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JOSEPH FIRECROW Jr.

1959 - 2017

JOSEPH FIRECROW Jr. obituary, 1959-2017, Torrington, CT

BORN

1959

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

CLOSED-Maloney Funeral Home

55 Walnut Street

Winsted, Connecticut

JOSEPH FIRECROW Obituary

Joseph Firecrow Jr., Northern Cheyenne Flute Man, has completed his circle in life and is gone to meet his creator, passing through nature on July 11, 2017. Joe was born in Crow Agency, Montana on March 29, 1959. Born as one of ten children to Joseph Firecrow Sr. and Elva Stands in Timber. Joseph loved fly fishing, downhill skiing and the Buffalo Bills. He shared a love of the UConn Huskies with Joann and always glowed when he was preforming and sharing his Native American Culture with anyone who was interested. He was a very humble man who had music simply flow through his flute sharing his soul through his talents. His generosity showed in all that he did working with children and performing in every school he was allowed. His accomplishments include being a Grammy Award Winner, 7-time Native American Music Award Winner, and NAMA Lifetime Achievement Award, and other awards in excellence for his gift and craft. Joe was an accomplished flute man, and he was gifted and highly sought after for the flutes that he made by hand through the wood that spoke to him. Joe's gifts and talents are able to be seen not only through the materials of his world, but through the spirit of nature which was always so important to him. Anyone who was ever around Joe could not help but smile when he spoke or played. Anytime that he smiled, you had to. His love of life was simply contagious. Joe truly transformed nature into music and had a very loving and compassionate soul which always exuded a positive influence even when just talking with him.
Feeling it a duty, Joe made sure to maintain and record his heritage through his music of both family and tribal songs. He added himself into his music to make sure their traditions would be kept alive for those who are to come. He is survived by his wife Joann Moore, his children; Brandon, Karrie, Joseph III, Damian and Jared. His grandchildren, Dylan, Sylvia and Genevieve. His siblings, Josephine, Alvina, Ron, Jon and Ivan. His foster Mother, Marrue Simmons, his mother in law Joyce Cartelli, his foster siblings, many nieces, nephews and close friends. Predeceased by his parents; his foster father, Boyd K. Simmons; his father in law; Carmen Cartelli; and his siblings, Ira, Sheila, Marian, and Louella.
His family will receive relatives and friends at the Maloney Funeral Home, 55 Walnut Street, Winsted, CT on Saturday, July 15, 2017 from 2 to 6 PM, followed by a service and celebration of his life. Burial will be private. May his journey now continue and be blessed by the creator. In Lieu of flowers please send contributions and donations to: Northern Cheyenne Girls and Boys Club, P.O. Box 309, Lame Deer, MT 59043-0309. To leave online condolences, please visit www.maloneyfuneral.com

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

Published by The Register Citizen from Jul. 13 to Jul. 14, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH FIRECROW

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Jill Stilson

December 3, 2023

We loved you, your wonderful stories and beautiful music. You will be missed!

Marie Gogo

May 18, 2022

My heartfelt condolences to the family and friend of Joseph Firecrow Jr.

I had the pleasure of meeting Joe in Germany and we toured the country together playing music with Jerry Alfred and The Medicine Beat.

I loved his peaceful music and sense of fun. May he rest in peace.

We wrote back and forth a few times after the tour and then his letters stopped. I'm sad to know that he is gone.

Bill Haygood

July 7, 2020

Joe, three years on, now in the midst of great challenge and change, I am especially grateful to have your spirit with me. You never shied away from or minimized the real pains and hardships we all face, but rather showed us how to transmute pain to wisdom and beauty with a grateful heart.
You showed us the life-saving value of sharing the best of ourselves with kindness and with plain old hard work and dedication. When in doubt I can always ask myself, how would Joe have handled this? The answer is usually clear.
I have to add, finally and always...thank you for the music which always sets me back on the good path.

Tina Marie

August 31, 2019

We were very saddened to hear about the passing of Joseph Firecrow Jr.
Over the years he brought much joy to my sons and I through his music.

I'm certain that he is in a place filling the hearts and souls of others with his beautiful music.

Blessings,
Tina,Conor and Michael

Teresa Shaut

August 10, 2019

Wow! Two years since Joseph has passed over. We truly miss him, his music, and that wonderful smile. We do not go to Hammondsport, NY anymore on Labor Day Weekend because Joseph is not performing there anymore, only in spirit. I do feel his presence in spirit when I have fond memories of him, and Joane. Joseph's family is always welcome in our home.

Barbara Malinsky

April 18, 2018

I have fond memories of meeting Joseph during my interview with him for Ink Magazine which celebrates the culture of Connecticut. He was a gentle giant whom I will not forget. Rest in peace. Sympathies to his wife Joann and relations. Barbara Malinsky

Jill Stilson

March 24, 2018

We are shocked and saddened to hear of Josephs passing! His CD plays in our house every day! He will be with us always!

Phyllis Donovan

November 2, 2017

Have a wonderful journey to meet the star people, as my mother would say. Thank you for all your days here on Mother Earth. Thank you for all the music we have enjoyed from your flute and your voice. Thank you for being a true and honorable Northern Cheyenne. You have made us proud.

Teresa Shaut

September 28, 2017

Dear Joann and family,I am so sad to just hear of Joseph's passing, and, so glad that I had the honor of meeting and getting to know the two of you. Please let me know if I can do anything for you especially when you are in my area of Bath/Hammondsport,New York. My Special Needs son, James, and I, Teresa J. Shaut, will be honored to have you in our home anytime. We gave you two the herbal tea and peanut butter brownies at the Falling Leaves Festival 2016. It was the last time we saw both of you. Feel free to call or text us anytime: 607-664-6277. Email us at [email protected] GOD BLESS YOU!

Inge Palmieri

August 24, 2017

To the Family of Joseph,

You do not know me but please know that the music and voice of Joseph has encouraged me daily for years. I feel that he was a guiding soul and luminous presence. I so loved his music and his sepia, rich voice.
I am thankful for the gifts he has brought to so many and I wish his spirit peace.

Sincerely,
Inge P.
Sea Cliff, NY

Sarah Greenberg

August 9, 2017

I was so saddened to have just come across the obituary of Joseph firecrow.
He was a very sweet man and a wonderful musician. I have most of all his cd's, and love them all. I met him a time or to at the Mohegan pow wow, and he was so down to earth person. I always looked forward to his next cd. My condolence to his wife and extended family.

Kathy Samul

July 23, 2017

I am so saddened to learn of Joseph's passing. To his wife Joann and all his family and friends, I pass along wishes for strength. I met Joseph and Joann a few years ago when coordinating the first annual Collinsville HOT festival and Joseph was our featured lead entertainer, mesmerizing attendees of all ages with his talents and gentle nature. He exuded joy and kindness and was a remarkable flutist, singer and songwriter. I found this obituary searching for someone elses, and although saddened to learn of his passing, I am happy to have had the opportunity to express what a loss it is to his friends, admirers,family and community.
Kathy Samul

Lisa Smith

July 16, 2017

Dear Joann and your children, I am a fan, who first heard Joseph at Roaring Brook Nature Center. I met you, Joann, and felt your love as a couple in the way you supported him and devoted yourself; so his passion became yours and you gave yourself unselfishly. He was strong, but gentle, and his spiritual foundation sang through in his music. My favorite song is Medicine Power, and when I heard him play in Winsted three years ago, I was shocked to learn he sang all the voices. I thought three vocalists were part of that song. But it was all him and it made me cry. Joseph wore a red bag around his neck, which I think he said was a token of the bond he shared with his mother. He was simply a beautiful person, who touched Innumerable lives by sharing his songs his stories.. My heart - it goes out to you and your whole family. Our community has had to say goodbye to one of its most loving people. May he fly with his red tailed hawk in peace and fulfillment knowing he did good. I feel privileged ,as we all do, to have heard his music. He never failed to remind us of our connection to spirit and each other, and I think he is still living and loving us all - not ,so far away at all. Please know that we are holding you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lisa Smith

Christine Valentine

July 16, 2017

My deep condolences to Joe's family. I have not seen him for many years but he was an outgoing caring and very talented person and I am sad that he is gone.

Joanne Triolo

July 16, 2017

Joseph's music called to me from Santa Fe NM what seems like ions ago. Having met him to see him perform, speaking with him, and feeling his spirit will remain in my heart. I am heartbroken for his wife, Joann, and their many family and friends. I know he will continue to smile over us and encourage us to be kind and gentle.

Gary Carpenter

July 16, 2017

You will be missed by all of us here in Winsted and area. You were a good man and I have your signature that you engraved on my walking cane. My son love you dearly Joshua Carpenter and family. May you spreed your wings above and watch over your loved ones. Such sad news that you are gone but you will never be forgotten. Thank you for your talent & knowledge of your heritage and inspiring us. Rest In Peace now my friend and until we meet again in the big blue sky.

lynne brock-silvernale

July 15, 2017

this man was a human being we all should strive to b like. "a gentle giant" with that soul & spirit of his not to mention his music making, story telling and flute making. he gave of himself to his community and he loved his town here and the community. I had the honor 2 b in his presence @ many a concert and will never forget "Keep Going". that story and Joseph's music carried me through some rough times and 2 this day , I still refer back to "Keep Going" & I copy it and pass it out to those who might b in need of it. per my request, Joseph & Joanne sent me a copy of it after I spoke w/them @ one of his concerts. the first time I heard it (Joseph was performing @ the church in Colebrook ctr.) was a few months after my mother had died and, honestly, I felt Joseph was talking to me personally. that's how much those words hit home. I am so, so saddened by his passing and will miss him. I loved that man. he was phenomenal and I'm sure part of that was from his Native American upbringing. We all could learn a thing or two from Native Americans; they r more in tune with this earth and everything and everyone on it. my heart and sincere condolences go out to his wonderful wife Joanne and all of his family. now u all must "Keep Going". Joseph, now, is resting in a place of peace with his Creator.

Wendell & Nancy Deer With Horns

July 15, 2017

Dear Joann, Our hearts break at the passing of Joe. His smile and beautiful music will never be forgotten. You both shared a love of each other and life that will never be forgotten. Hugs always.
Wendell and Nancy Deer With Horns

Bill Haygood

July 14, 2017

Joanne - I send my deepest sympathy and love to you and your family. How blessed we were to have this beautiful man in our lives, illuminating the path with his words, his music, his magnificent and gentle spirit. Thank you Joe - for your smile, your kindness,your compassion and your generosity. Thank you for the stories and the songs that wove us all together. You gave us the heart to "Keep Going" in gratitude, even through the tears.

Lori Coppinger

July 14, 2017

I was so very sad to hear of Joseph's passing. He had a gentle spirit and was truly a great musician. The world has lost a unique soul.

Susan Damico

July 14, 2017

How lucky am I to have met joe and Joann I'm sorry it wasn't sooner to have enjoyed his beautiful smile I hope you are now at peace and to Joann no one could of been a better caregiver and wife you are special it's an honor to have been a small part of you final days

July 14, 2017

Joanne and your beloved family,
I am in gratitude that I heard Joseph while working for the Board of Education in Winsted and also at the Winsted East End Park. I am so humbled to know him as a talented, inspiring, Native American man, who was like, "No other, truly!!!" I am more curious and more appreciative of many more,"Music Makers!" I shall NEVER ever forget him! I know his legend will go on! Thank you for sharing him, forever!
Gratefully, Ms. Lee Resnick

Alberta Turbert

July 14, 2017

To Joanne and family,
I was so sad to hear of Josephs passing. A very talented man who made the most beautiful music. A very sweet and unassuming man who had a smile for everyone. My colleagues and I would like to express our sincerest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to you, your children and all of his family.

Alberta, Anthony, Tony Jr, Allen

AAA Transmission

July 14, 2017

To Joanne & the rest of family,
So Sorry to hear of Joe's death.I have heard him sing & play his flute at many concerts,he
had a concert at the Methodist church one year.
My Son really enjoyed his music.
He is in a better place now.
Again so sorry
Pamela Bazzano of Bonita Springs,Fl.

Anonymous

July 14, 2017

With deep respect for the talents and gifts of Joseph Firecrow Jr., so
unselfishly shared with the world. What an extraordinary person.

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Memorial Events
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Jul

15

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

CLOSED-Maloney Funeral Home

55 Walnut Street, Winsted, CT 06098

Jul

15

Service

6:00 p.m.

CLOSED-Maloney Funeral Home

55 Walnut Street, Winsted, CT 06098

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Maloney Funeral Home

55 Walnut Street, Winsted, CT 06098

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