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Joseph Mark Astromowicz
Joseph Mark Astromowicz
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Joseph Astromowicz Obituary
Joe was born in Waltham, MA but spent most of his life in Middletown, CT. He leaves behind the love of his life, wife Linda Partynski-Astramowicz of Prescott, AZ, his brother Alan and wife Sally Astromowicz of Middletown, CT, his sister Terri and husband Jim Dowling of Ft Myers, FL, and nieces and nephews Melissa, Crystal, Martin, Sara, Mollie and Harley as well as several great nieces and nephews. He was the beloved son of the late Marie and Stanley Astromowicz, brother Jim Astromowicz, nephew Jim Astromowicz II as well as many aunts and uncles that Joe loved dearly.
Joe graduated from Woodrow Wilson Sr. High School in 1973 with his main interest being music and photography. After graduation Joe worked at Record Village with Mark Schnitzer for many years until their closure. He had many other jobs in the shipping role before retiring in an accounting role for Konover Properties in West Hartford, CT.
Joe was a beautiful and gentle soul who genuinely loved and cared for his wife, his family, friends and his many greyhound fur babies. He was a brilliant photographer who specialized in concert photography for his entire life. Many of his photos of Jethro Tull/Martin Barre band have been published in their albums and CD's. He also photographed various other 1970's rock bands and began to include nature photography of CT and AZ in his portfolio. While in CT Joe was involved in the St Patrick-St Anthony's Church, Hartford, in their Sandwich Ministry program which made sure no one went hungry. He was also active in the roles of fundraising activities and monthly greyhound walks with the We Adopt Greyhounds organization in Glastonbury, CT. When they moved to Prescott, AZ he became involved with Greyhound Pets of Arizona in the role of photographing greyhound dogs that were available for adoption.
Joe enjoyed biking, hiking and especially playing tennis as often as he could while he was healthy. In CT he would play with his late Uncle Vince Germano and in AZ he'd play with his friends "Tennis Bob" Harder and Cathy Low.
His family would like to sincerely thank the Marley House for making his last week of life on this earth peaceful and comfortable.
In lieu of a virtual memorial service "Low Tech Joe" requested that donations be made in his name to the Best Friends Animal Society at https://support.bestfriends.org or send a check to 5001 Angel Canyon Road , Kanab, UT 84741.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Robert Harder (Tennis Bob)
May 6, 2025
JOE´S BOOGIE.
Although Joe and I did talk about music, I never played for him. He didn´t ask. Probably smart because Joe hung out with music greats like Martin Barre and listening to me would have been different. I started when I was 60, concentrated on Boogie Woogie, and have never performed. I have a 1943 vintage Wurlitzer Piano (yes, they made pianos) that stays constantly out of tune. Again - different in many ways.
Fortunately, Boogie Woogie is all about invention and I have invented several songs and named them after folks like my granddaughters. When Joe died, I started one for him - called - yep - Joe´s Boogie.
Unfortunately, until recently, I had no way of recording it. And now that I have a Yamaha CSP-255 Digital Piano, I can do that - after a fashion. You see, I don´t know much about music production. So after a truly painful process, I recorded a couple of versions which I intended to upload one here. Unfortunately, that doesn´t appear possible. So, if you would like it, send an email to [email protected].
Now - about the song. It is a bit different. I embedded some symbolism into the song that represents Joe - to me. First, the CSP-255 allows for a variety of "instruments", so I chose one labeled "Electronic Piano Vintage". With his massive vinyl collection of rock albums, Joe was vintage. Second, the song is not a true 4/4 Boogie (8th to the bar) pattern. It´s 5/4 time which is not a well-used signature. I did that because Joe didn´t march to the same beat as the rest of the world.
The left hand follows a constant bass rhythm as Joe was solid in terms of integrity and compassion. The right-hand portion was designed in "boogie chains" which consist of 12 bars sequencing through the familiar CFG sequence. However, that wasn´t completely followed - as Joe often surprised me - especially in tennis with his left-handed spin shots. And frankly - my "invention side" takes over and break the pattern in some way every time I play.
Each boogie chain is played on a different octave and gets more intricate as you go up the scale. That´s because Joe seemed to have more layers as I got to know him. Seriously, after my first meeting with Joe, I got the impression he was an accountant who made enough money working for the mafia so that he could live in the richest area in Prescott.
The song´s boogie chains then go back down the octaves with forays into blue scales and minor keys. This, I felt, represented the two years when Joe was fighting dizzy spells and cancer and could hardly hit a tennis ball without almost falling over. It was a rough, sad time for him. It was for me, too, as I knew that most battles with bladder cancer don´t last more than three years.
The "finish" spins back up through the blue scale for an octave or two and fades with some long C notes - to what I hope is Joe´s version of heaven.
I truly do miss you, Joe. Tennis has not been the same. Tennis Bob.
Theresa dowling
December 20, 2024
Joe, just look at your picture on display at martins shows. I´m sure you know how much so many people miss you especially in the Christmas season. You touched the heart of so many people in ways you never knew. You´re a beautiful soul, my brother. I miss you so deeply and I know someday we will be together again.
Ken Bastura
December 19, 2024
As everyone knows Joe could find humor in just about anything. When I was helping him prepare for the Arizona move we shared much laughter moving items to the storage facilities. Laughing along with Joe is what I will always remember. Just thinking about him brings a smile to my face. I am sure Joe is smiling down at us all each and every day.
Cathy Low
December 19, 2024
Wishing you all Happy Holidays , Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Fond memories with Joe, listening to him about his life, his passions and experiences.
Cathy Low (Friend/Tennis Instructor)
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Robert Harder
September 8, 2023
Story. A Tennis Ball Named Joe. When I visited Joe in hospice on Thursday, July 20, 2023, he wasn´t responsive, but I did get to meet Terri, his sister, and her daughters. However, I wanted him to know I was there, so the next day, I brought a tennis ball and we put it into his hand. I visited again Saturday, and the nurses said he held onto that ball all day. I didn´t get to visit Joe again until the evening of July 24, and of course, by then he was gone. The nurses were kind enough to let me have that tennis ball back. I brought it home, put Joe´s name on it, and placed it in the basket of balls I use for serving practice. When I pull the ball out for serving, I like to think Joe´s around giving me some encouragement. Tennis Bob.
Bob Tennis Harder
September 8, 2023
Joe was a true friend. From the first time I met him, he was always easy to be around. Tennis has not been an easy sport for me and certainly not relaxing. However, with Joe, it was always a good time, and very relaxing. In fact, about anything we ever did, there was this relaxing calmness to the situation - even when there was nothing to be calm about. Joe had a presence about himself. I miss that. Thanks for the good times. Tennis Bob
Lisa Hunter
August 30, 2023
Such a beautiful man. A genuinely kind, decent human. We miss you, Joe.
Elayne Barre
August 21, 2023
I miss chatting photography, music, dogs and random travels with you Joe. You´ve been a great friend, and I won´t forget you for a moment. I have attached an image you sent me last year, you mentioned how much you loved it. Changing your role of film at a gig x Rock, and Rest, in Peace x
Cathy Low
August 18, 2023
Joes great eye for photography, of the plane my husband built & painted, ceased to amaze me of his many talents. As his tennis instructor, Joe shared many tennis memories of his uncle playing, Martin, and photography of the many east coast tournaments he attend.
Liz Hoadley
August 16, 2023
I had the extremely pleasure & opportunity to work with Joe at Globe Pequot Press where he was the Warehouse Manager & I was in Customer Service. Joe was so easy to work with, especially under difficult circumstances. His calmness made one be able to stay focused on the problem & find the solution. If I was ensuring a very difficult time he would always have a word of comfort or a joke. I will always remember his Vermont “TULL” license plate displayed so proudly in the warehouse. If Joe was your friend, he was your friend for always. I was greatly saddened to learn of his passing. He was a dear man. I send MY deepest prayers for GOD’s comfort & my love to his wife Linda & all his family. He loved & cherished all of you. Liz Hoadley, Centerbrook, CT
Brice Smith
August 14, 2023
Joe was a favorite at Mile Hi Animal Hospital. We will miss him and his great stories.
Suzi Muhl-Kuhner
August 14, 2023
Joe always had a big smile on his face and a good story to tell!
I will miss our monthly visits at the animal hospital with the Greyhounds! Rest in peace my friend, you were a wonderful human!
Neal Garber
August 14, 2023
Joe was as solid as a rock, as bright as sunshine, and never stopped giving of himself. He will definitely be missed. RIP my friend.
Mark Schnitzer
August 14, 2023
Joe was a great friend, a great co-worker and a great person. We worked together at Linden Records and Record Village in Middletown and shared a lot of memories. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Ken Bastura
August 12, 2023
Joe was a sweet, kind, and gentle soul. I was lucky enough to meet him close to 50 years ago. We both loved music and photography. We shared our love by attending concerts together as well as sharing hundreds of photos. We were both big fans of women's basketball. The last 20 years we had become rabid WNBA fans. We shared nearly daily email conversations during the WNBA season. Thank you Joe for being my friend.
Julie and Martin Barre
August 12, 2023
We love you and will miss you terribly.
Curt Reif
August 11, 2023
A true gentleman, will be missed by all. Gone way too soon. Hang on to the memories so he will never really be gone.
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
Terri Dowling
August 11, 2023
My Dearest brother Joe -
Not a day goes by that I don't think of you and how much I miss your daily e-mails that turned into wonderful phone calls. I miss you ever so much but know in my heart that you are with God in heaven for your eternal life where it is peaceful. You've got the best seats in the house for all of the WNBA games and tennis tournaments for sure! I hope you like this story of your life - it was hard to write it because how do you write a life story of someone that lived such a selfless life. I'm sure you are listening when I talk to you every morning while I walk Emma and thanks for the beautiful birds feather you left in my driveway. It's on my desk and I think about you everytime I see it. I miss you with all of my heart, Joe but will see you on the other side when God calls me home. All my love always - Teresa
Liz & Bob Doolan
August 11, 2023
Our most sincerest condolences to all of Joe´s family. Our love & sympathy- Liz & Bob
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