Joe’s Story

Joey22 Memorial Fund has been established in Memory of Joseph Patrick Finn who lost his life on October 23, 2016 at the young age of 22. Joe was a 2012 graduate of Haverhill High School, he continued his education at UMass Amherst and graduated in 2016 with a degree in Psychology.

Joe was a vibrant young man with a big heart, a kind caring and compassionate soul. He had a sense of humor and a kindred spirit. He loved his family, his dogs and valued his many friendships. He was friendly and always wanted others to feel welcomed and included. Joe was the first one to introduce himself to the new kid and invite them over.  He had a wide circle of friends and many different interests. He had a vivid imagination, a creative mind, a beautiful smile, a gentle laugh and he was kind. Joe was liked and loved, and he is dearly missed.

He also suffered with anxiety and depression. After experiencing an injury while away at school, Joe developed a drug addiction that would end his life.

Joe’s Poem

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired
Pills & orange tubes always have me nodding or wired.
It was fun for a short while
Now I’ve dug a hole that feels deeper than a mile.
I’m on a downward spiral
It’s got me suicidal
I’m too scared to do it so these pills will be the rifle
Praying to someone upstairs
I’m really starting to think no one cares
So I ask what’s God without a little OD
Just a G
trying to get my mind straight
Heroin’s got my mind clouded like I’m anxious for a hot date
No more can I wait
Gotta get help, booked a flight and saved the date.
Can only go forward, won’t turn around
I can’t go back to dope, because cuffs will have my wrists bound
Ending up in a cell I wont make a single sound
Maybe even worse my life will end with a single round
This is for those who are still in hell
Even if your scared find someone you can tell
Once I will this fight I’ve set a goal
It is to save at least one suffering soul

— Joe Finn, 9/10/2016