Stavros Center for Independent Living Mourns the Passing of Advocate and Visionary, Joe Tringali
Amherst, MA, 12/28/23 – The Stavros Center for Independent Living is saddened to announce the passing of Joe Tringali on December 27, 2023. A stalwart advocate and visionary, Joe Tringali left an indelible mark on the disability community, embodying the spirit of independent living and championing the rights, dignity, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Joe was not just a member of Stavros; he was an inspiration, a dear friend, and a driving force behind transformative changes in western Massachusetts. His legacy, rooted in the principles of the independent living philosophy, will forever be woven into the fabric of Stavros.
Even before the establishment of the Amherst Disability Access Advisory Board, Joe tirelessly worked to make the town of Amherst accessible. His vision laid the groundwork for the Access Awards, recognizing businesses striving for accessibility. Joe played a pivotal role in the development of the first accessible curb cuts and traffic signals in western Massachusetts and the fully accessible John Nutting apartments at Chestnut Court in the 1970s.
As a vocal advocate, Joe's letters to the editor on various disability issues informed the community about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, contributing to the Estate Recovery Act and the 'Stop the Shock' campaign.
Beyond local impact, Joe, alongside Stavros staff, contributed to a statewide initiative funded by a Robert Wood Johnson grant, making significant strides towards creating a more accessible state. He collaborated with organizations like CHAPA to promote accessible housing, leading to a crucial voucher program for disabled renters.
Joe's brainchild, the Home Sweet Home program, has provided over a thousand ramps and improvements to disabled individuals, allowing them to remain safely in their homes. His dedication extended to fighting injustices on multiple fronts, representing Stavros on various committees and leaving an indelible mark as a passionate advocate for the disability community.
Angelina Ramirez, CEO of Stavros, said, “Joe has been a great advocate and an asset to the disability community. For so many of us, Joe will be everlasting.”
Joe Tringali's impact on Stavros and the disability community is immense, and his legacy will endure as a testament to the unwavering fight for the rights and inclusion of people with disabilities who are as determined as he was to live independently.