Meeting Joseph Gannascoli - Joey G.

I got to know a man recently who is on a hit - huge hit HBO show. I was apprehensive to meet him. My preconceived notion of a star, on a major series was not a great one. My employer was more than thrilled to meet and greet. My son, jealous of the idea that I would meet this man (my son being a HUGE FAN of him) and that he would have to be satisfied sitting home and listening to my telephoned updates and anecdotals. What I didn't expect is that somewhere during the weekend I became a fan. Not of Vito Spatafore from the Sopranos. I became a fan of Joe Gannascoli. I found him to be insightful, generous, gregarious, and with a cleverly amusing wit (I hate to admit this, but his tongue in cheek sense of humor tickled my funny-bone, my type of humor). He thinks of others first. That is what surprised me the most.

In my own world I know of a fellow because of his money, has become an egotistical maniac willing to step on anyone to get what he wants, regardless of the emotional toll it takes on those around him. This is what I thought I would find in Joe. It was so the polar opposite.

During my time with Joe, he shared what he had heard on the local news-show that very morning. A young man resigned to a wheelchair with a crippling disease failed to raise enough money to make his senior trip with his High School classmates. The following day his classmates were having another charity event to add to the goal - this young man needed another $1000 to make the trip. This time at an Applebee's Restaurant some 40 miles away. Joe searched the internet for the local station, finally finding it he called to find out who was coordinating the event. After a couple hours of back and forth he got a hold of the woman and told her he would come by, sign some photos and donate the money raised. Her job was to get the word out, get media there, get people there. Instead of throwing money at the situation which I'm certain he could have most easily done, he wanted to be a part of this young man's quest, and so he was. The media did their part, people came, Joe signed 8x10 glossies, donating his time, energy and good will so that one young man, who he never met before had a shot at a trip of a lifetime. The event raised over $1700.00 for the young man. He gets to go on his class trip. Because of Joe? Maybe, maybe not, but that is the moment I became a fan of Joe Gannascoli. He has a disposition to kindness and compassion.

Joe taught me a new language over the days that we worked together. I think it's New Jersey Italian, or perhaps it's Vito talking - one phrase that I dig the most ... "Shut the fuckup! Don't make me trow a beat'n atchya!"

Thanks for making me a fan Joe.

and I am smiling .....

love me later~tj