est. October 18, 2015

OUR  STORY

Everyone needs a JoeBear in their life! You know the guy..a big ole teddy bear who always has a smile on his face. He is a friend to everyone, kind, compassionate and always well-liked.  That's our JoeBear...that's who we loved...and lost.

Anthony Joseph Batchelor was a miracle baby born to parents who had been told there would be no children. Though losing his dad to cancer when he was 7 years old had a profound impact on Joe, he was surrounded by a loving mom, family and friends that provided an environment where he thrived. Five years later, Joe got a new dad, sister and brother when his Mom remarried. 

Joe grew to be a loveable BIG bear. He constantly kept his famiy and friends laughing and smiling with his antics. Baseball and basketball with his friends always brought him joy no matter if they won or lost. He just loved being with them! 

As a teenager, Joe faced the difficult situation of watching his Alzheimer's stricken grandmother, Nonna, fade away from a woman who always cooked his favorite meals and spoiled him rotten to one who couldn't remember who he was.

Life was good, Joe had a loving family, a girlfriend whom he loved dearly, and a job working with and caring for children that he was born to do.  Then at a very young 19 years old, Joe was taken from us in a tragic car accident. 

One of the last discussions Joe had with a friend before his car accident was about starting a new line of shirts where the profits would be donated to Alzheimer's causes in honor of his Nonna, whom he loved so dearly.

JoeBear Apparel was born to fulfill Joe's dream and to somehow attempt to fill the void left behind with the loss of Joe.