As hard as it is to believe that Pops is gone after we all heard he was getting better, could very well be just Joe not wanting everyone freaking out about. I honestly believe we are born dying. And from Pink Floyd "Shorter of breath one day closer to death". Somethings in life are meant to be kept on the down low.
Joe was very well liked by those that met, him and those who only read his post. When a member or a members loved ones pass on TGT the out pouring of sympathy is proof of what I have ad for years "Some of the best people you may never met are on here!"