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Joseph Porcaro Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Porcaro
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Chip Roh
November 9, 2024
I was sorry to hear of mr Porcaro´s passing. He taught me drums at Al Lepak´s shop in Hartford in the late 1950´s. Wonderful man and awesome drummer, who, like Al, tried his best with me. But great percussionists require innate talent, not just great teaching. So glad to have been taught by them who were such kind modest, talented and good teachers. Chip Roh
Pete Szerejko
July 7, 2024
When I was eleven,I studied drums with Joe Porcaro. I looked forward to my Saturday afternoon lesson every week. what a wonderful, sweet ,knowledgeable person. Made a lifetime impression on me.
Guy Maxwell
January 7, 2024
I met Joe in 92. He was such a gracious man, and taught me some very great insights of playing music. He was such a great player,muscian, and Educator. Thank you Joe. Huge influence on me.
Donna Malchrist
March 17, 2022
Heaven´s Rhythm Section is much more richer now with the addition of Joe Porcaro and his drums.Playing along with his two sons Jeff and Mike
Frank Costello
July 9, 2021
Every time i sit at my drums i remember Joe fondly.
If i make a mistake i quietly say to myself, Joe would not like that.
God Bless a special man.
Frank Costello
Bruno Giulini
September 5, 2020
An excellent teacher and a gentleman in the finest sense of word.
Frank Costello
September 2, 2020
Joe was very special to me. He taught me to play for 3 years .1955,56,57.. I was sorry to see him move out west but knew it was best for him. He sure mde it big and deserved and earned every bit of success.
I sit at my drums and often think of Joe.
I finish a song and ask myself " what would Joe say"
Joe RIP.
Pete Szerejko
August 30, 2020
I studied with Joe Porcaro at Al Lepak's studio on the corner of Capitol Ave.and Broad St. when I was twelve. I loved going to my lesson on Saturday afternoons. It was a great place where local musicians would hangout. I remember playing drums while Skinny played marimba Al Lepak played percussion with Art Peretta. A thrill that I will never forget. Joe Porcaro was an inspiring, gentle,wonderful man. A true lifelong mentor to for me.
Michael Giuffrida
July 18, 2020
So very very sorry to learn of Mr. Porcaro's passing. He's described as a true gentle giant, and that's exactly how I remember him from my youth when he and his beautiful wife Eileen would visit my parents (John and Irene Giuffrida) at our home in Middletown, CT. Sincerest condolences. May the good Lord bless and keep him.
Roger Gehlin
July 18, 2020
GOD BLESS THE PORCARO FAMILY
Jean-Marc TREVARIN
July 17, 2020
so long Joe you were a true human being. A soul full of blessing. Our love doesnt here on the wings of time. Love you Joe.
Ross
July 17, 2020
Grande Joe, sei stato un grande nella musica e nella vita .. e hai dato alla luce dei ragazzi altrettanto grandi. Buon viaggio e buona musica .. anche da là..
Dan Fine
July 16, 2020
Knew him when I was a teenager and played several gigs with him.I remember one gig in particular at the Hartford Hilton with Bert Turetzky on bass, Jack OConnor on alto sax and me on piano. spoke to hi last year and we talked about our mutual musical friends and I said that when he came to Ct. we would get together. I never got to call him last year, but I told my grandson who is a percussionist about Skinnys website which he looked at and was thrilled that I knew such a terrific person. Skinny and I had a long and remarkable talk last year.Regret we didnt get together. This weekend on vacation in Maine, my grandson asked me if we had been in touch and then I learned that Skinny has passed.My condolences to the Porcaro family and esp.Josie who graduated from HPHS with me.
Dan Fine
Mark Gabriel
July 16, 2020
My dearest sympathies to the entire Porcaro family. Joe and his family are some of the nicest people you could ever ask to meet. Thanks for all the Music Skinny. Say hello to the boys for us. We love you.
Benoît Carron
July 16, 2020
Thank you so much for all the music. Thank you for your Family and the eternal Legacy your Family give to the world. Benoît Carron, Switzerland
Pawe
July 16, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Brianna Sinopoli
July 16, 2020
Every year I was so excited for Uncle Joe to come to CT! He was the best story teller - he made all his stories come to life! I learned so much about his childhood, his career from start to finish, different drum beats, all the family back in California, and his love for his sisters. I know how much he was looking forward to coming to Tom and I's wedding next year, but I know he will be there in spirit playing air drums. He always inspired me to be the best person I could be. I will miss him dearly. xoxo
Elizabeth Shabarekh
July 16, 2020
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Stephen Fournier
July 16, 2020
Taught me drums in Lepak's studio across the street from HPHS. A few years later, I was playing tympani in UConn symphony orchestra. Thanks, Skinny.
Marilyn Wagner
July 16, 2020
We were so sad to hear that Joe passed away. He was a gentle, kind, charismatic and thoughtful person. We meet him and his lovely wife Eileen at Bella Vita Italian-American Club. My mother Clara, my two daughters and I always enjoyed their company. Joe had may talents he was a great story teller. We most enjoyed his stories about music and his family that he loved so much. Joe was such a wonderful man who touched many lives and he will be greatly missed! Our deepest sympathy to Eileen and family during this time. Joe RIP....the band never sounded better!
Clara Castellano and Wagner Family
Friends
Vinny
July 15, 2020
my uncle Joe was a legend beyond words can say. A humble super percussionist who inspired all of us. RIP Uncle Joe. Jeff and Mike have been longing for you. Vinny.
Mari-Jo Scandura
July 15, 2020
My special Uncle Joe has been so humble, kind and accepting of everyone. Im going to miss your CT visits and spending time listening to all of your stories of your life! You have been a true hero to so many people. Missing you Uncle Joe!!❤
Joleen Porcaro-Duddy
July 15, 2020
Our hearts break for our Aunt Liz and Aunt Josie. It is so painful to lose such a beloved brother. We are left with such heartwarming memories of all of his trip back to Connecticut, the abundance of love he had for his family there and all the friends that always made an effort to see him. I always couldn't wait to see my folks when they got back every year from Connecticut and shared their stories of spending time with the family. My pops was so in love with all of you and literally talked about his life in Connecticut until the day he died.
Bless you all for being his wonderful, loving family.
Love, Joleen
Frances M Ritone
July 15, 2020
My dearest sympathy to the Porcaro family, Thinking of Skinny today brings me back to the good old days,dancing at the CYO dances every friday night,playing his drums(Hartford's greatest drummer).He was one of the nices guys I've ever met back in the day, along with Emil,Hook and the gang from the corner and Front Street.The last time I got to see him was quite a few years back when he was back here in Ct. Hook was singing at a restaurant and Skinny came and sat in once,he brought the house down, standing ovation and all...great night,great memories. RIP Skinny Fran Martinello Ritone
Gina ( DeDominicis) Nappi
July 15, 2020
To Aileen and the entire Porcaro family- I was so deeply saddened when I hear the news about Joe ("Skinny")- My dad thought the world of him, and would always tell us great stories of the days in Hartford playing out together as musicians. Priceless memories he shared with all of you with my mother, visiting you in CA, and always loving your get togethers at Josie's house for great food, and wonderful family. I remember the last time I saw Joe, he was here in CT, came out to hear my Dad sing at Pazzos in Rocky Hill. He was so happy to be there to support my Dad ,and the two of them were bonded like two brothers. I will always remember the special friendship they shared. My love and deepest sympathy go out to all of you as you mourn the loss of your wonderful husband and Dad.
Armando Migliorati
July 15, 2020
I had the pleasure of hearing him play, once at a clinic at Creative Music and at a relatives wedding. As a drummer myself I never heard anyone so connected to his instrument, his attack , finese, and skill was like no other. Thank you for the music.
Peter & Betsey Lepak
July 15, 2020
Joe left a huge lasting legacy. One of the kindest and most thoughtful persons, Joe was so loved by his dear family and several friends. With big hearts and welcoming arms, Joe and Eileen welcomed us into their family to live with them to help us find our home and settle comfortably into our new life living in LA. Our condolences to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Kenny Echizen
July 12, 2020
I was lucky enough to play with him on his last gig ever in March. It was my lifelong dream to meet Joe and playing with him was more than I wished for. He invited me with open arms and heart, had an amazing time at the gig and the dinner afterwards. My life changed forever that day and I'm sure so did everyone who have met Joe. Rest well, Joe. Thank you, for everything. Condolences to Eileen and the rest of the Porcaro Family.
Liz Shabarekh
July 12, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful brotherWe will love you and miss you always.
Sharon Rollo Rosi
July 12, 2020
Sending sympathy to the Porcaro family.
Sharon Rollo Rosi
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