Joe Whitcomb, a beloved member of the Princeton community, tragically passed away on May 18th while working abroad in Krakow, Poland, at the age of 57. Joe was a father, grandfather, sibling, veteran, and psychologist known for his adventurous spirit and dedication to helping others.
Lynn Belair Hunn shared on Facebook, "If you’re from Princeton, you definitely know the wonderful Whitcomb family. Joe Whitcomb was a classmate of mine, and a wonderful friend as well."
Joe served in the Air Force from 1986 to 1994 before earning his Master’s in psychology and working as a trauma therapist. Recently, he was developing innovative VR therapy programs in Europe. His passing has left a significant void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
In response to this tragedy, Lisa Braun Dubbels has organized a GoFundMe campaign to help bring Joe’s remains back to the United States. The campaign, benefiting Joe’s daughter Sonia Hartland, aims to cover the substantial costs associated with transporting his remains, cremation in Poland, and sending his possessions back to the U.S.
As of now, $355 has been raised out of the $2,500 goal through donations from friends and community members, including a generous $200 from Robin Fawcett.
Sonia Hartland has been tirelessly working with the U.S. Embassy, the State Department, and Polish officials to navigate the bureaucratic challenges in bringing Joe home. Special thanks are extended to Senator Tina Smith for her advocacy on behalf of the family.
The community is rallying to support the Whitcomb family during this difficult time. A memorial service will be held at New Life Church in Princeton at a future date to honor Joe’s memory.
Lisa Meyer Mitchell expressed her condolences on Facebook, saying, "So sorry for your loss."
The campaign organizers urge everyone to consider donating to help alleviate the financial burden on Joe’s family and ensure that they can properly honor his memory. Your support is greatly appreciated during this challenging period.
Note:This post was written and edited by Kylie Clark, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.