Joseph Brown of Galloway was just 23 years old when his life changed forever. While serving his country overseas, an accident left him paralyzed—he had no use of his legs and limited use of his upper body. But instead of being a person who had things done for him, he became someone who has spent his life doing for others. In 1972, he was one of a handful of volunteers who helped bring the Special Olympics to New Jersey. Those volunteers organized the first events for 300 youngsters. That effort has grown to 30,000 athletes who participate in year-round scheduled events. In 1977 when the Atlantic County government sought guidance on how to better serve the disabled population, Joe was selected to the Advisory Board. Forty years later, he is still greatly active, serving as a delegate to the White House Committee for the Employment of the Handicapped and to the Statue of Liberty Renovation Project as well as many other organizations for the physically challenged.

Joe was active in many organizations. He was a founding member of the Atlantic County Disability Advisory Board, the county Transportation Committee, the Voting Access Committee, the county’s Veterans Museum, and the City of Absecon’s ADA Committee. Joe was instrumental in efforts to bring the Special Olympics to NJ, he helped develop one of the region’s first wheelchair basketball teams, and he helped organize a regional group to provide funds for various charitable purposes (S.C.O.R.E.). He was a founding member of the Donny Fund and the South Jersey Field of Dreams, assisted the Maloney Bike-A-Thon, the March of Dimes charity runs and worked on the project to make Patriot Lake accessible. Joe was the recipient of the Donald J. Sykes Award, the NJ Governor’s Award for Volunteerism and the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award.

Joe passed away peacefully at home on 8-21-23.