Remembering a Lost Friend to the Hael

This month we mourn the loss of Master Augusto Giuseppe da San Donato, simply known as Joe the Just, and mundanely known as Joe Piselli. A passing is always a shock, but to lose such a young and vital person seems to hit home a little more. Joe was a fixture in our Society, constantly working in front of and behind the scenes to make the Society a better place for others. Perhaps it was this singular dedication and drive that makes his passing so hard to imagine. Joe never stopped and no one expected he ever would.
Master Joe had a long and distinguished career in the Society. Among his accomplishments are: Master of the Pelican, Companion of the White Horn, Companion of the Millrind, Court Baron, Companion of the Golden Alce, Companion of the Keystone, Companion of the Sycamore, Companion of the Cornelian, Companion of the Golden Thorn, Sigil of Æthelmearc, Companion of the Amber Crystal (Rising Waters, Ealdormere), Companion of the Ice Dragon (Rhydderich Hael, Service), Companion of the Dragon Combattant, (Rhydderich Hael, Martial), and Companion of the Chalice Crystal (Rising Waters, Ealdormere).

Most recently Master Joe was the Seneschal and web minister for the Canton of Beau Fleuve, the Steward and Captain of Thrown Weapons for the Barony of the Rhydderich Hael, and the Chamberlin for the Kingdom of Æthelmearc. These offices are honestly just a sample of the years of service granted us by Master Joe. 

While not an official office, Joe’s camera never stopped clicking and so much of the rich history of the Society was captured through his lens. Her Excellency Rhydderich Hael recently commented, “Joe I have seen many people share photos that you captured of them, when they felt at their best you caught that for them and showed the world”. 

Master Joe was truly at home on the thrown weapons range, holding numerous Kingdom and Baronial champion positions, as well as winning a mile long list of tournaments. It was often questioned if there was anything he couldn’t throw and stick in a target. His service was represented here as well, freely offering his knowledge as a teacher and his time as a Marshal. Countless students have gone on to their own accomplishment under the guidance of Master Joe. It is truly a legacy he shared with us all.

However the greatest position he held was in the hearts of the people all over the Kingdom and the Society. Stories about Master Giuseppe's generosity, perseverance, kindness, and dedication to others are already filling social media. With pictures and tales people are remembering Joe at his best - the man who made a lasting impression in their lives in one way or another. It is often said that people will “never forget the memory of a lost friend”, but with Joe it is more than that. We won’t just remember him, but instead we will never stop looking for him. Be it on the thrown weapon range (missing his shirt of course), in court, or around the camp fires at Pennsic. Our eyes will stare down the path looking for that big white bus to pull up and Joe to step out ready to start some new project. May you find peace in your journey, Master Joe, and we know wherever you are now you are probably already building a platform for your tent. Keep the torches lit until we meet again.

With love, a grateful Society