Joseph Daley

Joseph Peter Daley, 75, passed away on August 3, 2025, in Hackensack, New Jersey. A gifted musician, composer, and educator, Joe leaves behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and a profound impact on generations of students and listeners.

Born on August 6, 1949, in New York City to John Joseph Daley and Margaret Ann Daley (née O'Garro), proud immigrants from Montserrat, Joseph's musical journey began early. He graduated from The High School of Music & Art in 1967 and earned both a bachelor's degree in Performance (1972) and a master's degree in Music Education (1973) from the Manhattan School of Music.

Joe began teaching with the New York City Board of Education (1972-1976), serving as Band Director at Wadleigh Junior High School 88 and associate director of the Manhattan Borough-Wide Band. He later joined the Englewood, New Jersey Board of Education, where he taught music and directed bands at Janis Dismus Middle School and Dwight Morrow High School until his retirement in 2005.

A versatile performer from his high school years onward, Joe played alongside Latin music greats such as Rene McLean and Monquito Santamaria. Over five decades, he became a celebrated sideman in jazz and beyond-collaborating with luminaries including Cecil Taylor, Anthony Braxton, Carla Bley, Gil Evans, Taj Mahal, Natalie Merchant, and the Kronos Quartet.

As a composer and bandleader, Joe received acclaim for works like The Seven Deadly Sins (2011), The Seven Heavenly Virtues (2013), Portraits: Wind, Thunder and Love (2014), and The Tuba Trio Chronicles (2015). He was a founding member of Hazmat Modine and performed with numerous ensembles across styles.

He is survived by his son Christopher Daley; daughter Devorah Daley; grandson Wynton Daley; brother Nimrod Daley; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Wanda Daley; sister Evelyn Kirnon; brothers Irod, Winston, and Benjamin Daley; mother-in-law Dorothy Haskett; and sister-in-law Winifred Brent.

A Viewing will be held on August 13, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Riverside Memorial Chapel, 180 West 76th Street. Visitation will follow on August 14 from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held on August 15 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at the same location. Interment will take place at Trinity Church Cemetery and Mausoleum, 770 Riverside Drive at 1:30 PM, followed by a repast for family and close friends.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him-and may his music continue to resonate for generations to come.