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Mike Lebednik
April 25, 2022
Joe loved to invite choir members and friends to his home in Worcester for "listening" parties where all would share food and libations, along with smiles and some groans, listening to recordings made of the most recent event at St. Paul's Church in Worcester (in those days, some of these events were broadcast live over local radio). Before the age of cell phones and innumerable ringtones, Joe had a notable Duck phone in his home, which would Quack each time someone called him!
June 30, 2020
I just learned of Joe Policelli's passing.
He was a very young recent graduate of BU when he arrived to be choir director, organist and the dreaded school music teacher role at St. Pius. Boy did we give him trouble in 8th grade, shooting elastics onto the record he was playing, forgetting much of the music theory he presented etc.
He took on the challenge and taught us pop songs instead, pulling together a vchoral concert of Sloop John B, Surfer Girl, Barbara Streisand's Memories and more. After a successful performance for parents, we later sang those songs for fun at slumber parties, or walking around Lynn and enjoying ourselves.
Just one of the many memories. He taught working class church choir kids the finest Classical music including Vaughan-Williams, Faure, Schubert, Tallis. Very sorry to hear of his passing. I truly appreciate others' stories shared here of Mr. Policelli's later experiences.
Michael Lebednik
June 29, 2020
Joe Policelli made possible the commitment from my home parish to buy a new church organ. Joe invited me to join his choir at St. Pius in Lynn, and proceeded to make me aware of the riches of traditional choral and organ music. He introduced me to other very gifted musicians who together changed my life vastly for the better. His graciousness and sense of fun over the years give me many precious and joyful memories. Joe made my world a much better place. Rest in peace, Joe.
Robin Adair
June 7, 2020
Joe was a remarkable choir director at Temple Beth Shalom in Needham MA. He had a way of bringing out the best in us, as singers and people. He will always have a special place in my heart. My condolences to his family. May Joe be at peace.
Scott Duncan
May 20, 2020
Joe was, is, and will be always a humble genius of music. Joe provided opportunities for others at every chance. What an incredible gift Joe shared with anyone who listened. Without question a profound person, musician, and teacher.
Joe, thank you for the decades of service and wonderful memories. When my time comes, I hope you are on the other side making beautiful sounds and shining your light. You are missed but never forgotten.
I wish healing and support for your family and loved ones.
Diane Brown
May 14, 2020
I didn't know Joe well, but I had the pleasure of working with him on a number of occasions when he filled in for the Temple Emanuel (Worcester) organist and I filled in for the cantor. We did a number of Shabbat (Sabbath) services together, and one memorable funeral for a well-known congregant whose adult children had national connections. The funeral drew many hundreds of mourners, including prominent rabbis, and had a lot of varied elements Joe had to work around. He was one of only 2 organists who could manage the complex and aging organ at the synagogue. I will always remember him as a consummate musician who helped me more than I helped him, and who brought us beautiful music on short notice and sometimes under duress. Always calm, always professional, always kind. He will be missed.
Missing you.
Maria Santos
May 2, 2020
Jack Siciliano
May 2, 2020
Remembering how talented and respected and dedicated Joe was for the Cathedral of St. Paul and the Diocese of Worcester for many years, I am sorry to learn of his passing. I believe that his programs and musicianship, preparation and direction were unsurpassed in New England and beyond. He made such a difference in helping lift mind and heart to God during Church liturgies and concerts of sacred music. May Joe be graced with eternal bliss and greeted by the heavenly choir of angels.
Sheldon Bycoff
May 2, 2020
A wonderful and very talented human being whose many and multiple talents will be deeply missed by those who shared some of his life's musical experiences with him.
Joan and Sheldon Bycoff
Sheldon Bycoff
May 2, 2020
A wonderful and very talented human being who will be deeply missed.
May 2, 2020
Sad loss of a fine man, musician and friend. My deepest condolences go to his family. joyce hokans
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