Michael T. Jozwick, was born June 25, 1963.  He grew up in Ozone Park, Queens, NY, had a younger brother and a step-brother.  After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as part of the flight crew on the carrier, The Carl Vincent.

After Michael completed his tour of duty, he returned to New York and graduated from Hofstra University with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Acting.  Since he was always a funny kid and enjoyed making people laugh, it was no surprise when Michael decided to hone his comedic skills and become a professional comedian.

Felix Leo Campos (l) and Michael Jozwick at a production meeting.

Beginning in the early 1980s, Michael toured throughout the U.S. to perform on the comedy club circuit, traveling in the same circles with comedians who would later become famous. During his years on the road, when Michael returned home he often worked as a waiter at several Greek diners throughout Suffolk County, New York, which not only put money in his pocket, but also became his laboratory to create and test new material for his act. Let’s just say that Michael always had people waiting to sit as his tables, and he made a killing in tips!

For Michael, good humor was more than just telling a good joke or using slapstick comedy; he enjoyed sharing funny stories and anecdotes that bonded him to his audience. It’s almost impossible to fully describe the joy he felt when he was on stage. Description, it turns out, profanes the experience, but what is significant is the unspoken dialogue between Michael and his audience.

After spending 15 years performing in some of the best comedy clubs in the nation, many of which attracted national acts, Michael was forced to retire due to health issues and went to work as a car salesman. This transition did not kill his appetite for comedy, it merely placed him in an element that allowed him to earn a living while making people laugh.

It was around this time that Michael met his wife Valerie in April 2000, and after a brief courtship, they fell in love and eventually relocated to Las Vegas and its temperate climate, where they married in May 2002. Michael began doing stand-up again, working out new material and performing in small venues. Both he and his wife became involved in acting and a comedy improv group. They also performed in a dinner show called “Joey and Maria’s Italian Wedding,” where they had the best time of their lives. Michael was back on stage, doing improv, making people laugh, having fun and loving life.

Unfortunately, Michael’s health issues worsen, and after suffering 3 heart attacks and triple by-pass surgery, he was forced to take full time disability and stop working altogether. Michael and his wife were planning a trip back to New York for their niece’s sweet sixteen party and a reunion with childhood friends when on February 3, 2007, he passed away in his sleep. He was 44 years old. Michael’s homecoming was in New York, where his family and friends bid farewell to a heart that was broken, but still beats within us all. He was a kind-hearted soul that would give you the shirt off his back, but most of all, he loved to make people laugh. The world has truly lost a wonderful man.

— Valerie Jozwick

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