Joseph Lanza Obituary

LANZA
JOSEPH, of Cherry Hill, N.J., formerly of East Oak Lane Section of Phila., on May 20, 2006, age 73 years. Beloved husband of Roslyn Lanza (nee Charleston); devoted father of Maria Lanza Hyman and her husband Steven of Chicago, IL and Joseph Charleston Lanza and his wife Jennifer of London, Ontario, Canada; grandfather of Heather Micaela Lanza and brother of Louis Lanza Jr., of Marlton, N.J. Mr. Lanza was Philadelphia Orchestra Assistant Principal 2nd. Violinist and had held a position with the Orchestra since 1958. Mr. Lanza was a graduate of the Julliard School of Music where he was a recepient of the Esther Gowen Hood Scholarship. Following Julliard Joseph proudly served 4 years in the US Navy Band and Orchestra. Viewing Tues. 7 to 9 P.M. in BLAKE-DOYLE FUNERAL HOME, 226 Collings Ave., Collingswood, NJ. Funeral Wed. morning 9:30 A.M. from the Funeral Home. Funeral Mass 11 A.M. in Queen of Heaven RC Church, Rt. 70, Cherry Hill. Int. Locustwood Memorial Park, Cherry Hill. The family suggests donations in Joseph's memory to the American Heart Assoc., 600 S. White Horse Pike, Audubon, N.J. 08106.

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Published by Philadelphia Inquirer/Philadelphia Daily News on May 23, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Lanza

9 Entries

Curt Blank

July 10, 2025

Mr Lanza was the one good violin teacher I ever had. I also played in the Central High Orchestra with "Joey" his son.
I then moved far away, got busy with graduate school and business and regret not having come back to Philly and thank Mr Lanza for having had me as his student as a young person. Hello to Joey.

Lynne Gelber

May 17, 2020

Joe was a warm-hearted man who still puts a smile in our hearts in remembering him

Erica Fox Zabusky

June 7, 2006

Dear Roz and Lou,

Through the POA grapevine I heard of Joe's sudden passing. I am truly saddened by this news. Although I haven't officially been with the Orchestra for almost a year, I still feel as if the musicians are "family." To me Joe was the quintessential Philadelphia Orchestra musician. He was also a charmer and always fun to chat with backstage! I had been looking forward to seeing him this summer during the tour, but instead will enjoy memories of his "Che bella figlia!" You are in my thoughts.

James Fawcett

May 27, 2006

Dear Roz and Family:

In my humble opinion, Joe was one of the two most talented musicians in The Philadelphia Orchestra during the 32 years I played with him since I joined the Orchestra in 1962. I met him first at Tanglewood in 1951, and spotted him not only as a competetive colleague to be reckoned with, but also as an inspiration to be emulated. In spite of his connection with his famous cousins, he achieved his dream on his own, and well deserved the place in history which he now enjoys. One of my personal regrets is that he never achieved one of his ambitions, finally to retire from the Orchestra and to come here to Florida, where he could enjoy and exploit his talents with abandon and his usual flourish, while maintaining his health and stamina and charisteric vigor. .

I've missed seeing him for the last 12 years, and have missed hearing his humorous and well known discourse on the performance of others, and I have been depending on his eventually making it here.

I miss you, Joe, and your long 4th fingernail, with which you so effectively communicated with so many on the stage.

With much love and admiration,

Jim Fawcett

Art and Carolyn Isenberg

May 23, 2006

Dear Roz and Family:

Joe was like a brother to us and we mourn his passing with you.

We have so many wonderful memories of tiime spent with you in Saratoga.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Lynne GELBER

May 23, 2006

Dear Roz, Joey and Maria,

David and I are so sorry to learn of Joe's death. We shall miss his loving friendship and his passion for music.

Ann Joseph

May 23, 2006

To the Lanza Family:

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Joseph Lanza. Last year, I went on a school trip with my daughter to the Kimmel Center, to hear the orchestra and to see Music From the Inside Out. My favorite part of the film was the story about the Lanza brothers, when they talked about their father and when they visited their old house. I could have stayed at the Kimmel all day, listening to their stories and hearing them play.

I hope at this sad time, you can find comfort in your memories of Joseph.

Sincerely,

Ann Joseph

Marjorie Griffin-Platko

May 23, 2006

Dearest Roz and Family: My very deepest and loving sympathy to you on such an unexpected and sad loss. Personally to me, truly, to the world. Joe will be missed terribly. Both of you dear friends since childhood. With all my love and fondest memories, Margie

Jean Stango Puleo

May 23, 2006

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

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