at the time, and his presence in the classroom was a gift. I have often thought of Joe over the years and will continue to do so.
Pardee Henderson
Alma Burch
September 18, 2011
I worked with Joe at the Observer and saw him as one of the newsroom's icons.
To his family and friends my prayers are with you. I grieve with you during your loss.
Eddie Smith
September 18, 2011
As an avid reader and a Thomas St. regular, I "had to" meet Joe and talk to him. about the latest read, the have read, and the to be read. A lot to to be said over good conversation and a cold beer, or too many. You will be missed and my condolences to all the family and loved ones.
"Slim"
Lynne Stevenson
September 18, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Sovacool's friends and family.
Anita Gist Richardson
September 18, 2011
My sympathy goes out to Joe's family. I will always remember him on the escalator reading a book. He was very nice and friendly.
Anita Gist Richardson
Cheryl Cathey-McManus
September 18, 2011
I will remember Joe passing my desk in the lobby and give me a nod when passing no matter how many times he came through in the course of the day.
He was always my go to man in the newsroom when I needed info for a circulation customer regarding a article that appeared in the paper. If he did not have it on hand he would say give me five minutes and I will get back to you. Dedication best describes Joe. My Condolences to the Sovacool family
1980
Donna Bise
September 17, 2011
Ken Garfield
September 17, 2011
People ask me all the time if I miss The Observer, having left five years ago. My answer is always the same. I don't miss the industry, but I dearly miss the people I got to work with, characters like Joe, who made life and work so much more interesting and rich.
Hank Durkin
September 17, 2011
Joe's best and truest nickname -- Joe Oh-So-Cool -- described both him and his demeanor.
God bless.
Patricia Talley
September 17, 2011
My condolences to Joe's family. He loved to talk about his vacations with his brother and music and books and just everything! He was a fine example of never judging a book by the cover. He reminded me of a '60s "hippie". Long hair, calm laid-back manner, jeans, skinny, smoking. We did a lot of talking over our long association together at The Observer and he was so smart about a broad range of topics. I loved to hear his chuckley laugh. Gonna miss you Mr. Cool. Godspeed.
Michael E. Van Sciver
September 17, 2011
I remember growing up with Joe in Dilworth,and from Myers Park and Harding. He had a wonderful wit about him. I pray that his family and friends will find comfort knowing that he is now in everlasting peace.
September 17, 2011
I saw a story about Joe on FB. I don't know Joe,and don't live in this state, but this was an amazing tribute. We need more people like him. Sorry for your loss.
Bill Pitzer
September 17, 2011
Who needed a library when you worked with Joe. We were always exchanging books and shared a love of James Lee Burke's novels. Loved you Joe and will miss you and your understated wisdom and observations of a world now lessened without you. - Bill Pitzer
Donna Schmidt
September 17, 2011
Sad news but nice to see all of these tributes. I went to school with Joe from second or third grade, at St Patrick’s, to 12th grade at Harding (where we were bused after attending Myers Park). Joe was always smart and funny. He skipped a grade, which is how he ended up in my class. I have not seen Joe since the 12th grade, but reading these tributes brought back memories of my funny classmate. RIP, Joe.
Maria Diamaduros
September 17, 2011
When I was 5 years old, I would seek out Joe in our Dilworth neighborhood because all the adults were too busy to read me the Charlotte Observer comics. Joe would read them to me and he was a year younger than I was. We also hung out and commuted to high school as a group to Harry P. Harding High School. He was the smartest and coolest dude ever. I will never forget him with a book in hand trying to explain his latest find as we were driving to school. Go in peace. I will always remember you.
September 17, 2011
We should thank the Levine and Dickson Hospice House. Thank you
Susan Juneau
September 17, 2011
I remember Joe from high school. It sounds like he stayed true to himself. He was always a quietly funny, good guy. My condolences to his family and friends.
Mary Fraley
September 16, 2011
I will truly miss this wonderful man who made life at the Observer more than just another day at the office. He always added his bittersweet charm to every conversation with his low, intimidating voice, and yet he put me at ease with his candid spirit and willingness to always assist, as he looked up from his book he was reading that day. He WILL be missed so very much and especially that charming voice on the other end of the line when I would transfer calls from advertisers who wanted FREE editorial instead of paid ads...and he would in some fashion always find the words to send them back my way.
May you rest in the same peace you gave to others...God Bless!
Tricia Hoffman
September 16, 2011
As one of the former IT folks at the Observer, I had numerous opportunities to see Joe. He always had a great sense of humor and was so calm even through all the chaos. He had a wonderful way about him. Even when the computer or servers weere down and the deadlines were approaching, he was warm and kind. He was a good guy. There are a lot of people who will miss him.
John McBride
September 16, 2011
A guy with heart, a guy with soul. Heart and soul of the newsroom. Thanks Joe. We miss you.
Gigi Guyton
September 16, 2011
I was so sad to read the news about Joe. What a terrific guy. I sat near him my first couple of years at The Observer, and I'll never forget him finally taking a vacation. I think he spent a couple of weeks in Mexico...sure seemed like forever because when Joe was away from the newsroom, you knew it. He finally came back with all of his hair cut off. I think my jaw hit the floor when he arrived at his desk. He just nodded, smiled at me with that sweet twinkle in his eye, and picked up the next call. "Charlotte Observer, Sovacool..."
Gene McQueen
September 16, 2011
I was intimidated to speak to Joe the first time, but as soon as he spoke to me, everything about him put me at ease. He was helpful, thoughtful, considerate... and one of the smartest people I ever met. I'm sad he's gone, but so glad I had a chance to know him.
Irene Holland
September 16, 2011
Joe Cool, the newspaper guy.
Quintessential Observer employee, everyone's "go-to" guy in the Newsroom. Unparalleled in his work ethic, his knowledge, his insight.
His humor will sorely be missed, too.
"S'up, Joe?"
"Hi Reen!"
"How're 'ya doing?" I'd ask.
"They haven't told me yet." he'd say.
I'll miss that hearty chuckle when he was absolutely tickled about something.
Or the emphatic nodding with "Right-right-right!" when we'd be agreeing in some animated discussion.
And then, of course, his love of Steeley Dan-- I'll always remember him delving into the deeper meaning of "Kid Charlemagne" with me.
The place will just never be the same without him.
Godspeed, my friend, and God bless.
Joe Sovacool
Gerry Hostetler
September 16, 2011
Gerry Hostetler
September 16, 2011
Joe Sovacool, the unflappable, the unforgettable. Turn out the lights and tell Stan you're going home now.
Miss you, buddy,
Gerry Hostetler
Robert Schiffel
September 16, 2011
I used to hang out with Joe at Myers Park and we got bused to Harding in '73.He was way cool and very cerebral with his straight long hair.We had some good times.Condolences to his family.Dr.Robert Schiffel.
Jennifer Patnode
September 16, 2011
Tommy, thank you for a beautiful tribute to a great guy. I called the Observer home for 18 years in the magazine division and had the pleasure of being on several committees with Joe. He was always positive and calm, with his laid back vibe, something I wish more of us embodied!
He will be missed!
Ann Helms
September 16, 2011
To Joe's family: Thank you for sharing such a delightful and original soul with the Observer and this community. His dry wit kept him calm and sane, even when he was dealing with craziness on the phone and in the newsroom. We reporters tend to have big egos -- but ask any of us who the real star of the newsroom was, and we'd admit it was Joe. He will be deeply missed.
Pat Gubbins
September 16, 2011
From the time we sat together during staff meetings in a tiny glass office in the first incarnation of Features almost three decades ago to the times I'd call the paper after retiring in 1999, Joe was the same; he never aged, never changed, never got flustered or impatient. He was the essence of the CPR team (many of us believed that stood for reviving staffers in need of resuscitation -- as he did, often.) How can you possibly say goodbye to someone who was such a constant and reassuring part of our newsroom?
September 16, 2011
I never met Joe but he seemed like he was really cool and very nice. I express my condolences to not only his family, The Charlotte Observer Family, but also to anyone else that knew him.
Mark Ethridge
September 16, 2011
Joe was one of the all-time greats. It's been two decades since I worked at the place but Joe was my enduring connection to the newsroom. "Observer, Sovacool" was reassuring confirmation that whatever else, the business of reporting the news was still going on.
Jayne Cannon
September 16, 2011
Joe was a wonderful colleague. I always thought it was fitting that "cool" was part of his name because he was just that, always - cool amidst all the chaos of the newsroom. He's gone far too soon. Dave Enna is so right - this is a great loss for The Observer and its readers. Godspeed, Joe.
Becky Bovaird
September 16, 2011
I worked in the Observer's advertising department for a few years. On the occassions I'd have to travel up to the newsroom, it was an intimidating experience! Hundreds of desks, tvs, and general hustle and bustle stretched out before me like an endless maze. Needless to say, I was a fish out of water. Joe was always there at that main desk ready to greet me and quickly answer my question or send me to someone who could help. The Observer (as well as the rest of us living in Charlotte who remember him so well) will miss him dearly. Rest in peace, Joe!
Suzanne Parker
September 16, 2011
Joe was "the go to guy" Always there - always helpful. You're missed Joe. Thank you for all you did for me and my clients.
Kim Slusher
September 16, 2011
Very sad news. I remember Joe from my days at the Observer. Such a great guy and such a great loss. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and Observer family.
Sarah D
September 16, 2011
I never knew anyone who could walk and read a book at the same time half so well as Joe. You'll be remembered.
September 16, 2011
I grew up with Joe in near by Dilworth he was ahead of his time with his humor ,wit and knowledge he definitely put the
"Cool" in Sovacool . A genuine guy. Condolences to his family.
Phil Hensley
September 16, 2011
Sovacool was just that....COOL! I loved working with him at The Observer. He often suggested good books to read, he could always be counted on to get the job done, and he ALWAYS had the best interests of his beloved newsroom in mind on our "cafeteria committee!" Farewell, Joe. You'll be missed, sugah! Neel Stallings
leslie richardson
September 16, 2011
I will always remember Joe. Always had a book in his hand. Maybe thats why he was so knowledgable. He knew everything about the newsroom. Observer SOVACOOOOOL. I will always remember and miss his voice. My condolences go out to his family. I will continue to look for him at that 1st desk when you walk in the newsroom. It definitely wont be the same without him. His spirit will always remain there. We love you Joe
Dave Enna
September 16, 2011
The ultimate professional. For more than 20 years, I have been in awe of Joe's work ethic, focus on accuracy and commitment to the reader. This is a big loss for the Observer and its readers.
Capt Rob
September 16, 2011
Ah yes 2 words, Observer Sovacool... Joe was ALWAYS great to work with and helped make your way thru the rough waters of a news room much better. So grateful for time spent with you .
jim mcleod
September 16, 2011
i remember joe with the ever present book in hand...he was a prolific reader and a great conversationalist...he will be missed by so many
Terri Bennett
September 16, 2011
Sovacool, you were the best! Thank you for helping to mold me into the writer I am today. You will be missed!
Heather M
September 16, 2011
May peace be with you and may your family and friends find comfort...
Your last name is so-very cool!
Bonnie Wes
September 16, 2011
So sad to hear this news. I worked at the Observer for several years and remember Joe's voice well when I called the newsroom, and remember his slight frame and long hair, sitting outside on a bench, always reading a book. People like Joe are a big reason I love the newspaper business so much.
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