Joseph Richard Tommasino, lovingly known as "Joey," was a vibrant and multi-talented individual whose life was marked by creativity, curiosity, and compassion. Born on August 9, 1979, Joey grew up in Bayport, New York, and graduated from Bayport-Bluepoint High School in 1998.

Joey was a skilled DJ, bringing life to events with his passion for music and entertainment. His love for creativity extended to building and tinkering, fueled by an imagination that was as boundless as it was inspiring. A spirited theorist and deep thinker, Joey thrived in engaging, thought-provoking conversations, always leaving a lasting impression on those who shared time with him.

Throughout his life, Joey worked in various fields, including construction and retail. He also proudly served in the United States Army National Guard, earning an honorable discharge in 2008. Joey had recently embarked on a new journey to become an addiction counselor, driven by a profound desire to make a difference in the lives of others and help those struggling with challenges.

In honor of Joey's legacy, the Touro School of Health Sciences is proud to establish the Joseph R. Tommasino  Memorial Behavioral Health Scholarship for Physician Assistant (PA) students. This scholarship aims to inspire and support students pursuing careers in behavioral health, emphasizing the growing need for compassionate professionals in this critical field.

Behavioral health is an essential and often underserved aspect of healthcare. By encouraging PA students to specialize in this area, the scholarship will help address the shortage of providers trained to meet the mental health and addiction treatment needs of diverse communities. This initiative reflects Joey’s dedication to helping others and ensures that his passion for making a meaningful impact continues to resonate through the lives of future healthcare providers and the patients they serve.

Joey’s memory will live on through this scholarship, fostering a new generation of practitioners dedicated to improving lives and advancing behavioral health care.