HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — The Tampa Bay community is set to honor the life of a father turned social justice advocate.

Andrew Joseph Jr. was the father of Andrew Joespeh III. The 14-year-old was struck and killed crossing I-4 after being kicked out of the Florida State Fair in 2014.

The case drew headlines for years, with the family of the teen fighting to clear his name and step in to help others in similar situations. 

Sadly, for Andrew Joseph Jr., that fight ended abruptly with his death last month. But his wife is determined to keep it going.

Andrew is described as a father thrust into activism. 

“He was committed to justice; he was committed to supporting families,” Deanna Joseph said.

It’s the kind of support she says doesn’t come by chance. Andrew Joseph Jr.’s push to fight for those who needed it came from his own experience when his son was hit and killed.

“The theme that year (at the fair) was ‘catch the fun.’ But on that night, my son caught a death and life sentence where he would no longer be on this earth,” Deanna said. 

For years, the family fought for justice and won a civil federal lawsuit against the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for its role in the tragedy. It’s a case Deanna said the sheriff’s office appealed after they were set to be awarded $15 million. 

That was just one fight Andrew and his wife were fighting before his sudden death last month. 

“He wasn’t just an activist on the street, he was a good dad. He was a father. He was a protector and a lover. He took care of his family and he was devoted,” his daughter Deja said. 

“The loss of my son had prepared me because in the loss of my son, that was the first. I had never had anyone close to me pass away. When my husband passed, I had the individual experience with saying he’s now reunited with his son,” Deanna said. 

A devoted father, friend, and fighter. 

A loss Deanna says can’t be replaced but should be used as a reminder. 

“We are the makers of change, and we should demand those changes, and those people who are closest to the pain should be the ones who are closer to the power,” Deanna said.

Family, friends, and supporters plan to push that message as they honor Andrew’s life on Saturday. The celebration of life ceremony for Andrew is this Saturday, June 13, at 5 p.m. at the Portico in Tampa.