It’s been more than two years since comic Mike DeStefano passed away from a heart attack after living with HIV for years - and after overcoming a heroine addiction that started at the age of 15- . His upbringing in the Bronx gave his act a tough exterior, but his charm, gave him the ability to let his vulnerability come through the cracks of that exterior when he talked about his faults and mortality. In his stand up performances, Mike talked openly about his HIV status, his plan to commit suicide, his heroine addiction and everything he experienced. Below I’ve put the link to one of his touching performances called , “Fanny’s Last Ride,” which he describes as a piece that he’s particularly proud of.

Rest in peace Mr. DeStefano.