There are no words to describe how much we will miss you! Thank you for being our friend ❤️

When I interviewed for my job at NWP five years ago, I was blown away by JP. I kept thinking in the interview, who is this person, and how can I be on his team?!  He made a few jokes, was self-deprecating, was extremely glowing in his comments and generously praised his team, and exuded kindness, warmth, inclusiveness, and wonderful energy.  I never felt so great following a job interview!  And I feel so very grateful I had nearly five years with JP on his team. One of my favorite things about JP is the time and energy he invested in connecting with people. He loved to cold-call just to check-in, tell a joke, share some news, ask about my kids. Recently he was reading a lot, so he was sending me a lot of messages in Teams about the books he was reading, and we laughed about how annoying Adam Grant is but how smart he is anyway. He sent me short texts just to tell me I was doing a good job. I don't know how he managed to do it, but he made time to do this for me, and for so many, many others in his life - and we all felt happier, uplifted, more valued, and cared for, because of his delightful investments of connection. I will miss him so, so much.  My heart is with Shannah, Nicco, Mia, and his closest loves. He loved you so much and talked of you often. JP was truly one of a kind, a wonderful, special person. He will be so deeply missed, but the impact he made will live on in all of us. 

One of the truths JP shared with me, he said “I am a giver.” Damn, he was always getting things right! Even now, he is giving to all of us through the JP memories we are sharing. JP, I am so grateful for who you are, what you do and how you do it. Cheers to being Italian, attending University of Wisconsin-Madison, talking about our families, and learning from you in pain management. Thank you for showing up in the NWP Pain Clinic and creating the pain services specialist role. Thank you for all the ways you gave to the people, processes, and outcomes at NWP. Thank you for uplifting us with your presence, wisdom, consistency, generosity, humor, and kindness. You are a light! Shannah, Nicco, and Mia—thank you for sharing your husband and father with us. He loved you with his whole heart, and your love for him made it possible for him to give to so many.

JP, you were such a source of support and encouragement to all, your selfless spirit touching so many people. You had a superhero quality of making all those around you feel like we could do anything, eliminating the imposter syndrome in all of us and replacing it with confidence. You were such an amazing friend to me through some of the most trying times, and I considered myself so lucky to work with such a dear friend. It is so hard to find those truly genuinely caring people who are always thinking of others, and in that capacity, JP you were one of a kind. I will miss your witty texts and check-ins, but all the advice and wisdom you have imparted to me over the years will never be forgotten.

To JP's family, he loved you all dearly, spoke of you often and was so proud. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

I first met JP when Shannah and I were in grad school together in Pittsburgh. I reconnected with Shannah just a few years ago at a reunion and learned about the beautiful life her and JP had built together. I'm sad to see it being cut short so soon. May JP rest in peace and may you all find strength at this most difficult of times. Sending all of you lots of love. 

To know JP was to know warmth, kindness and a good belly laugh! JP had a unique way of making others feel seen and valued.

Beyond his thoughtful nature, his brilliant sense of humour could light up even the darkest of days. JP had the gift to make challenges seem lighter. He was always, always available to listen, lend an ear or just chat.  His  laughter was infectious, and his quick wit always managed to bring joy to any gathering.

We will carry the warmth of his memory in our hearts. JP was a truly great person, and his spirit will live on through the love and laughter and the difference he made in the many lives he touched directly or indirectly - gratitude for the time we had. Deepest condolences to his loved ones - my thoughts and prayers are with you.  

Though our paths briefly crossed at past Garofalo gatherings in Minnesota, it wasn’t until  this July, when JP visited Don and Pat, that I truly had the chance to meet him at our home. From the moment we shook hands, I could feel the ease with which he connected with everyone he encountered—his warmth and open spirit seemed to invite friendship from all corners.

Somehow, our conversation turned to bourbon and whiskey—a mutual love we shared. JP mentioned a list of his top whiskeys to acquire, and at the top was Evan Williams Single Barrel. Without him knowing, I went down to my bar and grabbed an unopened bottle I’d been keeping. I brought it up to him, and though he hesitated, insisting he couldn’t accept it, I gently insisted that he had to.

A couple of weeks later, he sent a photo—his pour of Evan Williams in hand, the bottle resting beside it, with the serene view from his back deck stretching out behind it. That simple gesture, that shared moment, was something I’ll always treasure.

On Christmas Eve, as we sat around playing Scopa, JP called Don to wish us all a Merry Christmas. The sound of his voice, just for those few minutes, brought an unexpected smile to my face. It was the kind of warmth you rarely find, even in brief exchanges.

To hear of his passing only a few days later hit hard, the world losing someone so genuine, so effortlessly kind. Despite having spent only a few hours with him, it felt like we’d known each other for a lifetime. That’s the kind of man he was—one who made you feel like an old friend, even after such a short time.

May he rest in peace, protecting his family from above, and may his next chapter be full of light. Here’s to him, and to Tony Garofalo, now reunited in heaven.

I loved working with Jp during his and my time in the pain clinic.  We had many lovely talks about how to " better" treat someone.  He was a joy to work with and a never ending supporter through good or difficult times.  For the past almost 10 years I have enjoyed seeing your loving family pictures from afar.  He had spoken often of his love and pride in his wife and family.  Your pictures show it. Thanks for sharing that tiny bit of your life. God speed.  So glad to have known you Jp!

Like so many others, JP was a close friend and true confidant. I feel profoundly fortunate to have had him in my life, even if the time was heartbreakingly short. I can’t think of a challenging period in my adult life when JP wasn’t there, listening with genuine care and offering wisdom that always seemed to steady me. His irreverent humor, his deep humanity, and his boundless curiosity made for conversations that I wish would not end. JP was my brother in spirit, and the hole he leaves in my life is immeasurable. I will miss him always.

You will always be in my heart and soul, my Brother!!!!

"Hello, my friend!"  

That was JP's greeting to me whenever I saw him in passing or talked to him on the phone.  That simple phrase captured everything about the care and warmth he brought to  every encounter.  I know we will all think fondly of his wit and his big heart, and I will also be forever grateful for the wisdom and gentle guidance he offered me both at work and in my private life.  

My deepest condolences to Shannah, Nikko and Mia.  His love for his family was evident in all our conversations. 

Farewell, my friend.  I will miss you terribly.

As an early childhood friend of JP's and Shannah's, I recall all of the laughs and silliness from our early days. I recall JP's infatuation with Shannah and her sly sweet smile when he flirted extra heavily with her in our Junior year. Their eternal bond was something we all admire.  His wit, kindness and gentle heart were radiant. I'm so sorry he is gone so soon, Shannah. There are no words that can compare. I love you both more than I can say. 

I'm sure we all have  so many favorite JP quotes, jokes, and words of wisdom playing through our minds right now. I'd often walk into my office to find funny notes on the white board from him. The last one he wrote said simply: "JP was here."  Words that will never be erased from my mind. But my favorite thing he used to not just say, but demonstrate all the time, was:  "I'm a lover of love." I don't know anyone who could spread love better, farther, wider and as selflessly than JP did.  Or anyone who could dole out irreverence and compassion in such equal measure. He made everyone he met feel seen, supported, appreciated--loved. But above all,  his love for his family knew no bounds. I am so deeply sorry for your loss, Shannah, Nicco, and Mia. 

JP’s sudden passing leaves an ache that words can hardly hold. His brilliance was singular, his kindness immeasurable. He touched lives deeply, making each person feel seen, heard, and valued. This loss is not something to overcome but rather it is something to honor. Let us carry his light forward, weaving his spirit into our actions and lifting each other as he so effortlessly did. 

JP, I am heartened to read in all these comments that your essence never changed: warm, smart, mature, ridiculous, and above all, kind. The walk home from high school was always shorter when we walked together. 

You drove me bonkers with your preposterous claims. Watching you deny your attraction to Shannah was always amusing—especially since it was clear you were falling in love. And you found a way to turn anything and everything into a faux competition, from test scores to what we had packed for lunch. This was a source of consternation and hilarity. The clincher was hearing that you took credit for inspiring me to become a psychologist after our paths crossed at our eleventh year reunion. Who knows—maybe you did. 

Even after we lost touch, I continued to hear about your life through our families. Family was everything to you. Your warmth and kindness never faded, and your legacy lives on in all who knew you.

Reading everyone’s messages, I found myself nodding along because so much of it is similar to what I experienced with JP as well. When I first started at NWP, he would randomly cold call me to check-in and I couldn’t quite figure out why. But I later realized what everyone else already knew, that was just JP. He wanted to make sure that his new colleague was finding her way, that he was offering help if needed, and that he was building a relationship – something he did so very well.

And even though I know his days were full, he always made time for me (and everyone else). Whether it was early in the morning, late at night, in a text message, he was there. He was an excellent thought partner and sounding board, knew everyone and almost everything about the organization – he was my go-to guy. I will miss all the random calls, messages, GIFs, modified song lyrics, TikTok second date update recommendations (and our constant debate on if they were rigged), and friendship.

My thoughts are with JP’s family and loved ones. He talked about you often and you were such a source of pride and love (including Badger). JP’s kindness, humor, and support will stay with me, and I feel grateful that our paths crossed.

I’ve been sitting with this news since Mia called my wife to let us know that JP had passed, trying to understand why it’s been so hard to comprehend. I’ve been reading everyone’s beautiful reflections, and it finally hit me why I’m feeling this way. JP has been such an ever-present life force in all of our lives. Sometimes in small ways, sometimes in big ones, but always unmistakably there.

The common thread was his vibrance: his humor, his ability to be fully present, and his deep commitment to connection. His presence was so strong and vivid that it’s hard to imagine that light not burning brightly.

From Upper Midhill neighbors raising our families on the same street, to fantasy football leagues, guys’ poker nights, taking a few runs together back in the day, to working at KP…so many check-ins, jokes, and updates over the past 20 years. I’m already missing the “Tell me what’s going on, brother?” texts and phone calls, always leading with genuine care and wanting to know how YOU were doing.

What a life to be celebrated. Thank you, JP, for all you gave to the world and for what you meant to so many of us.

Mia, Nicco, and Shannah: please know our hearts are with you, and we’re sending you all our love and hugs.

This is devastating, heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences go out to his family. I've worked with JP in different capacities and found him to be the most gentle, compassionate and intelligent human. May he rest in peace.