Joe,
Thinking of you, knowing you are very glad to finally see people rising up and demanding justice.   As you taught me to say, Peace out Big Joe.
-"Big John"

Happy birthday  Joe ❤️ I wish I could talk to you.

It's difficult to lose Joe as he was full of life, with an awesome sense of humor, and as generous at it gets when it comes to friendship.  He was smart, with bachelor's in both math and philosophy and a master's in business.  He also was passionate about and excelled in jujitsu, while being dedicated to his career in programming for the healthcare industry.  Joe and I met during our first semester at CSUN's MBA program and had been friends since.  Despite his achievements, he always emphasized that being  good on paper is substantially outweighed by being good in practice.  He was a someone who not only understood but made you feel that you can do no wrong.  He was my best friend.  Til we meet again, Joe!

The "Original Gangstas"...

From: joe twumasi 
Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 4:41 PM
To: Howard Mahlee
Subject: RE: Hi from NYC
 
 
What up OG?  Well said!  Your message was heartfelt.  We always looked up to legendary giants such as Ali, Foreman, Tyson, Frazier, and so on.  I guess we have always admired the mastery, skill, and spirit of these legends.  Although it's natural for the physical body to die someday, they continue to live on in our memories and hearts.

Thanks for asking.  Jarvis is now 7 years old and he's an amazing child.  I can't wait for the day when you will get a chance to meet him in person.  His mom's family bought a house on Topanga canyon and Parthenia in Canoga Park about 3 years ago so anytime I go to pick him up I reminisce about you because you used to live in Canoga Park.
 
I'm still with that girl that I sent you a picture of and my career, family and lfe is good.  In my spare time, I still train and compete in Jiujitsu tournaments.  I should be getting my black belt soon.  I met up with Barbara Darrow, Clay Levister and some other Pru alumni for lunch the other day.  They are all doing well.  They asked about you and I told them that you relocated to NYC.
 
Likewise, I wish you all the best in life, love, career, and family.  Are you still with your girl and how is that going?
 
Best regards, friend for life
Joe 


From: hmahlee@hotmail.com
To: jtwumasi@hotmail.com
Subject: Hi from NYC
Date: Tue, 8 Nov 2011 08:50:13 -0500

OG,
 
I hope all is well in life, love, career, family.  Hope that you and Jarvis are doing well.
 
We lost one of the masters today.  I think of you on days like this...
 
http://www.cnn.com/2011/11/07/sport/joe-frazier-obit/index.html?hpt=hp_c1

Former heavyweight boxing champ Joe Frazier dies - CNN.com
www.cnn.com
Hard-hitting boxing heavyweight Joe Frazier died Monday, a month after being diagnosed with liver cancer, his family said.


 
Let's hope the other giants we looked up to - Ali, Foreman, Tyson, Holyfield, Lee Haney, etc - are around for a long time.
 
All best wishes, old friend.
h




Omg im am devastated to hear of your passing.you were the most inspirational person in my life who was always there for me to pick me up when i was down or prepare my mind body and spirit headed into competition no matter what the situation was you had my back.if you new joe you knew he was a fearless competitor.joe was a true martial artist who once told me onetime when i was going through my 1st divorce and wasn't seeing to clearly fighting isn't just in the ring life is a fight as well and i have carried those words in my heart ever since that moment.he has helped me in more ways than words can describe.he was such a competitor that i remember one time he broke his thumb training and it was a clean snap.not pretty.anyways he was so obsessed with training and competiting that he calls me at 12:00 at night and says we got to meet at the gym and im like ok and he's like no we gotta meet there now and im like why and he was so mad over the thumb break that he felt like he had to go out regardless the hour and make some kind of adjustment in his game to fix the problem.well i talked him out of it and thankfully because he was probably gonna put me through the ringer over it.lol.thats the kind of motivation he taught me.joe was  the father i never had.i truly miss and love you joe....... LOVE WAYNE......

RLT:  Thanks for note 11.04.16.  Send again with contact info.

At 8:00 a.m. EST/5:00 a.m. PST on January 25th of this year, a notification from a social media website appeared in my e-mailbox, as they sometimes do when friends in my network respond to mini-surveys about each other.  Your connection Joe has endorsed you it said.  It had been a while since I'd spoken with Joe.  I made a mental note to call on him one day soon.  Then, just a few days later, from another former colleague, the shockingly sad news

Joe and I first met way back as co-workers in the same department at the Prudential in Southern California.  It was for both of us our first job out of college, though he had started there some months prior and so was assigned to showing me around.  We bonded instantly, and even when our careers took us to different jobs, and eventually took me away to the east coast, our deep kinship and brotherhood never diminished.  He was my best friend in the US, and I loved this man to the very end.

We spent all of our 20s and some of our 30s together, doing the things crazy bachelors do.  (And oh, were we ever crazy!  We're talking about Joe, here).   So many sunrises and breakfast conversations after bleaching all through those Saturday nights.  So many boxing match viewing parties at his apartment (like bodybuilding, we both revered the old giants of this sport as well.  We had talked about the passing of Smokin' Joe Frazier 5 years ago, and I know we'd have been reminiscing about The Greatest, during this weekend).  So many dating and girlfriend buildups and pursuits, letdowns and losses, heartbreaks and laughs, for both of us.  Driving around L.A. together during the South-Central riots.  After the Northridge earthquake.  So many memories

But, as many of us here already know, for all his loudness and tough-guy bluster, Joe had a big heart, and a soft side which he would reveal to those closest to him.  So, perhaps the most enduring and poignant memory I have of our friendship was at some point around the mid 90s, during a time when he was extremely ill with the flu.  Too sick to get out of bed and help himself, he phoned to ask if I would bring him a list of grocery and medicine items he'd run out of.  I went to the supermarket and then went over to his place to spend time with him that day, of course, refusing whatever payment he was offering. 

Joe, sorry, but I had to tell that story after all this time.   My dear, most beloved friend, it was my honor and privilege to have done that.  To have known you so closely.  To have been your friend.  And to this day, it still is.  Thank you.

From that notification on January 25th, I see now you were trying to reach me, and I will always deeply regret not being able to be there for you at the end, especially since it has been your self-confidence, humor, compassion, and your belief in me which have been an unending wellspring of strength and encouragement in my own life.  Nor did I learn of your final arrangements until long afterward, but I promise to come visit your resting place soon, and will be doing more in your honor.  My deepest, heartfelt sympathy and condolences to your son Jarvis, and to your family.
Be with God.  And Him with you.   

Until soon,
h

Happy  49th birthday my dear love Joe. I wish you were here so we could celebrate.Carlos, Kelsey, Ed and my parents didn't have the strength to visit your resting place today, because we're all still shocked and hurt. We had no idea you had left us :(
I had a ruff night thinking about all this..I will see you again, wait for me.

Joe, you were the most important person in my life. I'll never be the same knowing you are not here. Please continue to look after me.

Joe,
I miss you my friend, I value your words of wisdom, your passion, your friendship.

Joe I will always love you and have you in my heart. Me and my family will remember your smile, and your laugh.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family.  And, I myself remain devastated; he was a friend and a colleague. I met Joe at Prudential in the early 1990's and he and I remained close with me getting him employment at Kaiser and him getting me into Anthem in 2005 and again in 2014 where I am currently (for which I am grateful). As a current colleague in his department and team, I spoke with him at least once week, and last spoke to him Jan 22.  I will keep him in my thoughts always.

Joe was the definition of a good man, He was very motivational to not just me but everyone around him, he truly believed in everyone for the greater good of themselves and believed that anyone could achieve anything if they worked hard enough, his laugh and his smile will forever be missed but will also never be forgotten, RIP Joe, I'll see you soon brother

I regret I did not get to know you for a longer period of time at Gracie Academy. You always had a warm smile and words of encouragement for me. You treated this blue belt like a black belt every time you saw me. God Bless you and your family.

Joe is such a wonderful member of our Jiu Jitsu family.  He had a way of making everyone around him feel wonderful.  His smile, his advice, and his friendship will always be missed. May God bless his family, and grant them peace in this difficult moment.

Joe I wish I had gotten the chance to know you better...3 days a week at the Gracie Academy for the last 4 years was not enough. However, in that limited time you made a significant impact on my two sons, and I. 
   With every encounter it was obvious you cared about those you interacted with. You always had sage advice, patience and a terrific sense of humor. You lifted up everyone you interacted with. The positive energy and caring/family atmosphere you brought to the academy was incredible,  and will never be forgotten.  God bless you Joe.
The Cunningham's
Pete, Cathy, Zac & Ben

When I first went working at Prudential many years ago, Joe was a God's gift to me as my teammate, he put me at ease with his big heart, big smile and his optimism. I am sure he had been a God's gift for many others who had been fortunate to come across this kind individual.

May God give Joe's family and friends peace and comfort during this very difficult time. You are all in my prayers. Joe will be missed at Anthem.

My thoughts and prayers are with your family.  May God give you strength and be with you during this difficult time.

I worked with Joe many years ago at Prudential.  His intelligence and enthusiasm, his big smile and great laugh, his upbeat personality, made him a pleasure to work with.  I remember he would return to the office from a week off having never left town since he could not stay away from the gym.  He had impressive muscles that he liked to show off.  A couple of times he asked me to feel his biceps.  I laugh just remembering;  he was so proud of those muscles.

I met Joe for lunch about 7 years ago and he told me with pride and joy about his son.  I was shocked and distressed to hear the news that Joe was gone.  I'm sorry I didn't get another chance to see him.  

To all who knew Joe, to Joe's family, and especially to Joe's son who, I'm sure, will miss his father most of all, my sincere sympathy and condolences on your loss.

I am so sorry to hear of your lost.  My thoughts and prayers and with the family.

We will all miss your bright smile, your enthusiasm, and your open warmth. Our prayers go out to your family.

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

We miss you Joe! You were such a kind man, always available to help.  My prayers are with you and your family.  (Erma Bonyadi, Anthem)

Your family comes to my mind many times a day. I pray for Joe and your family. Joe and I use to talk at least one hour a week. I will miss him. I am sorry for your loss.

We will miss you!  You and your family are in our thoughts.

Flora Fung (Anthem)

We will miss you.  You and your family are in our thoughts.
Flora Fung (Anthem)

Joe, you were a good friend over the years.  You taught me a lot. Rest my friend

OBITUARY

Joseph A. Twumasi

May 31, 1967 – January 27, 2016

Eternal Valley Memorial Park & Mortuary

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