Joseph Enrico Lepore

Joseph E. Lepore, of Rialto, California, also known by his stage name of Joey Lee, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on February 10, 2026, at the age of 86.

Joey was born on May 15, 1939, in Newark, New Jersey. He was the eldest of three sons. He was preceded in death by his parents, Angela and Alfredo Lepore, Sr., his younger brother, Alfredo Lepore, Jr., his ex-wife and mother of his three oldest children, Barbara Ventresca, and their youngest daughter, Bernadette Monk.

Joey grew up in East Orange, New Jersey, but graduated from Metuchen High School, Class of 1957. He married his first wife, Barbara, in 1958. They moved to California in 1962, where they raised their three children. They divorced in 1975.

Although Joey held many jobs during his lifetime, his main career was always as a professional musician. At the age of 16, he began following in his father's footsteps, a well-known troubadour whose stage name was "Texas Al Mason." Joey was a singer, songwriter, poet, and played the guitar and bass equally well. It was said that "Joey Lee could lay down a groove you could drive a semi through." He was a born entertainer, forming many bands over the years, the most well-known being Bootleg County. He also freelanced with other bands as well.

Joey married his second wife, Linda, in 1985. Together, they raised two daughters. They divorced in 1990.

In 2009, Joey married his best friend, soulmate, and bandmate, Sharon. In 2015, they were granted Legal Guardianship of two of their grandsons and raised them together in their home in Rialto.

Joey was a loving and devoted son, and was a caregiver to his parents in their later years, until they passed. He was also a caregiver to Sharon's father for about ten years, until he passed. Joey had a gentle soul, a loving heart, and always put the needs of others before his own. He was a patient, faithful, and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and friend.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Sharon Lepore; son, Joseph Lepore, Jr. (Cindy) of Rialto; daughter, Christina Kelly of Arizona; daughter, Heather Moss of Yucaipa; daughter, Sarah Lepore of Yucaipa; thirteen grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and brother, Dave Lepore (Eloise) of Big Bear.

Although we grieve our loss, we take comfort in knowing that Joey loved the Lord with all his heart and that we will see him again one day, in Heaven.