Joseph William "Joe" Cohen

1951 - 2016

SHUTESBURY - Friday, Dec. 9, 2016, at 1:30 p.m., Joseph William Cohen, late of Shutesbury, and Northampton, son of the late Philip Zachary Cohen and Bess Joan Cohen, passed away in Northampton after a long illness.

He is survived by his sister Leah Kunkel of Northampton; his beloved niece Owen Elliot Kugell and her husband Jack; and his beloved nephew Nathaniel Kunkel all of Los Angeles, California; and many cousins, including Deah Schwartz of Oakland, California, Sheila Cooperman of Weston, Connecticut, and Ralfee Finn, and other family all over the United States. He also leaves his dear friends Denis Johnson of Idaho, and California, Nancy Webb of Santa Monica, California, Larry Johnson of Northampton, and Mary Rice of Shutesbury, and so many more friends and family on both Coasts who will be deprived of his sweet and mysterious presence. He was predeceased by his parents, and his sister Cass Elliot, his wife Cynthia, as well as all of his maternal and paternal aunts and uncles.

Joe's innocent smile, his gentle way in the world, his generosity and honesty will be missed, but we will miss most of all his surprisingly philosophic humor. He was born May 2, 1951, in Alexandria, Virginia, and graduated from T.C. Williams High School. He traveled all over the country, singing and working odd jobs from dealing blackjack in Las Vegas to painting and carpentry.

An accomplished musician (guitar, harmonica, bass and mandolin player), singer, songwriter and blues scholar, for over 45 years Joe played in numerous bands, including a stint with Freddy Fender, and often appeared as "Solo Joe" accompanying himself, sometimes on multiple instruments, from Hollywood, California, to Leverett. Hopefully friends will continue to post pictures, videos, and links to music on his Facebook page.

A licensed and respected barber, Joe worked for many years in the Valley, most recently in Greenfield, and also in California. He often gave free haircuts and donated his services to charitable events.

A gathering in celebration of Joe's life and music will be held Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, from Noon to 3 p.m. at Leah's house. All who loved Joe are invited to come by with instruments, videos and pictures, cds, etc.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.