Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Joseph Primavera Obituary
JOSEPH P., passed from this life at the age of 80 on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006, at home after a long illness. He is survived by his loving wife, Marie (Piccoli); son, Joseph III and his wife, Edith (McKeon); his younger son, Carl S. and his wife, Christina (Leto) and their son, Andrew. The Funeral arrangements were private and the family has asked that all memorial contributions be made to the Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, P.O. Box 41810, Phila. PA 19101-1810.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Primavera
DOUGLAS VOLK
October 8, 2018
Maestro Primavera was the reason I almost applied to Curtis. It was an honor and a joy to travel to the "Y" in center city for rehearsals every Saturday. He was a master at bringing out the best performance in each of us.
It was an honor to have played for him back in the 1950's
Michel Gohler
July 28, 2018
I moved to Phila in 1978 from Montréal to study at PCPA. Although I didn't really know who "Joe" was, I sensed even as a young student that he was a man of integrity and experience. I remember he would hang out in some room and was very accessible. I remember him telling me that all you needed to know about orchestration was in a Ravel score (Bolero?). Thinking of him today as I listen to Itzhak Perlman. It was an honour to know him.
Rise Schatz-Myers
November 9, 2006
I idolized Joe Primavera when he auditioned and accepted me into his Phila. Youth orchestra in 1961 at the age of 13. He sat me in the back of the first violin section, and that began the most memorable four years of my musical life. I have subsequently played with many professional orchestras and I always found myself comparing each conductor to Joe's extraordinary skills. Once you experienced his musical greatness, it would become difficult to accept anything less. He had an unending kindness to all young people, and the uncanny ability to recognize young talent. I will never forget him and he will forever remain my musical idol.
Doug Volk
October 24, 2006
I recall what an influence Joe was when I belonged to the Phila. Youth Orchestra in the 50s.
From that aspect of guiding youth in the classics, he will be missed.
Alexandra Cutler-Fetkewicz
October 21, 2006
Maestro Primavera was a huge positive influence on so many musicians. He will be missed terribly by those of us who had the honor and the privelege of being members of the PYO under his direction. I know that I may not have become an orchestral performer without his inspired teaching. He taught us things in PYO that we never would've learned in our conservatories or anywhere else. He taught us how to be great orchestral musicians, and gave us invaluable lessons on life in the process. To us, he was a legend, a musical giant, a mentor and a friend. I know that when I say that Philadelphia, and the world, just lost one of the greats, that all my fellow PYO alums agree. We will miss you, Maestro! Thanks for the best musical memories! We loved you!
Barbara Bleiholder-Bouton
October 20, 2006
Philadelphia will miss him greatly, as will those of us who were privileged to know him as parents of Youth Orchestra members. Joseph Primavera has left an incredible legacy with our children and us. He was, and always will be, a legend.
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Joseph Primavera's name
Memorial Events
for Joseph Primavera
How to support Joseph's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Joseph Primavera's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
