Joseph “Joey” Frank Kafka, a Boystown entrepreneur who was both praised for his bon vivant appreciation of wine and has lack of pretention died in the early morning hours on June 26. He was 38 years-old.
Kafka, who co-owned Kafka Wine Co. with Michael Scharber was a well-known figure in Chicago’s LGBT community. Kafka Wine regularly sponsored HIV/AIDS related causes, including a June 9 fundraiser for the AIDS Research foundation.
Joe Zuniga, a longtime friend of Kafka’s recalled Kafka’s community mindedness, generosity and modesty.
“Joe cared deeply for the arts, the fight against HIV/AIDS, and so many other social justice causes,” Zuniga said. “And he put his heart, time, and resources behind those causes without the need to have his ego stroked.”
According to online reviews of Kafka Wine, Kafka made a point of making good wine accessible and inviting to those who came into his shop. Two days before his death, one customer remarked on Yelp.com how helpful and knowledgeable Kafka was.
Zuniga said he met Kafka at his shop years ago, and the two became instant friends. He noted “how quickly Joe befriended people with his shy smile and open invitation to be a part of his life and vice versa.”
According to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office Kafka died of multiple injuries related to a “fall from height.” His death was ruled a suicide. Kafka’s management company confirmed that an “unfortunate incident” had occurred at his building, located at 655 W. Irving Park Road.
“There will never be another Joe Kafka, said Zuniga. “A gentle man, generous in spirit, who collected friends as some people collect valuables because that is the value he assigned to us.”