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Joseph Riillo Obituary
Joseph J. Riillo, 66, died Jan. 19, 2019, surrounded by his family and friends, following a sudden illness.
A native of Penndel, Joe was a graduate of Wilkes University, where he formed lifelong friendships. Joe fell in love with Maine, living in Ogunquit and then Kennebunk for over 35 years. A classically trained clarinetist, Joe had a tremendous talent on saxophones and flute. As part of the musical groups Lex & Joe, Neil and The Nightlifes, Blueswing and The Windmills among others, he endeared himself to his community while performing up and down the East Coast.
In addition to his love for music, Joe had a passion for coffee. He was the coffee roaster at Port City Coffee Roasters for over a decade and then helped launch Anthony's Small Batch Roasters. His life was full with musical jam sessions, cooking, entertaining, gadgets of all sizes, Volvos, Dexter Gordon, blues, swing and jazz.
Joe was cherished by his wife, Julia Einstein, his partner for over 20 years. He is survived by her and her son, Luke, and wife Jackie; granddaughter Elle; his longtime friend, Dr. Lester Turoczi; musical partner, Lex Romane; and countless friends who will miss him terribly. He was predeceased by his father, Victor Riillo; mother Lillian Thompson Riillo; and brother William Moser.
A memorial service is being planned.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Matt bishop
June 7, 2021
I was a 17 year old kid cooking at the pirate's cove in perkins and lex and Joe and his band played there on Monday nights for a few summers and it was amazing, the Monday night place to be. I will never forget the kindness of Joe and lex to let me get up and sit in with the band to play Johnny B Goode. I was a 17 year old kid who had been playing guitar for only a year and I ll never forget that gesture.
MJ Richardson
January 19, 2021
It doesn't get easier being without Joe in our lives. Julia and myself and Dr. Turoczi have kept in close touch. We have added daily traditions to our lives that keep Joe present, and in our thoughts and conversations. We have tried to make it better by sharing pictures and stories with each other. It's adding another dimension of friendship and love to what Joe gave us during his life. Always and forever!
pierre Patenaude
January 29, 2019
I had the pleasure of being Joe's saxophone student for a few years ,even lived with him for awhile in Ogunquit ,we shared so much time together ,became friends ,enjoyed listening to him at many gigs ,I will deeply miss him...Pierre
January 29, 2019
Joe was one of the finest men who ever put his feet under my dinner table. He always came with a hearty appetite, a good story, a fine bottle of wine an easy laugh and a pound of custom Joe roasted coffee.
All my love to Julia & family. May Joes love for you bless you and live in your hearts forever and a day.
LaJuana.
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Dusty Clampitt
January 29, 2019
I first met them in the Wildcat Tavern, in Jackson, NH, where they played often in the winter months. At first, Lex was the more chatty of the two. It took longer to get to know Joe, but after he got to know you he always sat down to talk, and catch up, and was a pleasure to visit with.
When my wife, Carolyn, was planning our wedding in 2007 I said I had only one request, that Lex and Joe play at our reception. They brought along a couple extra players and kept everyone dancing into the wee hours of a warm September night.
Bye Joe. Thanks for everything.
January 29, 2019
My heart goes out to you Julia, and to the entire family! I had heard Joseph play years ago without ever knowing your heart was his.
Beauty in the energy extended, and ever so much in your union. You are all held in my thoughts with love, and I am so sorry for your loss.
John Shorb
January 27, 2019
I am so saddened to learn of Joe's passing and proud to be a friend. As an 'old' sax/clarinet player myself I have appreciated Joe's talent for many years and enjoyed his performances solo, with Lex or with Lisa and the Windmills and others. I will miss him forever and offer my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
Barbara Becker
January 25, 2019
Joe was a classmate of mine at Neshaminy High School. I remember him as a very nice, quiet person and a good student. Over the years I have enjoyed his posts of activities on Facebook. To all those in his life I offer my sincere condolences.
Les Turoczi
January 25, 2019
Joe brought so much joy and happiness to a vast number of friends and music lovers. While he can no longer be with us, our memories will rekindle his creativity, sense of humor and love of life. RIP buddy, RIP.
January 25, 2019
Lex and Joe played at our outdoor wedding in 2011. It was a magical day and the music filled the air. We always will remember his talent and the joy he brought us all.
Betty & Scott
Leslie Vaccaro
January 25, 2019
I will miss this man dearly. Never really knew him personally but danced in front of him and enjoyed his beautiful gift of music for many years. God rest his soul
January 25, 2019
A very talented man who is gone too soon. His wonderful music legacy remains.
Jo O'Connor
January 25, 2019
Joe was a Maine treasure and super talent. I will miss hearing him play. Rest In Peace.
Catya .
January 25, 2019
Too many memories have been flooding me... I'm just missing my friend.
January 25, 2019
A light has gone out in so many lives. Joe was a unique person. incredibly kind, and so very talented. We will miss him terribly.
Jude and Joel Brownstein
MJ Richardson
January 25, 2019
Seph, my Brother and life-long dear friend. From 1977, through all the years of musical magic and tons of fun. First time I booked his band with Lex, he was a music major at Wilkes College. Northeast Extension, the beginning of the dynamic duo was launched.
Thank you for your humor and love of the best of everything. Joe was one of the kindest men I have ever known.
I will always remember the many trips to Maine. Cherished times with his beloved Julia, and Dr. T., on the porch, echoing laughter in my heart forever and always. May he rest in eternal peace.
Joe Gonda
January 25, 2019
Very sorry for your loss prayers
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