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Joseph Cerniglia Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 24, 2017.

Joseph I. Cerniglia, also known as "Joe Keys," 63, of Reading, passed away

peacefully on Wednesday, December 20, 2017, in Berkshire Center, Exeter Township.

Born October 19, 1954, he was a son of the late Giuseppe and Carmella (Mollica) Cerniglia.

A graduate of Reading High School, Joe was an

accomplished musician all of his life, performing

throughout Reading and beyond in clubs, lounges and on cruise ships. Joe will always be remembered for his big smile and outgoing personality.

Joe is survived by his uncle, Anthony Cerniglia, of West Lawn; his sister-in-law, Diana Cerniglia, widow of Joe's brother, Anthony, of Exeter Township; and several cousins.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, December 30, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Gethsemane Cemetery.

The Cremation Society of Berks County Inc., is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences: BerksCremations.com.

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Recent Activity

March 29, 2024

allan pennington posted to the memorial.

December 18, 2023

Chaplain Kerry Hicks posted to the memorial.

December 31, 2017

Don Long posted to the memorial.

10 Entries

allan pennington

March 29, 2024

I first met joe when we worked on the oceanic back in the early 90s,we became firm friends,i would call him from england,and email him and he would do the same,he last contacted me easter 2016 and xmas of that year,itried to contact him later but got no response now i know why,god bless joe,rest easy and thanks for being my friend.allan

Chaplain Kerry Hicks

December 18, 2023

Joe was one of those larger than life personalities.
His broad, genuine smile lit up any and all rooms he was entertaining.
Great spirit and attitude was always on display for all to see.
Joe, you made a difference in my life.
May the Prince of Peace be with you always.

Kerry Hicks

Don Long

December 31, 2017

Dear Friends;
I first met Joey when he was 14 years. He was trying out for a band I was in with Jack Berkenstock. We listened to him play and I thought to myself "wow, this kid can really play!" I was so amazed at his abilities at such a young age! I enjoyed being a bandmate of his for the next year, it being 1968. I never saw him after the band broke up, but I would hear stories about his gigs in Vegas and elsewhere; and I thought that's where that kid should be with his talent. As soon as I saw the picture I knew who it was, and all those memories came back. I'm sorry I was unable to attend the services because of the snow, but I am so happy I knew Joey. Like others have said, that smile just lit up the room. God bless you Joey!

Bronwen Evans

December 28, 2017

I first met Joe in 1970, when my newborn daughter, Lakey, and I moved into the little apartment that the Cerniglia family had at the back of their home on Eckert Ave. Joe was always the friendliest, happiest, teen age guy, that I ever met. I would see him around the neighborhood for many years, as we moved just up the street, on Clymer. I saw him perform a few times at the Peanut Bar, and as many have written here, he just lit up the room, and was a phenomenal performer. Even though we lived so close, I seldom saw him in the past few years, and I did not know that he was ill. I will never forget him, and I hope that his great spirit lives on.

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Nick Skias

December 25, 2017

Such a loss and gone way too soon. We grew up together on Eckert Ave and was such a wonderful person. Whenever I saw him, he always made me smile and laugh. I will always remember the times we would watch football together in his kitchen with his brother, memories that I will always cherish.
When I saw him when I was up in Reading earlier this year, despite the pain he was in, he would still make you smile. His loss reveals to us to take every day as a precious gift. This is the last photo I took of him from last year and of course he was smiling.God bless you Joe.

Antonio Crespo

December 25, 2017

Dear friend, it saddens me to hear of this news. All my memories will be of joy and laughter. So many good times we had together and a few sad ones in between.
I know your jammin up there in heaven.

Bill Heiser

December 25, 2017

I had the pleasure of performing with Joe in Castleaires big band while we were at Reading High School. He always had a smile and was a great musician and a great guy. RIP Joe.

dolores welter

December 25, 2017

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH HE WAS A AMAZING AND LOVING MAN. HE ALWAYS MADE YOU LAUGH. I WILL MISS HIM FOREVER. RIP MY DEAR COUSIN

Kim Bates

December 25, 2017

Gone too soon, and forever missed...Till we meet again!!!

Mr. & Mrs. Chester Bates

Kerry Hicks

December 24, 2017

So sad to learn of Joe's passing! What can be said of someone who entertained so many, and just lit up a room with his ear to ear smile?
I am blessed for having the honor and privilege of first meeting "Joe Keys" back in '92 @ R. John's Olde Haus. Playing along with Tim Heineman and his band of great musicians. Then the larger than life Joe Keys steps up to the Mic and belts out Sachmo's "What a Wonderful World"; out of the park for a grand slam to win the game in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded, two outs, down by three runs! What more can I say?
We ran into each other over the years and he always remembered me. The last time we met was during his short term rehab at Berks Heim.
I will never forget his infectious laugh, his larger than life persona, his stage presence. But most of all his humanity! Hope to hear him sing again in eternity.
May the Lord comfort you, his family, and all those who knew him best.
God bless you my brother. Rest in His peace.

Chaplain Kerry L. Hicks

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