Joseph Johnson Obituary

Joey Rose (aka "Donk"), age 41, was a prankster and funny guy. Spoiled lovingly by his grandparents, Mary and Harold Rose, he was born prematurely in Miami, Florida, on St. Patrick's Day in 1984. A lifelong Miami local, Joey proudly repped the 305, even tattooing it on his neck.

Joey loved dogs and sacrificed his own financial comfort to rent a home with a yard. He adored his grandpa, Harold S. Rose, whom he called his "best friend" (and roommate). He had many entrepreneurial dreams, including opening his own BBQ business. Generous to a fault, Joey offered rooms to friends and lent them money, and handed out BBQ to the homeless.

Joey worked out daily, making his death a total shock. He is survived by his sister, Maryann Rose, who still half-expects him to jump out from behind a bush and yell, "Gotcha!" and then erupt into contagious laughter. His passing feels unreal, unbelievable, impossible, and deeply tragic. Many regrets and what-ifs.

Two memorials were held in Joey's honor on December 12 and 13. He was later buried at sea with his mother, Cynthia Klutse, and many of his beloved dogs. To walk down memory lane, visit DonkJoe.com.