From a FB post by Mark Steward on Sunday, May 7th.
[I will add more information if it becomes available - Steve]

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Good morning friends. Please bear with me through this lengthy message....the love of my life for the past 35 years (Joel) passed away yesterday morning in St. Davids ER. He was up happy talking, watching tv the night before last. Things changed early yesterday morning when his breathing changed around 7:30 AM. He complained of minor chest pains which quickly became very painful. I was on the phone w/911 when he lost consciousness. EMS arrived very quickly and transported him to hospital, where he passed a few hours later. The attending told me that after doing scans of his brain, heart, stomach - that he suffered an extreme aortic dissection. The same thing that killed John Ritter. Joel had definite wishes not to be kept living by any artificial means. His and my closest friends - Paul and Vernon were there with me and Joel the whole time. They are godsend and have been for years. I was grateful to have them there at his bed when he died.......Joel will be remembered for a beautiful mind, the kindest of hearts, an the sharpest of wits! His health was not good over the past few years but this was out of the blue...... I am heartbroken but will hold tight our animals that he loved frankly more than some people. They were his children and most assuredly will comfort me. I am staying with Paul and Vernon for a few days........ Please in lieu of flowers he would love any donations (if you so choose) to be made to the ASPCA.........I hold tight to the memories of spending my life w/him. His heart is in mine. We loved each other with every fiber of our being......I know he's now happy being with his loving Mother and Sister who both passed years ago. I'll be at home during the afternoons but @ Paul & Vernon's in the evening. I know those who knew Joel loved him and he in return.........there will be no funeral/burial as he wished to be cremated. I will let you know in the next few weeks when a tentative memorial will happen..........thanks for listening. My one wish is to be with him every time I dream. Love, Mark