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Joseph J. Sia

Joseph Sia Obituary

SIA Joseph J. Sia, age 57, died Monday, April 21, 2003. Born December 12, 1945, in Bronx, N.Y., Joe was a resident of Fairfield for 38 years and had been living in Stratford for the last two years. Joe attended Mt. St. Michael’s High School, Bronx, N.Y., and graduated from Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, in 1970. Joe was a world renowned photographer. His first published photograph was of Joe Cocker on the cover of Rolling Stone in 1969. In the past four decades Joe’s photos have appeared in over 120 magazines and books worldwide including two of his own: Woodstock ’69 and Eight Days a Week: an Illustrated History of Rock & Roll. His photos have been used in every form of printed and electronic media and on many televised documentaries. He loved sports, and was an avid Yankees fan. He refereed women’s and men’s high school lacrosse, and girl’s field hockey. He was also a substitute teacher in the Stratford school system. Joe is survived by his sisters, Gloria Stearns and Rose Mascia; brothers, Frank Sia, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Sia, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert Sia; sister-in-law, Ella Sia; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joe will be forever loved and cherished by his longtime companion, Linda Winkler, and her sons, Brendan and Matthew. A memorial to celebrate his life will be held in May.

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

Published by Connecticut Post on Apr. 29, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Sia

Sponsored by paul sia jr & family.

59 Entries

Art Shipe

November 12, 2024

While looking for an LP of John Lennon, today, I came across
a photo of Eric Clapton, which Joe gave me back in 1979, when I was working
with Sally White, in the Record Department of Klein's Westport.
It brought back some wonderful memories. Of him, and those days.

I googled his name, and sadly found he has passed, we are about the same age, I remember him riding a motor cycle, and I told him once, he had too much talent and should stop riding such a dangerous mode of transportation, which he poo pooed.
We are all getting up to the age where we are on the other side of the mountain, and to find out he passed 21 years ago still on his way up it,
cut me to the quick.

Rest in Peace my Friend ( Good Memories ) God Bless

Monica McCabe

April 25, 2024

I knew Joe in the 1970's. I met him at a blues festival in Ann Arbor, Michigan. My sister and I went to see Taj Mahal at a high school in Fairfield CT. I thought Joe lived in the same town. He taught me how to archive my negatives.

DanDeFeo

April 23, 2024

Was a great friend at SHU. I have a photo he took of John Lennon on the wall.

Brad

April 23, 2024

Another year Joe... You still bring a smile to my face!

Brad Carlson

April 24, 2023

Think of you a lot, Joe... Always seeing your work pop up somewhere...

Larry Filkoff

April 23, 2023

I was certainly not a close friend of Joe's but I was blessed to spend a short time with him many decades ago. I've got some Jimi pics and proofs that he gave to me back then. Like most of the musicians he photographed Joe is gone, but will NEVER be forgotten.
Rock on, Joe. Thanks for the memories. RIP.

Susan

April 23, 2023

Can´t believe it´s 20 years. You´re in our thoughts and hearts every day

Tom Felner

November 12, 2021

While being about 15 years younger than Joe unfortunately we never met while living in Fairfield but we did attend many of the same concerts that he shot at the time. I just obtained two of his photos of Queen and Fleetwood Mac taken in New Haven which ended up being the some of my first of 1500 concerts I´ve seen truly believe the shots Joe took are absolutely priceless!

Bill Donahue

April 25, 2021

As a teenager in the 90s, learning about and building a passion for the musicians that Joe got know and photograph, I felt a privilege to have Joe as a link to that time, those people, that music. Joe was always candid and open with us kids at Rawley's when he'd come in for a hotdog. I wish I'd had the questions for him then, that I do now. Joe was a memorable acquaintance to me, and I'm sure a lot more to those who knew him well; my belated condolences to all of you. I appreciate his photographic legacy still.

Sandra Bergson

March 2, 2021

This is so weird lately his Tunxis Hill Road addy has been across my brain. A friend and I travelled back to England with him. He was covering the Faces Oval Concert. Knew he'd a book on Woodstock coming out. He took loads of pics coming home. We saw him off back to the airport. He had amazingly beautiful long hair. He gave me his print of James Taylor. I gave him my *ARP* shoulder bag (army surplus all the rage). I'm sure we wrote. Deeply saddened for his early death. I'm 74 now #sigh got his Woodstock book coming (albeit well used) from Amazon. My love to all who knew this fine and caring man xx

April 27, 2019

Miss you Joe.

Larry Filkoff

April 23, 2019

Time goes by and your photos mean more to me every day. Thanks for the gifts you gave to all of us, Joe. I'm gonna paraphrase the Righteous Brothers, "If there's a Rock `n Roll heaven, you know they got one hell of a photographer." Rock on, Joe !!

Cindy-Lee Pekar

February 27, 2018

So sad to hear of his passing , I know it has been 15 years , but his name is spoken often in our home , he was my wedding photographer. As a friend to my brother in law and a customer of the Volkswagen dealer we both worked at . You will always be a part of our family . He was also kind enough to give us a few photos of Michael Jackson that he took . All circa 1986. You were the star !

David Pearcy

May 2, 2017

I met Joe in 1981.He welcomed me into his home and let me go thru his proofs and photo archives.(incredible) He sold me prints for my collection (that I could afford) and occasionally would just send me a photo. He once gifted me with a rare Winterland/Cream poster just as a gesture of friendship and he would call sometimes and we would talk RocknRoll. A nicer man you could not hope to meet. I wish he was still with us, but his incredible photos are his legacy. Future Rock fans and historians will know his name. I was proud to know him.

JMH sketch

Larry Filkoff

December 1, 2015

I met Joe at a Rock n Roll art show at the Hartford Civic Center probably in the late 1970's, I guess. We became friendly a little bit and he invited me to his apartment a few weeks later to look at his stuff. He was gracious enough to let me have some Hendrix photos and proofs. I have always treasured these items and now they have even more meaning to me. Joe was a great guy and I'm sure he's been taking some "heavenly" pictures lately. Rock on, Joe !!

dan defeo

January 21, 2015

thanks for all u did for me joe
u were a bigger help than u know

JP Vellotti

August 15, 2014

Hey Joe, where are you going with that camera in your hand?

Twenty years ago today we were at Woodstock...thanks for taking me along for the ride. There's no reunion upstate NY this year, but I was the stage photographer at the Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport a few weeks ago. Even though everything's digital now, I insisted on shooting Tri-X film with Nikon F2's just like the old days to keep your memory alive. I know you weren't there, but it certainly felt like your were standing next to me.

D Gordon

October 8, 2013

I was just reviewing a huge catalogue of Joe's work. Unfortunately, I never met Joe but am a huge fan of his photography. So sad he had to go early. However very glad he could leave a legacy for all of us and future generations to remember forever.

December 12, 2009

Happy Birthday Uncle Joe, you are so missed and thought of everyday.
xoxox
Paul & Susan and family

Fred Gagliardi

December 13, 2008

I have many fond memories of Joe as our official 'entertainment' photographer at the Oyster Festival in Norwalk, CT. He knew how to get the 'celebs' to pose for him and I cherish all the photos he took of me with our headliners. I will never forget Joe and all he accomplished in his 'very short life' here. Peace and love to you Joe...

Brad Carlson

December 13, 2008

Hey Joe...

Hope you had a great birthday. The day will come when we meet again and share stories of good times and create some new ones!

All the best

Susan Sia

December 12, 2008

Your birthday is here once again and as everyday, you are in our thoughts and always in our hearts.
We love you & miss you

Paul, Susan, Nicole, Gabrielle, Willie & little Joe

Linda Winkler

December 13, 2007

My heart is filled with beautiful memories of Joe and I miss him today as I do everyday. My Hope is that he has found Peace.
Love,
Linda

December 12, 2007

Today is your birthday & we're thinking of you.Willie is sending balloons up to heaven so you know he loves you.
Happy Birthday Uncle Joe

Paul, Susan, Nicole, Gabby, Willie & Joe

Brad Carlson

December 19, 2005

Hey Joe...

Was thinking of you and the last photos you shot for my album right before you passed away.

We all miss you...

CHEETAH

susan & paul sia

December 12, 2005

Happy Birthday UJ, you're always in our thoughts and are greatly missed.

Love- Susan,Paul,Willie & little Joe

Linda & Blue

April 21, 2005

There are places I'll remember all my life though some have changed.

Some forever not for better. Some have gone and some remain.

All these places have their moments with lovers and friends I still can recall.

Some are dead and some are living, in my life I've loved them all.

But of all these friends and lovers there is no one compares with you.

And these memories lose their meaning when I think of love as something new. Though I'll never lose affection for people and things that went before, I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life I love you more.

In my life I love you more.

I miss you Pinocchio

susan & paul sia

January 25, 2005

Uncle Joe, we love you & miss you and we are pleased to announce the birth of our son Joseph Stuart Sia

in honor & loving memory of you.

Born Jan 17, 2005

January 16, 2005

I remember the night you were born. I was awakened because the mid-wife thought I was Rose. I remember hearing you cry that first time and thought "what a squeaky cry" you had. I never thought I would never hear your voice again, the voice that had become so gentle and soft. I miss you very much. I only hope that you have found peace and are now with Mom, Pop and John and the sister you never knew, Carmela.

Linda and I have come to know each other. She is truly a lovely person. Now I know why you loved her.

Love,

Gloria

January 10, 2005

You have left a huge impact here, and will continue to leave an impression everywhere you continue to go. Watch over everyone. much love, and thanks.

Matthew Winkler

December 23, 2004

Hey Joe. Merry Christmas! Linda, Brendan, and I think about you everyday. We will never forget the impact you have had on our lives. Much love and thanks for everything.

paul, susan & family

December 13, 2004

happy birthday uncle joe

you are forever in our hearts & thoughts

Marilyn Graveen

December 1, 2004

The first time I heard Joe's voice is when he called to congratulate me on an image, he saw published. That 'meeting' led me to do some work for him, which in turn, inspired me to get a computer and learn Adobe Photoshop. (This, for a grandmother already in her late fifties.)

I always wanted to thank him for this and yesterday, I thought I would do just that. I was stunned and saddened to see that this special individual, had past on. Here was a consummate professional that strove to break new ground, photographically and artistically. Here, was a spirit that was contagious, even through the phone.

Please accept my profound sympathies. I will always be grateful that he touched my life.

Tony Funches

August 1, 2004

It is difficult yet expected, that our generation too, shall pass from this plane. I have seen many of my friends go before, friends I worked for &/or with. Jim Morrison, Ian Stewart, Tommy Bolin, James Marshall Hendricks, James Douglas Morrison, Janis, Bill Graham & HUNDREDS more. I will see you all, in time. Until then, know that I loved you all & what we accomplished while we walked this planet. Salaam Aliekum.

Rico Monaco

July 20, 2004

Joe Sia was introduced to me by Mike Steele back in Sept. 1993. I met him at Jones Beach Amphitheatre. Joe brought us backstage for the Santana/Dylan show. He took a picture of myself and Carlos Santana that hangs proudly on my wall and is on my band website. He also took photos of my band when we came up to NYC and performed at Le Bar Bat in Midtown. He was a fascinating guy with true talent. I send my prayers and heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. I just found out about this tonight on 7/19/04 being here in Orlando. God Bless Joe. His work will live forever!

Sharon Huston

April 1, 2004

I just learned of Joe's passing this evening. I wish to extend my sincere sympathies to Joe's family and friends. I first met Joe in 1969 and we had a major disagreement! He loved gliders...and I was (and still am!) afraid of heights! I attended Woodstock '69 as a 19 year old having a great time! And I still have Joe's Woodstock photo book on my bookshelf...in fact, my children took it to school for "Show & Tell". I'd like to think that would amuse Joe! Peace. Sharon (Hoffman) Huston, Ocala, Florida.

Kevin Castora

December 27, 2003

My deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of Joe. I haven't seen Joe in many years but time and distance were not an issue with Joe. I lived in Joe's house for the better part of 3 years. He had a great impact on my life. We spent many days and nights together and always had a great time. I remember the Ann Arbor Blues Festival, the Jackson Browne concert (which Joe promoted), the Alman Brothers at the Filmore, Strip and Dip, playing basketball, and it goes on and on. I have his books and his pictures in my house to this day. Joe, like his family (especially his mother), were great people. He will be missed. Thanks Joe.

susan

December 12, 2003

happy birthday uj, we love you, we miss you & you're in our thoughts everyday. we've been very blessed to have you in our lives.

Herb Staehr

November 10, 2003

My Alvin Lee & Ten Years After book would have many blank spaces in it without Joe's photos. He had an incredible archive and was a kind and gentle person. I am very sad to learn of his passing.

Brigitte and Dave

November 10, 2003

We had no idea that Joe had passed away until just now. We have a Ten Years After Tribute website and Joe's great photograph of Alvin Lee is on the front cover of Herb Staehr's book.

Rest in Peace Joe,

Brigitte and Dave

Lee Caruthers

November 2, 2003

Joe and I actually became friends via his web-site- my interest in contacting Joe in the first place was to purchase Photos of Iron Butterfly taken at Atlantic City Pop Festival, Aug-1969- my Brother-in-law(at the time)Managed the Band, and Joe was summoned to take the Pics. I thought it strange as I did not hear from Joe(reply to an email)only to find that he had passed, via "Goldmine" magazine. THANK YOU Joe for the short time I got to know you!!! Thanks for being real, and I'll miss you! Lee

John Conti

October 18, 2003

Joe was a great guy, sad to hear about his passing.

Thank you for leaving your stamp.

Danielle Ferrara

September 22, 2003

Joe was a great guy, not only was he a longtime family(DePinho) friend, but it was him who inspired me to get into photography. He took me to my first ABB show and I cannot listen to them now without thinking of him. He gave me and my brother several pictures of our favorite artists including the famous "Shadow" not to mention the backstage passes. I miss him dearly but his art will never die, he is a legend in rock and roll. And in Joe's famous words, "Party like a rock star!"

rich shapiro

September 13, 2003

Joe, my friend, I still see you at just about every show I go to...

Pat Johnathan Bennett

August 14, 2003

My sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Joseph J. Sia.

During the early 80's Joe shot some terrific photos of our Rock Band; "SICLUCY".

I had the photographs framed and they're still proudly displayed in my office.

Brad Carlson

August 13, 2003

I am deeply saddened to learn of Joe's passing. We had worked together in March, the photos which were used on my new CD. A great talent and a hell of a nice guy.

I'll miss you Joe.

Tony Davis

August 5, 2003

While I didn't know Mr. Joesph Sia personally I saddened to hear of his passing. He truly was as great of an artist as the ones he photographed. Part of his legacy to the world will be those great and rare images he took of the music's royalty and root influences. May God bless his families and friends, and please accept my belated condolences

Richard Thiede

June 12, 2003

ART IS LIFE, HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEBERED

andy avedisian

May 19, 2003

I was saddened to hear of Joe's death.Although I have not seen him in a while, I have very fond memories of our "hanging out" together and playing hoops and tennis from 1969 to 1977.He was one of a kind and will be missed.My condolences to his family.I'm sure he is taking photos of the big rock concerts in the sky.

Dick Waterman

May 19, 2003

I am stunned to hear of Joe's passing. We worked as brother photographers on many occasions and he was as generous and kind as he was talented.

I am beyond words . . I have lost a very dear friend.

Val Denn

May 8, 2003

When the Woody Guthrie tour blew into Westport CT. Joe came up and asked if he could shoot some film---we had such a great time I invited him to follow the tour and shoot where ever he wanted. He said he would like to do Bottom Line in NYC but that he had always had a tough time getting full access and permission from the owner--who is tough about that--well I got him a front row table and full access and he was ecastic--we sat together and had a great time...said he would send us the pictures and unfortunetly we never hooked up to get them--- I hope in heaven there are a bunch of concerts to go to and gets to shoot miles of photos...he was great fun to hang with and glad we got to meet. My memory of him was him snappimg tons of pictures and telling me how he loved the Woody Guthrie Tribute and would come and be our archive photographer at Newport FOlk Festival this summer. Blessings to his family.

Val Denn

producer Ribbon Of Highway Endless Skyway/tribute to Woody Guthrie

Geoff May

May 2, 2003

Joe...I haven't seen you or talked to you in over 30 years. But our times together at Sacred Heart and NYC have left me with memories that are strong. We pushed the envelop and survived. You always new how to make a great time better. My son, who has a great love for the history and the music of our times, has enhanced his own understanding from the pictures you took. It's too bad the years separate people. As you move along on your journey, I wish you all of God's blessings.

susan turkowitz

May 1, 2003

Uncle Joe, you have touched our lives & forever be in our hearts. We will miss you and never forget you.

Paul, Susan, Nicole, Gabby & Willie

Mike Reilly

April 30, 2003

Joe will be missed by all he came in contact with over his years.

His work will not be forgotten!!

mark roman

April 30, 2003

My sympathy goes out to Joe's family and friends. Joe was a good and very talented person who will be missed and remembered by many.

Fred Gagliardi

April 30, 2003

I'm honored to have known and worked with Joe. He will long be remembered for his unique talents.

John & Roberta Dubuque

April 30, 2003

I hadn't spoken with Joe in a couple of years. Out of the blue, he called me 2 weeks ago. He was going to come to see a Luther Vandross show in May. I told him him I was happy to hear was was OK and looked forward to seeing him then.

Never to be!

We'll miss him.

No better live performance photographer in the world than Joe.

RIP.

Jo-Ellen Murgo

April 30, 2003

Our deepest sympathies go out to Joe's family and friends. Joe took pride in his officiating jobs and was always friendly to our athletes. The athletic community has suffered a loss, Joe will truly be missed. With Love, The Greens Farms Academy Athletic Department

DIANE & DOLORES

April 29, 2003

DOLORES & I WISH TO EXPRESS OUR

DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO JOES FAMILY.WE REMEMBER JOE FROM WHEN HE CAME TO LAROSE PHARMACY. I STILL HAVE AN OJ SIMPSON T SHIRT HE MADE FROM A PHOTOGRAPH HE HAD TAKEN OF OJ IN DOWNTOWN BPT. AGAIN WE ARE VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS

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