It is with deep regret and sorrow that we make the following announcement.  A very good friend and supporter of FRIENDS FOR LIFE has passed.  On November 24, 2007 Joe Matarazzo Jr. died of complications with his heart.  Joe was only 47 years old.

            Perhaps his name is not that familiar to you and that is because Joe’s work for FRIENDS FOR LIFE was done under the pseudonym of “Big Blanche”.  For a number of years, Joe as Big Blanche hosted the Fabulous Fakes Show, a revue of singing, dancing and female impersonators.  The Fabulous Fakes Show over the years grew in popularity and helped put FRIENDS FOR LIFE on the map as far as charity events in this area goes.

            Joe, who was a mild mannered and very polite gentleman created the very wild, boisterous and vulgar mouth Big Blanche.  Blanche would do and say the things that Joe would never.  And the audiences were delighted and totally entertained by this Sophie Tucker/ Bette Midler/ Joan Rivers combination of made-up personae. With an acre of white hair and the flashiest of outfits Blanche was outrageous to say the least.  Each year that Joe hosted the annual fundraiser the audience grew larger and larger. And for a good reason, Joe was the most entertaining with his quick wit comedy about current topics and trends not to mention terrorizing the audience with his off-colored jokes and down right raunchiness.  His performances as “Big Blanche” always brought down the house with cheers and applause.

            And Big Blanche did not stop with just FRIENDS FOR LIFE.  Joe took his “Big Blanche” act all over the New York and New Jersey area.  He appeared in many clubs social events and fundraisers for many years.  From the Gay Pride Parade to the Night of a Thousand Gowns, Big Blanche made an appearance, spread some comedy and made thousands of people laugh and smile and forget whatever problems they had for a moment.  Joe touched the lives of so many people.  What a wonderful legacy to leave behind.

            Joe’s dedication to raising money for FRIENDS FOR LIFE was rewarded with the recognition of  “Man of the Year” from the FRIENDS FOR LIFE organization several years ago.  His work and compassion will never be forgotten.  His giving did not stop when his life ended.  The Matarazzo Family asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to FRIENDS FOR LIFE.  The Matarazzo Family will be pleased to know that many generous donations have been made to FFL in Joe’s memory.   We cannot thank the Matarazzo Family enough for their generous gesture or express how deeply saddened we are by their loss because it is our loss as well.

            It seems ironic that Joe died due to complications with his heart because his heart was so filled with love for his family and friends and compassion for his fellow man. Rest well dear friend.