Search by Name

Search by Name

Jeffrey Pietrangelo Obituary

Pietrangelo, Jeffrey P. Born October 27, 1952. Jeff was a well known musician in Milwaukee. A memorial service will be held in April: date and location to be announced on April 1, 2013 on Jeff's Facebook page.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel on Jan. 5, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jeffrey Pietrangelo

Not sure what to say?





Geri Grad

December 30, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Kevin Woelfel

March 17, 2018

A great player, wonderful man, and a fellow connoisseur of the grilled cheese sandwich. I first heard him with Matrix in 77' at the Reno Jazz Festival. I was blown away. In 1983 I played a series of gigs with him in Madison, WI. My place was a few blocks from the venue, so he came over and we listened to Lps and ate grilled cheese sandwiches until the next call. I have always wished I could have sat next to him many more times. Rest in peace Jeff.

Mike Gundlach

January 25, 2013

Jeff and I were best friends back in 1960-64?? I lived at 2956 N. 121st St. in Wauwatosa, and Jeff was next door. I still remember the many evenings when I heard Jeff practicing his trumpet, especially after losing his bycycle priveleges because he ran a stop sign on a no through street. His family them moved many times. Years later we worked for his dad parking cars for the State Fair. RIP Jeff.

Mountain Meyer

January 21, 2013

I knew Jeff as a great friend, frat brother, and as a member of the legendary band Matrix. A big shout-out to the L.U. boys of F. Lodge, Kurt, Fred, Professor, and the roadies and fans. Jeff's talents and grace will be missed.

Suzanne Grzanna

January 20, 2013

Fantastic trumpet player and a wonderful person...will be missed!

Laura K

January 17, 2013

Whenever a great jazz musician leaves us, I die a little too. So hearing the news about Jeff is especially sad. It was a thrill to get to know Jeff (the most awesome trumpeter [& percussionist!] almost 40 years ago before his tour with the amazing Matrix. My folks in GB were equally thrilled when he accepted an invite for supper. We all had great admiration and spoke fondly of him over the years. My condolences to his family - and all the musicians (including my brother drummer Dave Wall) whose gigs will never be the same without his awesome trumpet playing, his smile, his goofy sense of humor and the kind, gentle, humble person that was Jeff. ("And the trumpet shall sound" - (as never before))

Kathleen LeTendre-Duerr

January 16, 2013

I knew Jeff, during the 80's while he was playing with "Snakebite" a group of ultra-talented jazz musicians. He was lots of fun to hang out with, just a really nice guy. RIP, Dear One.

Ted Pierce

January 14, 2013

As a fan of the LUJE and all those associated with John Harmon, I met Jeff in the early 70's and it was obvious even then that Jeff was a major talent. He took the time to talk to me and inspire me in my jazz studies. I recall I had mentioned to him about a recent polka gig I had played and he jokingly suggested I throw in some Clifford Brown phrases! He is with the Lord now, thanks for sharing your talent!

January 14, 2013

Jeff, A huge talent. A kind and generous heart. He left much too early. He will be missed and fondly remembered by everyone who ever played with him or knew him.
Jim Paolo

January 13, 2013

What an incredibly talented and special person.

Phil Patenaude

January 10, 2013

The loss of a very talented, gracious and inspirational man gone way too soon.Met in Appleton in early '80s and have been wowed since.Thanks for the ride Jeff. RIP

Vivo Rodriguez

January 9, 2013

Incredible trumpet player. So sad that he will no longer be with us. I will truly miss him so much. Not only was he an amazing jazz player...but, he was an excellent Salsa trumpet player for our Latino community. Condolences to the Pietrangelo family and all who loved him. He will truly be missed. We love you, Jeff. Hector Vivo Rodriguez.

January 9, 2013

Dear JP - You've climbed that stairway to Heaven and are gigging with the angels now. Your music still fills this world.
A big LaChazz fan

Clifford Gribble

January 7, 2013

I believe Jeff himself was the only musician I've ever met who didn't appear to be absolutely amazed by Jeff's incredible talent! While he was working in Milwaukee Public Schools Central Office in the 1990s, my jazz students at Milwaukee HS of the Arts gladly volunteered to help him with equipment setup and other tasks because of their respect for him as a player. Years later, I was able to hire him as a combo coach for the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Jazz Studies program and his gentle disposition, humility, wonderful talent and genuine dedication to the success of these youthful musicians were a very potent combination! I think these same qualities made him the wonderful friend that we all miss so much!
Rest in Peace, Jeff!

Rachel Ramirez

January 7, 2013

Sad news to hear. Rest in Peace Jeff. You will be greatly missed. Such a sweet kind soul.

susan russell

January 7, 2013

Jeff was brilliant but even more, a kind, and humble soul with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by so many more people than he ever could have imagined.

sue russell

January 7, 2013

Jeff was not only an amazing horn player but a kind, gentle and funny soul. He will be missed by many more than he would ever humbly expect.

January 7, 2013

I had the priviledge to play with Jeff for the last twelve years or so. He had a great sense of humor and an incredible talent that lit up the air when he was playing. I always felt lucky to be on a stage with him. He will always be an inspiration for me.
Bill Stone

Gary Williams

January 7, 2013

Jeff was an incredibly talented, kind and gentle man who touched many lives. He will be greatly missed by all.

one of his fans.

Yvette dumas

January 7, 2013

Rest in Peace Jeff.You were a beautiful person.Condolences to the Pietrangelo family.

Barry Applewhite

January 7, 2013

Jeff will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Ralph Bruner

January 7, 2013

It was a great honour too have known Jeff. We played on sessions together and a few runs at the Fireside Theatre. We lived together during the theatre runs in the talent house which I affectionately called "the hippie house", and every day was a pleasure being with him and hearing the magic he produced with his trumpet.
My condolences to everyone who was graced by his presence. I will never forget him.
Ralph Bruner

mike betz

January 7, 2013

His briiiance will be missed by all.

Dave "Smitty" Smith

January 6, 2013

Jeff was one of the best! A great guy and a great musician. We will miss his spirit and his humor and his sound.

Circa 1981

Larry Darling

January 6, 2013

My best friend and Best Man. Jeff was truly one in a million. I had the pleasure of playing with him steadily for eight years from 1972 through 1980 and on many memorable occasions since. Rest in peace old friend.

Bill Sargent

January 6, 2013

One of a kind. Irreplaceable. Never met anyone that didn't like Jeff. He touched thousands. Where once was a very close friend and musical partner for 30 years, there is now just a big empty space. I'm glad he made the gig in Heaven so we can reunite someday. 'Til then .....

Jeff in 2012

Michael Franceschi & Family

January 6, 2013

The magnitude of Jeff's musical genius was matched only by his sense of humility and self-deprecating wit. Jeff was a world class musician that just happened to live in Milwaukee. His natural, God-given talent was truly amazing. Jeff will be missed by all that knew and loved him, and especially by those fortunate enough to share the stage with him.

January 6, 2013

Jeff, A huge talent. A kind and generous heart. He left much too early. He will be missed and fondly remembered by everyone who ever played with him or knew him.

January 5, 2013

Jeff, my dear friend, you are greatly missed. Your gentle personality touched everyone. Your musical gifts had no equal. My deepest condolences to the Pietrangelo family. May he rest in peace. Toty & Janis Ramos

Joy (Olson) Buford

January 5, 2013

Jeff's magnificent talent was matched by his wonderful kindness and gentleness as a person. He touched many lives and was loved by more people than he probably ever knew. I am so sad that he's gone too soon, but I know he is at peace and with the Lord.

Geri Grad

January 5, 2013

His music will live on. I knew Jeff when he & I worked at the Melody Top. I could look down into the pit during one of my numbers and he would give me a thumbs up. Made me feel great!His music added so much joy in our praise and worship at church. Play on Jeff !

Connie Kelln

January 5, 2013

He will mbe Missed.

Showing 1 - 32 of 32 results

Make a Donation
in Jeffrey Pietrangelo's name

Memorial Events
for Jeffrey Pietrangelo

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Jeffrey's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Jeffrey Pietrangelo's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more