Missing Autistic Teen's Family Thanks Community

Joseph Michael Barbella, a 17-year-old from Malverne with Autism, went missing on Feb. 12. He was found the next morning, cold but safe, in a backyard in Malverne. He was a mile away from the bowling alley he ran from after a loud noise scared him.

With Barbella safe and home, his family wrote a letter to the community to express their thanks and support in the search that led to his safe return.

On behalf of Joseph P. Barbella, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Malverne community, along with our neighbors who offered their time and/or support to our family. What was to be a routine Monday evening with Camp Anchor at the bowling alley turned into one of the most harrowing experiences of our lives.

To those who do not know Joseph, we would like to share with you a little bit of who he is. Joseph’s needs are extremely complex and challenging. Joe enjoys his life to the fullest. It’s the simple pleasures that he holds on to: Sunday football (especially the NY Giants), long scenic car trips to Florida and car air fresheners. This in itself is somewhat of lens into his complexity. However, we want you to know that if he could grasp the magnitude of the events of Monday evening Feb. 12, he would be humbled and so very appreciative of the outpouring of his neighbors’ care and kindness.

The hours we searched felt as if we were on a tightrope high above the earth and at any moment we would be safe on the ground, or falling to a devastating crash. We sincerely want to thank each and every one of you. Whether it was a kind word, a prayer or the sacrifice of a good night’s sleep. You were our heroes. It does take a village, in this case it took all of you.

To the individuals, families, fire departments, police officers and community officials, you have our utmost respect. Words cannot describe our gratitude. While we may not know all of your names who we shared this experience with, you do know ours, if you see us in town please say hello so that we can personally thank you.

Forever grateful,
The family and friends of Joseph Barbella