Joseph (Joe) Kozon

Dearest Olivia, I am very sorry for your loss as words cannot explain such a deep loss. My name is Auntie Julie (Here in Hawaii we call everyone "Auntie") and although I never met your father in person, we first met over a virtual meeting on April 26, 2023 for a job under his leadership.

Since then, I have had the pleasure and honor of working for your father. The company that your father works for, HCN, is unique where it is rare in a remote workplace that people can develop friendships. However, here at HCN everyone has developed a friendship with your father including myself.

Someday, you may wonder what your father like at his work. Your father's thoughtfulness, kindness, patience, commitment, and integrity spoke volumes through his actions. In addition to his personal qualities, he has set the pace for us here at HCN with his innovative skills and advocated for each and every one of us here at HCN promoting a “One Team” mentality while leading by example. Your father was truly a motivational leader.

On a personal note, you are the core of your father’s world and he loves you very much. When we spoke about things other than work, he always spoke about you. His excitement about your dance and getting ready for it. He cried with you when your T-Shirt had gotten a stain on it and you really wanted to wear it that day. He was worried when you were ill not too long ago with a high fever and slept for hours and hours and took you to the doctor. You brought light to your father’s world.

Just as you brought light to your father's world, your father is very much missed as he brought light to many people’s lives including mines. I am very sorry for your loss and will keep you in my prayers.

To Joe's Family, May you find comfort through the love and support from family and friends during this difficult time.

From my first meeting with Joe, his kindness and genuine humility were immediately apparent. I had the opportunity to meet him in person during our initial Epic go-live, where he took the time to greet everyone individually. Such thoughtful gestures came naturally to him and made colleagues feel acknowledged. Joe consistently brought positivity to the workplace, often sharing a smile or a lighthearted comment that brightened the day. In meetings, I admired his professionalism and the ability to explain complex topics with clarity and ease. He was an intelligent and compassionate individual who will be deeply missed by many. My sincere condolences go out to his family; may they find peace during this difficult time.

A year ago, I was in a dark place. I hated my job, and I felt unworthy—like I had little value. Then I received a call from Amanda asking if I’d be interested in interviewing with Joe Kozon. Sure! Little did I know that single interview would become the turning point for so many great opportunities in the year that followed.

Joe had a remarkable way of making everyone feel seen and valued. He carried a deep appreciation for life—one that many of us overlook in the rush of our day-to-day. His wealth of knowledge wasn’t something he guarded; it was a gift he generously shared with anyone willing to learn.

The knowledge Joe shared with me helped me begin to find value in myself again. He reminded me that I do have something to offer—that my voice, my perspective, and my work matter. His passion and vision became something I deeply admired, and it's now how I want to portray my own future. I want to lead, support, and inspire with the same genuine spirit that Joe modeled so effortlessly.

I was fortunate enough to travel on one trip with him, and I swear—I’ve never laughed so hard in my life. That memory will forever be a light in my heart.

Joe had this way of making things seem easy, even if they weren’t. I got to work with Joe on a few occasions. W5 had a surgical department and that was a first HCN, Joe showed up to a meeting and put together a Vizio faster than i could type Vizio out haha. He was a brilliant man with an incredible heart. Wish he would have spent more time with us.

To Joe’s family, I am deeply sorry for such a big loss. Joe was an incredible, smart and kind man. His HCN family will always remember him with joy, gratitude and respect.

I’ve been trying to find the words for days—it’s so hard to write this. Joe, I still can't grasp the reality of this loss. There's little I can say that hasn’t already been beautifully expressed by everyone who loved you.

You were a ray of sunshine wherever you went, lighting up every room just by walking through the door. I hope you know how deeply I valued your kindness, your patience, and the way you lifted me up even during my darkest days. You never failed to make me laugh or smile—and that’s a gift I’ll always cherish.

To Joe’s parents: I can’t begin to imagine the pain of losing someone so special. But please know, you raised a truly remarkable son who grew into an extraordinary man. He wasn’t just my boss—he was someone I admired, trusted, and considered a friend. His humility and warmth left a lasting imprint on every heart he touched.

To Olivia: I'm sending you all my love and strength during this incredibly difficult time. Your dad adored you—you were truly the apple of his eye. Whenever he spoke of you, his entire face lit up. You were his pride and joy, never forget that.

Joe, I’m grateful I had the privilege of being part of your team. Your guidance, compassion, encouragement, and wisdom were beyond measure. You may be gone, but your legacy lives on in all of us.

Rest in Paradise, Joe K. You are forever missed—and never forgotten.

"Your time was short, your spirit bright, A shining star in darkest night. Though gone too soon, your lessons stay, inspiring us to live each day. We'll honor you in all we do, and keep your memory ever true."

The many amazing tributes here are beyond anything I have ever seen and felt. His family will be forever grateful for all the kind messages, not just short notes but real feelings that are shared here. Joe was loved by us all. Thank you, Uncle Bob & Aunt Tj

This world lost such a kind and sweet soul too soon. My most recent and fond memories of Joe are from our last go live. I remember the laughs we shared singing different commercial jingles like "JG Wenworth, 877-cash-now" and walking through fun childhood memory lane from those jingles. I had a chance to ride in one of his famous Wagoneer rentals and loved to hear about all the cool gadgets the car came with and his tips and tricks for scoping out the best car rental on the lot. It was pretty impressive to see how he made it through rush hour Miami traffic in that huge car. I'll also never forget Wave 1 Go-Live when we were so relieved to see Joe at our health center as he was sent to save the day in the Labs department and he helped to bring calm amongst the chaos.

Joe was such a genuine and authentic person who always took the time to get to know everyone he met. Whenever you spoke to him, you could tell he was actively listening and invested in what you had to say, no matter how small the topic. I always admired that even with his many years of Epic experience, he never looked down on anyone who was curious and wanted to learn more about how Epic works. He would give you the time to patiently walk you through what you needed to know in Epic with some laughs along the way. Joe brought such a friendly and infectious enthusiasm and energy to everything he did. We will never forget Joe and the impact he made to each of our lives, forever in our hearts.

Olivia, I'm sure you have the same magic in you to accomplish so many amazing things. Your dad will always look after you from above and guide you as a guardian angel through all of life's ups and downs. Please know you have an extended family here of your dad's co-workers who want to support you through this difficult time.

Joe overwhelmed me when I first met him. He made my head hurt with the way he would get from point A to point B within Epic. Often, he had to explain his thought process (many times) for me to follow.

But I soon came to respect that and knew that when there was a problem, Joe was GOING to figure it out. Even if it meant late nights. Or talking thru the issue and potential solutions several times. He was on a mission and wouldn’t rest until that mission was complete. It was encouraging to see him continue to get so much joy while figuring out problems in Epic after having been working in it so long.

Some things I will take away from knowing Joe both on a professional and personal level:
-Complete the mission at hand
-Have a passion for what you are doing in the moment
-Continue that passion when the next mission comes along
-Explain (patiently) to those around you who don’t understand
-Enjoy the process

Joe, we’ll miss you. We’ll keep doing the best we can in Epic for you.

We did not share much...However, I remember some conversations we had during Go Lives and the way he talked to others and carried himself made that things seem always calm and if not if they were going to be just fine!
I went through my Teams messages and re read some messages we shared, and I remember thinking "this man has to be so busy, and he just took the time to explain this (which for him was probably silly) to me in such detailed"
As Alex tells us "We are family" and I feel your lost. Heaven gains an amazing human.

It has taken me a long time to be able to put my thoughts into words. How do you express the impact of someone on your life? It seems immeasurable for Joe on mine.

He was more than a mentor and a boss. Friend doesn't seem enough to describe it either. He changed my life personally and professionally by just knowing him. He didn't care if I called him and threw every emotion at him for hours on end. He was always there.

Professionally, he was the person I would go to when I could not figure out a problem, or the right way to proceed. His knowledge of Epic was incredible. His determination and stubbornness were unmatched. He would message me at 10 pm at night just to make sure he didn't forget to update me when he figured something out. He always got mad (I say mad, but let's face it - in this instance, Joe's mad was the equivalent to a declawed cat with no teeth) when I would answer back to him. Some of my favorite conversations would be started by those ridiculous teams' updates. I always joked and made him promise me that if he ever left, he would make sure that anywhere he went had a spot for me too. His team would have followed him anywhere. He'd always promise me that he would never leave.

His love for his team spanned beyond just work. He cared so deeply about how each of us was personally and professionally. I always looked forward to our one on ones, and anytime I would randomly call him for his brain. We were incapable of staying on task and would soon find ourselves down the craziest of tangents. We had big plans of decorating Randall's beard with spray glitter at Christmas time, ordering Rap Chips for our next Go Live, and planning all of our future shenanigans.

Personally, every time I was around Joe, I tried to mother him. I would tell him that he needed to put down the Cafecito and Celsius', drink water, ease up on the candy that made up the staples of his food pyramid, and make sure he was getting more than an hour or two of sleep a night. I asked him one time what his favorite vegetable was. After he glared at me for saying the "V" word, he promptly replied with "A Twix bar" - much to my dismay. He pretended to not love all the smothering, but he did. He was one of my most favorite humans on this earth and I will deeply miss his hugs. He gave the best, most heartfelt, all-encompassing hugs.

Posted below are pictures of us Joe-napping him and taking him to Insanity Ice Cream. He specifically got ice cream so he could take a picture and send to Olivia. He was so proud of his mermaid glitter ice cream (which he complained about all the glitter that was everywhere - even days after). He told me to take a picture of JUST the ice cream, which of course, I did not listen. When I showed him the picture after, he threatened me to not let it see the light of day. Naturally, I had to attach it here.

He always thought of others. Everything he did, had someone in mind, but his greatest love was his daughter. We have girls the same age and would talk on end about them. Parenting, girl drama, future girl drama, all aspects. I loved to hear his take on parenting and what fun things he was going to take Olivia to go do next. I loved the way he would light up when he would talk about her.

I could go on and on with all the stories and the funny things he came up with, but I mostly wanted to say that his energy, his love, and his laughter will all be missed. There will never be a fill to the void he has left. I feel privileged to have known and loved him. I only wish I had met him sooner, so I could have had more time around him.

Love and miss you deeply Calzone.

just to let you know, you were the greatest person i have ever met.. and i'll miss you alot.. :c

(Tere son)

I didn't work directly with Joe, but I did see him around the office when he was here at HQ. I always told him when he was leaving out to go back home to have a safe trip. Rest in Peace you have gained your wings

I'm not be the best with words, so I’d like to pay a brief tribute to Joe using the words of those who have inspired many. To our family, Joe was a hero, a friend, a father, and a mentor. I’d like to share Chief Tecumseh’s words as a way to honor Joe’s memory and legacy.

“So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.”

~ Chief Tecumseh”

I never really met Joe outside of meetings or worked with him but for some reason every once in a while, I'd think of him, simply because of the way he was while hosting meetings. He just had this natural charisma that cheered everyone up. RIP Joe.

It is with a heavy heart that I write this note to honor Joe's memory.

As a fellow member of Cohort 2 of the Mastermind LEADership Program, I was always so proud of your unwavering dedication to bettering yourself. You shone brightly throughout the program, bringing your passion and spirit to every moment. Your presence will be deeply missed, but your legacy of growth and leadership will continue to inspire us all. Rest in peace.

With warmest memories, Gabe.

Hi Joe,
I did not know you very well and almost didn't feel like I deserved to leave a message...I was lucky enough to share space with you during our leadership course. Your "so called" rambling (that you termed yourself) when you would explain your thoughts was always so refreshing, your presence gave me peace and it was because of your genuineness. Realizing that in that short time we did spend together you actually "saw me" and that made the most profound impact on me. From what I hear this is who you were, you saw people, and to be seen is to be loved. Some souls leave this world to early, and I like to think it's because you have learned all there is to learn here because your light shines too bright for this world, and you have moved on to help from above...I will pray that god places his arms around Olivia always...till we meet again...fly high.

I cannot believe what I’m reading, while on vacation I’m trying to catch up with the messages and this truly caught me off guard. Joe, you were truly an amazing person, every time we worked together I can feel your full attention and energy focused on not only me but the community you served. Go-lives will feel a lot different without you, we will all miss you. Rest easy

Dearest Olivia,

My deepest condolences for your loss. Your daddy played a big role in everyone's life. You are the #1 center of his universe. You were the lifeline that made him happy and whole. Take your time to grieve but know you have a huge family that is here to support you. You matter

Not only was Joe my colleague he also played a role in being the smiling face which enjoyed to play office basket ball with my little boy.
Joe thank you for the big hugs when i bribed you with Jelly beans and gummy Nerds. Thank you sharing your adventures with Olivia with me which only strengthened your integrity in my eyes because you were an AMAZING daddy. This world will laugh with a broken heart but we continue to love and miss you forever. your friend for "Tear Bear"

Olivia,

I am so sorry for your loss. No words can express the sorrow we feel from your dad's passing. Just as no words can explain how to move forward. But I do know how I will remember him and the impact he had on me and his teammates at HCN.

Your dad loved to laugh! He would always have some image or meme in our team meetings and would always crack up at even the worst pun. I willl miss his big HaHAA! laugh.

Your dad was a wealth of weird 90s Trivia. He would always bring up the most random quotes from shows that no one remembers. Most meeting had at least one line of "do you guys remember this show or movie". Spoiler, most of the time we didn't remember that show or movie.

Your dad loved his job, maybe too much at times but he cared deeply about doing the right thing for the centers and the patients we serve, even if it wasn't always the easiest solution.

Your dad was a wealth of Epic knowledge. He knew all the ins and outs of the most random settings. He was the go to guy whenever something wasn't working as expected and he usually knew the answer before we we done asking the question.

Your dad had a special way of connecting with people. My first interaction with him was supposed to be a quick 30 minute call to see if I'd be a good candidate for the team. We talked work experience for about 5 minutes then spent the next hour talking about interests and nerdy things like we've been friends for years. I think everyone at HCN has at least 1 Joe story.

Your dad loved helping people. He was always willing to help with a random question or to jump on a call to dive in deeper. Often I'd schedule a meeting with him and we'd go over time. Mostly because we solved the issue right away and we ended up just talking. As our director he stood up for the team, advocating for us and would remind us to take time for family. He was the the glue that held our team together.

Your dad loved sugar and candy, anything sweet he could get his hands on. One of the first times we hung out in person we ended up at an ice cream shop, every ordered a cone and he ordered the biggest sugar bomb of a malt. It was princess themed, so it was pink and had cotton candy and a unicorn candy sticking out of it.

Your dad loved you so very much! Joe and I didn't talk too much about life outside of work but whenever we did, he would always bring up you and his mood always brightened up. You could hear the smile in his voice when he talked about you

Joe was a special, wonderful man and will be missed by many!

Unreal to think we won’t see each other again Joe - at least on this earth. You were an inspiration from my first day in consulting, an amazing friend, and the person that always could bring a smile to my face - regardless of whether we were chatting work, current events, ideas or life. Your legacy of hard work, intelligence, athleticism (you could always ball), and good humor will live on in our memories of you. Miss you tons Cousins.

It’s hard to find the right words when someone like Joe leaves us. He wasn’t just a colleague — Joe was a brother, a friend, a mentor, and truly one of the kindest souls I’ve ever known. His energy was infectious, his hugs were the real deal — big, warm, and always followed by that trademark line that still echoes in my heart: “I love you, man!” And he meant it every time.

Joe had this beautiful way of making you feel like you mattered. Whether it was a normal workday or one of those hyper-caffeinated days when "Cafecito Victor" or “C4 Energy Drink Victor” showed up, Joe lit up with excitement. He embraced every version of me with open arms and genuine enthusiasm — because that’s just who he was. Full of life, full of love.

He was someone I admired deeply — for his wisdom, his compassion, and for the way he brought humor into everything (we both had a wicked sense of humor). Joe was a cornerstone of our success with Epic, and his legacy is woven into everything we all built together. The impact he made — on the work, on our team, and on me personally — will never be forgotten.

Olivia was lucky to have a father like Joe, and she was always his biggest success story whenever he shared stories about her with us. Joe - Please rest easy knowing she will always be a part of the HCN family...

Joe, thank you for your kindness, your brotherhood, and the light you brought into our lives. You are and will be truly missed. You will always be part of us — in every laugh, every big hug, and every heartfelt “I love you, man.”

Rest easy, my friend.

We moved to Plano in 1990. Before we even moved in, JR (Joe) and his little brother Steve became our best friends. JR and I were in the same class for years, being best friends all thought our school years. He was my best friend, my confidant, secret holder and the list goes on! We had many adventures over the years and times I will never forget! To me Joe will always be JR and will always hold a place in my heart. Love you JR, fly high!

Joe was a brother in arms. A person to be trusted and trusted right back. Through implementations, support and go-live issues, his steely calm hid a mischievous side that belied a strong sense of humor and humility. Joe was real with no false front or bravado. I will miss his leadership, his expertise, and the way he focused on you as you are speaking with him. "In this world, we race and run. Once in a while, enjoy the sun". Sail on Joseph.

You seemed interesting, and maybe that’s what drove me to try to get to know you.

You carried yourself like a professional but styled yourself like a guy in charge of a startup, or an excited young tech executive. Always to and fro, holding your laptop in one hand, typing with the other, bouncing left and right from meeting to meeting.

We had some short interactions at first, but one day during an Epic go-live, we sat and talked for maybe 20 minutes or so. I told you that, in the nicest way, your jeans-and-blazer style made you seem like an energized T-Mobile store manager about to give a keynote presentation to your team. You laughed a lot harder than I expected. You took it as a badge of honor, and since then, anytime we talked or met in person, we had nothing but silly comments or jokes to share, often offering levity to what was usually a stressful day.

But that’s what it’s about, right? Finding others to share with, joke with, and care for.

Your sincere and disarming personality is what I’ll remember most, but what I’ll always revere is your kindness. A trait I’m certain Olivia will carry, much like I hope to impart on my daughter as she grows.

There are no goodbyes, friend.

I’ll see you around.

This is so hard to even put into words but a must do task for my friend Joe. He was one of those people you never forget. A true friend, a steady colleague, and a kind-hearted giant in every sense.

He brought so much to HCN, not just through his work, but in the way he carried himself. Quiet. Humble. Always dependable. I always looked forward to hearing him talk about his daughter. You could see how much he loved her in the way he lit up when he mentioned her name.

He also had a way of making people laugh when they least expected it. We used to joke that he was the “Epic Kramer” of HCN, constantly sliding into a meeting or conversation with a surprise observation that had us cracking up.

We lost someone special. I’ll miss his stories, his calm presence, and the way he always managed to keep things grounded, even on the busiest days. He made this place better just by being in it.

Your HCN family will make sure your legacy is always remembered. Your memory will never fade. And your daughter and family will always be part of ours.

Rest easy, Joe. You mattered here. And you always will.

Although we never met in person, I had the privilege of working closely with Joe for nearly two years. In that time, he became so much more than just a coworker—he was a collaborator, a trusted sounding board, and a friend.

Joe was one of the kindest people I’ve ever worked with and a true genius. He had a way of approaching every problem with calm and clarity, no matter how complex or overwhelming (which happened often). I leaned on him often—he was my go-to for advice, technical help, or just a gut check when things felt off. He was always there, and always willing...no matter the time of night, which sometimes happened way past office hours.

But what made our connection special was the humor woven through it all. He was hilarious—he would say the most off-the-wall things in meetings, and I’d message him something like, “Let’s never say that again,” and we’d both laugh about it. Those small, ridiculous moments turned into some of my favorite memories. He also always got the GIFs I’d send during long meetings when we were both clearly losing it, and his replies always made the day a little easier.

Even through a screen, Joe's warmth, brilliance, and humanity shinned through. His absence is deeply felt—not just because of how good he was at his job, but because of how deeply he cared, how easy he was to talk to, and how much light he brought to the people around him.

Rest in peace, Joe. I’ll miss your insight, your kindness, your humor—and all the weird/funny things you'd say. Thank you for everything. You made a difference, and you will be missed more than words can say.

Life is so unfair – and this is a painful reminder of that.
Joe Kozon was beloved – by literally everyone – here at HCN. He always exhibited the 3 C’s – he was cool, calm and collected. Rome would be burning at Go Live and he was never rattled. He always had time for you – no matter the issue, or when, or what team you were on – you had his entire attention. He signed off on some teams messages to me: “Happy to chat more!” and I smiled every time. He was such a wonderful Chatty Kathy – and this is coming from a talker herself!! Joe & Cassie are my Dynamic Duo….thinking of her a lot right now.
Love and hugs to his family and friends. This is just such a huge loss for us.

A star has fallen from the sky straight into our hearts.
As Directors, Joe and I met one-on-one every week. His signature greeting was always the same: “Sandroooo, what’s up man!” And just like that, every meeting turned into a joyful and productive hour. Those conversations were more than work; they were a blessing to my soul.
Joe was an exceptional person and professional, always humble, kind, wise, positive, and ready to help. With him, respect, focus, and meaningful results were always guaranteed.
He radiated a contagious positivity. No matter how complex the challenge was, he faced it with a calm smile and an open heart. His collaborative spirit fostered unity and trust, and his deep passion for the work we do was both inspiring and energizing. Joe didn’t just contribute, he elevated us.
But beyond the professional realm, Joe was so much more. He was a devoted son, a loving father to Olivia, and a loyal friend to many of us. The strength of his character, his gentle soul, and his unwavering dedication made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Olivia, it would be a true privilege if one day my daughters, Camila (12) and Claudia (14), could meet you in person. You carry the heart and spirit of an extraordinary man, and we know his light shines in you.
Joe will be deeply missed, not just for what he did, but for who he was. In so many ways, he made us better. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he embodied, and the example he set.
Rest in peace, Joe K. Your memory, your light, and your spirit will remain with us forever.

Joe,

We all gather here today to celebrate the life of a man who lived with such zest that he made the rest of of us look like we were moving in slow motion. Joe wasn't just a character; he was a whole sitcom, complete with laugh tracks and heartwarming moments.

Joe's love for his daughter was the kind of love that could make a grizzly bear tear up. He was her biggest cheerleader. Joe would beam with pride, and bragging to anyone who'd listen- and even those who wouldn't- that his little girl was destined to rule the world. And let's be honest, with Joe as her hype man, she's probably halfway there already.

Now, let's talk about Joe's other great love: Candy..... This man could've given Willy Wonka a run for his money.....

Joe's zest for life was downright contagious. He didn't just live; he cannonballed into every moment.

Joe thank you for your friendship. Thank you for your leadership. And thank you for your commitment to our mission. You will be missed.

Rest easy, my friend. And if you are listening, save us a spot at the eternal desert and candy table :) Joe you will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts......

I didn’t know Joe very well, but whenever I saw him at the office, he always greeted me with a warm smile. What stood out most was the way he carried himself—with genuine professionalism and kindness. His cheerful greeting to Marta as she walked through the office—“Cafecito!”—was especially heartwarming and always made her feel special.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

There are not enough words to fully express what many of us are feeling. Joe was an incredible boss, a loyal friend, a remarkable person, and above all, a devoted father. He loved Olivia so deeply. He would light up when talking about his experiences as a parent and everything he was learning along the way. We often shared stories about our kids and compared notes. We even had countless conversations about Roblox—or whatever else our kids were into.

So first and foremost—Olivia, if you're reading this—I want you to know that your father loved you more than anything. You were the light of his life. He spoke about you with pride and joy, and he wanted everyone to know how much he cared for you. I hope that whenever you think of him, you can return to this page and see just how deeply he was loved by others—and be reminded of how much he loved you too.

When I first met Joe, he told me stories about how he felt like he already knew me—through the (embarrassing!) stories my sister would share and the photos she had in her office. From that moment on, he had a way of making me feel like we had been friends forever.

He understood my sense of humor and the way I thought. Our conversations were never short—they’d often go on for over an hour because we were both ramblers. I remember one time we visited one of our healthcare centers, and afterward, he wanted to stop by the beach. We ended up spending hours just talking about life. He loved sharing his thoughts on movies, shows, work, and everything in between. He loved Seinfeld, The Office, and always had recommendations from whatever was on his current playlist. We’d toss around random pop culture quotes and try to guess where they were from. There was never a dull moment between us. Joe wasn’t just a friend—he truly felt like a brother.

Joe was always generous with his time. No matter how big or small the issue was, he would sit with me and help me work through it. And we all know he was willing to do that with everyone. Whenever he was in town, he made it a point to get the team together and make the most of whatever free time we had. He constantly went above and beyond for the people he cared about. He was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever worked with—or met.

Joe, you will be missed—by me, by your coworkers, and by everyone lucky enough to know you. You were a great man, and your absence leaves a void in our hearts. We’ll do our best to honor your memory.

You will never be forgotten.
Love you and miss you, brother.

Joooooeeee! You will always be remembered by your infectious laugh, cheerful and humble personality. You have truly made an impact on me. I'll never forget how whenever you came into town, you’d greet me with, 'Riiiiccckkkyyyyy!' You never felt comfortable with and were the first to defend me from a short joke, even if I didn't mind. I considered you a trusted friend who was always there for me, and you never hesitated to patiently share your knowledge. Joe, man could you eat candy, you would take down bags like it was popcorn at a movie theater during a horror flick and somehow you still stayed skinny—next time I open a bag of Nerd Clusters and starburst, it will be for you. I can still picture whenever faced with a problem, you could see your brilliant brain at work as you’d look up at the sky, processing every angle to find the best solution. He was an amazing person, coworker, and friend who will be missed by all. We'll be sure to carry on your legacy in everything we do. I'll miss you brother!

Although I didn’t have the opportunity to know Joe very well, my interactions with him left a lasting impression. I remember the warm smile in meetings and his expertise in Epic. It was clear that Joe took great pride in his work and was loved by all those around him.

His loss is deeply felt, and my heart goes out to his family, his daughter, his friends and his colleagues.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this extremely unimaginable, difficult time.

My brother -

I already miss hearing "Yo yo YO!" every time I got on a call with you and your infectious energy. Even when I wasn't in a great mood entering a conversation, hearing that put a smile on my face every time. While I have only known you for a few short years, I felt like we have been friends my whole life. We talked about every topic under the sun, laughing our way through how ridiculous we are. Joe is a guy that makes everyone put their guard down and laugh a little, a rare gift. I will miss the time we had together shooting at peacocks with Dr. Collazo, supporting go lives, and just getting on the phone with you for an impromptu conversation about life.

I will miss pestering you to eat during go lives after watching you eat more candy than my children could combined. We had a car ride where i watched you eat an entire LARGE bottle of tic tacs and all I could say is "Joe you got a problem man" and the smile you sent back. I will never look at a bag of candy or family size bottle of tic tacs the same.

When it comes to Epic, there is no one I respected more. I have worked with talented folks in the past but no one that "knew everything about everything" like Joe did. Incredibly smart, talented and driven, HCN was incredibly lucky to have him onboard.

Olivia, if you ever read this, just know that you were the light of Joe's world. He was so excited to share things going on in your life and was incredibly proud to be your father.

I spent the past couple days reflecting on life and wondering why things happen the way they do. The universe puts people in your life for a reason, and I will be forever grateful that you were a part of mine.

I love you man,

Jon

For those of you that new JK, he had a sweet tooth. Boy did he love his candy and boy could he go on a historical journey on all the various kinds of candy growing up or tell stories like the exploding whale many of us did not know about lol. He stayed connected no matter what. Could be to share knowledge, something he stumbled upon (or broke lol) or just a reminder, "don't push too hard, after 20 years, I think you've earned it". Point is, no matter what, he made the team feel connected. I can only imagine how it must feel for those who had a relationship that ran deep with JK. I only got to know him throughout my Epic journey here at HCN, so I completely understand his impact, truly blessed. Please know JK, you left a long-lasting impression on me and impact, because you played a crucial part of my Epic journey. Leaving out all emotional outbursts right now. It's tough, I will miss you, rest easy my friend.

Joe,
I loved working with you and even though it was just work—our time together meant so much. You were always in a good mood, always joking, and somehow always managed to keep things light even when we were knee-deep in work.

I used to tell you that you taught me patience—because man, it took forever for you to get to the point! We’d laugh about it every time. And somehow, even though you took the scenic route in conversations, I never minded.

Girl Scout Cookies! That’s another thing I’ll always think about. We had some serious talks about cookies, like it was a national debate or something.

Joe, I was totally beside myself when I got the news. It just didn’t seem real. But—as you would always say to me with that calm voice—"such is life, I guess."

Thank you for putting up with me. Thank you for being so calm, so cool, and just... you. I’ll miss you more than you know.

Miss Ya Joe! -Steph M

From the very first day I met him, it felt like I had known him all my life. He had that rare gift, a warmth that made you feel instantly seen, accepted, and at home. He was a truly loving, giving, and deeply caring soul. The kind of person who was always the first to offer help, never looking for anything in return.

He was also one of the smartest people I’ve ever known. But what set him apart was how he shared that knowledge with patience, humility, and grace. He never made you feel small or unknowing. Instead, he lifted you up and made you feel capable. He taught not just with facts, but with kindness.

I will miss our conversations deeply, those long chats that always made me think, made me laugh, and reminded me of what really matters.

Olivia, please know that you were the light of his life. He loved you so dearly and spoke of you with such pride and tenderness.

Saddened to hear the passing of Joe. Although my interactions with him were limited, it was clear he was someone truly special. He was brilliant, thoughtful and kind to everyone around him. I always said his voice reminded me of Matthew McConaughey's, calm and smooth.

He left a lasting impression on our HCN family and will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his daughter Olivia, his family and friends and my collogues who are deeply affected by this loss.

Thank you Joe, for your time at HCN. It will live on as a lasting legacy!

Just a few days ago, I asked Joseph for help on a project, something our team did very frequently. He always responded as quickly as possible, with the greatest of energy, and with enormous humility despite his exceptional expertise! In every response, he conveyed all his knowledge to us in a special way. His willingness, joy, and desire to help will definitely stay with us all. We will never forget him! Rest in peace, Joe K.

All I can say is that Joe was not just an incredible boss or colleague, he was to me a true friend. Among the countless responsibilities he juggled daily, he still found time to check in on me, to ask how I was doing, not out of obligation, but because that’s just who Joe was: thoughtful, genuine, and deeply kind.
I’ll never forget the day I confided in him if I was truly cut out for the role I was in. Joe didn’t dismiss my fears. Instead, he listened, he shared from his own experiences, and with just one conversation, he helped bring me a sense of calm and clarity I hadn’t felt in a long time. That conversation alone would’ve been enough but not for Joe. He kept checking in, kept making time for me, until I finally told him he didn’t need to keep taking time from his busy days to ask if I was okay.
But secretly, I always looked forward to those talks. Whether they were about work, life, or something completely random, they grounded me and they reminded me that I wasn’t alone. Joe had a way of making everyone feel seen, heard, and valued.
I’ll never forget that. I’ll never forget him, his kindness, his wisdom, his humor, his steady presence. The world has lost a remarkable man and one of the best people I’ve ever known.
Rest easy, Joe. You made more of an impact than you could ever realize, and we’ll carry your memory with us, always.

Joe was truly a special guy! He wasn't just a boss or a mentor he was a close friend to me and my family. He was always so eager to teach me anything and everything with a huge smile on his face. He was an amazing mentor and friend. I feel extremely honored to have been given the chance to learn from Joe both personally and work related. I will never forget the after-work phone calls I got to have with Joe. He was always checking in on me and providing me with any support I needed. At go live Joe brought laughter, joy, and was the light all of us needed. It is still hard to believe he has passed, but I will never forget Joe and everything he has done for me. Words can't describe how amazing Joe truly was.

Thank you for everything and you will be deeply missed by me and my family Joe. You were one-of-a-kind man, rest in peace.

Joseph embodied servant leadership and integrity. I worked with Joe for over 3 years, and he exemplified how leaders should engage with their teams, and he always made himself available, anytime of the day.

I have worked under multiple leaders during my tenure in the Healthcare field and Joe hands down is the best leader I have ever worked with. I have spent so much 1:1 time with Joe over the years and we talked about work, life, fatherhood and reminisced of our childhoods together (we didn't grow up together by the way).

Joe clothed himself with humility daily, and he is one of the brightest minds I know, although doesn't have an egotistical bone is his body! Joe is my mentor, my brother, my friend, and we have a forever bond that I am extremely grateful for!

Love you more than words can express and thankful that your family shared you with us!!!

Joe was truly one of a kind. Always full of energy, positivity, and joy. He was always so happy to see me and the team whenever he traveled in. I’ll never forget everything he shared with me about his fish tank at home, and all the tips and tricks he gave me for when I get one of my own. I’ll be sure to do that soon, my friend.

Our group chat, team huddles, go-lives, and daily routines won’t be the same without you.

What a blessing it’s been to know you. I’ll keep you, your family, and especially Olivia in my everyday prayers. Rest in Paradise, Brother ❤

Throughout my time here at HCN, I had the chance to interact with Joe a handful of times, and our conversations were always meaningful. Whenever he visited HQ, we’d talk about our kids and our crazy golden retrievers.

Joe will be remembered not only for his kindness and sense of humor, but also for his incredible leadership. I hope his family finds comfort in knowing how deeply he was loved and respected by his HCN family. You will be missed!

Joe was the embodiment of a consummate professional and exemplified all the qualities of a great leader. With him at the helm, there was never a doubt about a project’s success. He was a true inspiration, consistently leading by example.

Outside of work, Joe was no different. He was always willing to go the extra mile for others. I’ll never forget the time my family got into an accident on the road he was the first person I called, and without hesitation, he was ready to jump in his truck and help however he could.

Thank you, Joe, for showing us all what it means to lead, to serve, and to care.

This is truly a sad moment. I only worked with Joe 1:1 a handful of times but he was always willing to share that incredible knowledge he had to build up others. Joe had such a calming voice that would make any situation seem so much better. The few times we did work together, and he spoke about his daughter Olivia you knew right away she was the light of his life and was his whole world. Joe will be forever missed but will never be forgotten. Olivia will always be part of the HCN family, and we send her prayers and strength.

Gone to soon but never forgotten.
Rest in peace Joe.

Joe..... What a guy! Over the years we shared so many laughs, frustrations, tears, and ultimately a bond that I will always be grateful for and never forget. His contagious energy, work ethic, and the way he cared for all of us in a way that no leader would be expected to.

Professionally, his accomplishments and accolades are many and there is going to be a tremendous spot to fill (and perhaps a shortage of candy around the office during go live). I remember on our most recent site visit to a center he picked up the rental car at the airport and texted me before I even landed about how excited he was to show us his "sweet ride." Upon arriving, I walked out to be greeted by this massive tank of a vehicle (Jeep Grand Wagoneer). He helped me with my luggage , gave me the biggest hug, and said now let me show you some cool shit much like a child on Christmas.

I know the pain is heavy right now, but as time goes on I will laugh and smile about the many many amazing times I had with him. We are better for having known him and will always miss him. You will forever be in my heart my dear friend.

To Joe's family and Olivia, thank you for sharing Joe with us. We are eternally grateful!

I probably interacted with Joe the least out of everyone, but every single time, he was joyful, courteous, professional, appreciative and above all, humble. The man was truly an EPIC genius. His ability to listen, not jump to conclusions, and formulate a solution on the fly was magical to watch. I feel the loss, both personally and professionally. I feel for his daughter and family ... I hope that they can somehow find peace in their loss and understand that an entire community mourns along with them. RIP "Kozon", you will be missed.

Joe, you were a good friend. I so admired your dedication to our mission, your patience with me and more importantly, to your family. I will cherish our evening dinner on the patio, during our last go-live, forever. Slowly the sorrow I feel now will be replaced with smiles from so many great moments. I miss you dearly, my brother.

Joe was a true ray of light and positive energy throughout the office. He always wore a warm smile and carried a genuine kindness that made everyone feel valued. His uplifting presence could be felt everywhere, he had a way of making even the busiest or most challenging days brighter.

Every project we worked on together was not only fun but also meaningful. Joe brought curiosity, creativity, and dedication to every endeavor, and he always made sure we walked away having learned something new. His ability to combine professionalism with warmth and humor made working alongside him a true privilege.

Beyond his work, Joe cared deeply for the people around him. He listened, supported, and inspired those who had the honor of knowing him.

Joe will be deeply and forever missed, but his positive spirit, his kindness, and the lessons he shared will continue to live on in all of us.

Joe was truly a joy to know—as both a coworker and a friend. During my time at HCN, we collaborated on several projects, and I was consistently impressed by his brilliance. He had one of the sharpest minds I’ve ever encountered, making complex builds look effortless and showcasing an Excel mastery that left me in awe.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joe in person during a recent work trip. He was a true gentleman—always opening doors and graciously taking on the role of chaperone. He kept us focused on our work goals while also keeping the mood light with his quick wit and infectious laughter. I have so many fond memories of Joe from that trip that still make me laugh today.

Although we’re close in age, I looked up to Joe as a mentor. He had already accomplished so much in his life, and his presence on our team was truly invaluable. His absence will be deeply felt, and our team simply won’t be the same without him.

This is just too sad. Joe and I had a special bond — from the very first day he arrived at HCN, we connected instantly, even sharing personal stories about our kids. For me personally, he taught me a lot and had a special affection for the BI team. We were always talking about how to improve processes, create new ones, and so on.

I remember he showed up just in time to save Wave 1, it was a tough wave where all of us were new to Epic. And then came Joe, with all his experience and the desire to teach us everything he knew. Together, we created the logic to upload unsolicited results from each lab vendor, it was a big deal at the time, and we pulled it off mostly thanks to him. We even named the logic EZPZ, and we’d always joke about it.
I’ll always remember Joe as smiling, cheerful, helpful, and incredibly smart.
Every time we crossed paths at HQ, he gave me a big hug; like it was the last one.

You left us too soon.
Rest in peace, brother.
I’m going to miss you so much.

Joe was one of a kind — a thoughtful and caring soul and a loving, proud father. He had a way of making everyone around him feel seen and valued.

One memory I’ll always treasure is from a Saturday during one of our Epic GoLives, when I brought my son, Noah, to the office. Joe was so welcoming, playful, and full of energy, making a connection with Noah. From that day on, Noah started calling him “The Prime Guy” because Joe always had a Prime or Celsius drink in hand.

Joe made such an impression that every time we headed to the office after that, Noah would ask, “Will The Prime Guy be there?” It became his official nickname — one Joe approved and happily embraced.

That memory captures who Joe was: someone who made a lasting impact, even with the briefest of encounters. Though Noah only saw him a handful of times, he never forgot him — and that speaks volumes.

Joe had that same effect in all his professional interactions. From the moment you met him, he left his mark. I’ll deeply miss his joyful “Heyyyyyy!” when he would arrive to the office, his warm hugs, and the light he brought with him wherever he went. You will forever be missed!

Joe was the type of person you can call at any time and he would always be happy to help. Whether he was busy or not he always made you feel like you mattered. He was a true professional and gentleman. His work ethic was exemplary and always demonstrated true teamwork.
He was one of a kind and will be truly missed.

Joe was an extraordinary and honorable man who lived his life guided by unwavering values. As a father to Olivia, his love and pride were always evident—he lit up when speaking about her. As a leader, Joe led with deep compassion, always putting his team first and striving to support and uplift those around him. And as a friend and colleague, he had a remarkable ability to make others feel seen, valued, and inspired to be their best selves. I will miss Joe's spirit, dad jokes, and humor dearly.