Ironage.us
Re: Joe Meeko
« Reply #80 on: Today at 01:15:26 PM »
In response to recent questions regarding the circumstances of Joe's passing, Joe had endured hardships in the recent years including marital difficulties, car accidents, injuries and complications from Lyme disease. According to a longtime friend of Joe's and the family, Joe passed away on Tuesday December 8, at 11 p.m. by his own choice. He called me earlier in the day and he expressed sadness over events and what he saw as failures but was repentant before God and made his peace. He was saddened that he heard from very few friends and felt very alone. It is very easy for those who were not part of the situation to judge his actions and so it is best to consider not only the closing days of his life but his life in its entirety which included a very distingusihed career in competititve bodybuilding. We place our faith in a loving God, in whom Joe trusted, to look upon his servant with kindness and compassion, He ultimately being the one and true judge of us all.
Joe Meeko
Born: Oct 25, 1961
Contest weigh in weight at my best Mr. Universe: 235 lbs. 5' 7-3/4" tall
Titles
Teenage Mr. Lehigh Valley plus won all body parts and best poser.
Teenage Mr. Atlantic Coast 1st place medium height class winner and overall winner.
Mr Atlantic coast - novice division 1st place medium height class and overall winner.
Mr. Eastern USA 1st place medium class winner plus overall winner.
Mr Atlantic coast - medium height class 1st place and overall winner.
1983
Mr. North America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr. North America - AAU, Overall Winner
1984
Mr. America - AAU, Medium, 1st
Mr. America - AAU, Overall Winner
Mr. Universe - NABBA, Medium, 2nd
NPC Mr. Eastern USA
Nationals - NPC, Heavy Weight, 10th
USA Nationals - NABBA, Overall Winner
USA Nationals - NABBA, Medium, 1st
Mr. Universe - NABBA, Medium, 4th
World Championships - NABBA, Medium, 2nd
1988
Universe - AAU, Heavy Weight, 1st
Universe - AAU, Overall Winner
Yet Joe's life consisted of more than contest prep and appearances. Even before his first bodybuiding title, he was at outstanding high school athlete, a beloved son, brother, and an inspiration to many friends.
Even though at first glance it appears his life and death were tragic, he lived life as few of us do: accepting and loving to all, humble, kind, generous and with conviction. He easily made many friends through the magic of the internet, always willing to respond to the questions of others and offering advice and insights where he could. I was re-reading his testimony on MCBB today. Although the scriptures above his interview changes daily, I thought today's was very appropriate. “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him.” (Deuteronomy 18:15) Listen to Joe's life and hear who he was as a man . . .