Friends mourn unexpected passing of D.C. event planner Jocko Fajardo

Longtime community activist found deceased in Dupont Circle residence

By LOU CHIBBARO JR. | lchibbaro@washblade.com

LGBTQ community members and others who knew him were saddened to learn that longtime D.C. resident Joaquin ‘Jocko’ Fajardo, who was known as a skilled chef, florist, and event planner, died at his Dupont Circle residence on Friday, July 14.

Friends and others who knew him have told the Washington Blade they did not know the cause of death.

A spokesperson for the D.C. Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services said he couldn’t immediately obtain information related to a possible call for medical assistance from Fajardo’s condominium residence at 1614 Q Street, N.W.

According to his website, in recent years Fajardo operated a D.C.-based business called Jocko Made, which provided services related to the planning of events. He also served on the board of the D.C.-based LGBTQ youth services organization SMYAL.

“Jocko Fajardo was the guy you called if the queen was coming over for dinner and you wanted it to be perfection,” said David Perruzza, owner of the Adams Morgan LGBTQ bars Pitchers and A League of Her Own in a Facebook post.

“He helped out with every organization from SMYAL to helping me a few times with Casa Ruby,” Perruzza wrote, referring to the former LGBTQ community services organization. “His philosophy on life was to treat people with kindness and spread love,” Perruzza continued. “I will miss his positive posts that even on a dark gloomy day would make me smile.”

An announcement by SMYAL posted on its website prior to Fajardo’s passing said Fajardo operated an earlier version of his company called Flourish Design, which is described as a D.C. lifestyle management and private events company. The announcement said Fajardo was from Tempe, Ariz., and had been living in the D.C. area for close to 20 years.

On his Jocko Made website, Fajardo described some of the services the event planning aspect of his business provided.

“Our events are tailored to your every need,” his website message says. “Whether social or corporate, we offer comprehensive full-service planning and day-of management. We maintain very special vendor relationships and help to connect the dots so you can have the most seamless experience possible.”

In 2019, Fajardo served as co-master of ceremony for the Washington Blade’s 50th anniversary celebration. In addition to assisting with the planning of the event, he designed the floral arrangements for the gala.

“Jocko touched so many in the LGBTQ community in D.C. through his extensive volunteer work,” said Washington Blade editor Kevin Naff. “When we were looking for help planning the Blade’s 50th celebration, Jocko stepped up and was involved throughout the entire process. All of us at the Blade are forever grateful for his many contributions and he will be missed by so many in the community here.”

“Jocko was a D.C. treasure,” said D.C. activist Peter Rosenstein. “His creativity, charm and friendship will be missed by so many. He left us much too soon.”

Among all his other activities, Fajardo also provided highly effective and passionate support for the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, according to chorus executive director Justin Fyala.

“Jocko’s influence and impact as a supporter and leader of GMCW began in 2010 when he joined the Board of Directors,” Fyala told the Blade.

“The passion with which he cared for GMCW, initially displayed through his chairing our annual Spring Affair for two consecutive years, only increased in subsequent years as he blessed us with his artistry through magnificent floral arrangements for our events,” Fyala said.

In addition to that, Fyala points out, Fajardo supported the chorus with his “culinary skills by providing delicious catered dinners for our virtual affairs during the pandemic, and with his kind words, open heart, and friendship to so many members of the GMCW family.”

A memorial to celebrate the lives of Fajardo and Tarik Pierce was scheduled for Thursday, July 19. Visit washingtonblade.com for details and coverage.