I am personally very sad to report the passing of Joe Porcelli, who I counted as a friend as well as a colleague. Joe passed away on April 2 after a long bout with cancer.
When I first met Joe Porcelli he was a very senior executive with Revlon, first in Canada and then he brought the brand to travel retail in Orlando. At that first show he gave out ruby red crystal lip pins (I still have mine), and asked everyone to “call me Joe.” Years later he came to Miami with Lancaster and Coty, and ended up living in the next town over from Paul and me. He next was with Oscar de la Renta, for whom he held a very memorable event in Cannes.
Joe became ill nearly 10 years ago. When he was diagnosed, he was given a very dire outcome, which he had shared with me at that time. But medicine, his family, prayer and his sheer determination gave him the gift of extra years and he used them well.
At the end of last year, when he knew that his time was drawing to an end, he penned the note below. Michael and I send our deepest condolences to his wife Dorie and sons Joseph and Mark on the passing of their husband, and father. May his memory give you all great peace. We will end with Joe’s own words.
Dear Friends,
Over the years, I’ve had the great fortune of knowing each of you personally, and your friendship has meant a lot me.
I share this update with you because too many times I learned of the passing of a friend and wished I had known they were ill and had a chance to reach out. If inspired to do so, I welcome you to reach out to me.
In October of 2012, I was diagnosed with stage four metastatic prostate cancer and given three years to live. Two major cancer centers confirmed the diagnosis.
Through a combination of support from my family and friends, medication, and nutrition, as well as prayer, I have never felt better during these first eight years of treatment. As I enter my ninth year, the latest medical results indicate that I am running out of medical options. I am now in Hospice Care with a focus on pain management and ongoing quality of life.
I would like each of you to know how deeply I have appreciated and valued your friendship.
I wish you and your loved ones good health and the very best.
Stay safe, and take care!
Your friend,
Joe
