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Joseph James Shepley
1930 - 2016
Joseph James Shepley
1930 - 2016
Obituary
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BORN
1930
DIED
2016
Joseph Shepley Obituary
Joseph James Shepley of Yonkers died on Saturday March 26, 2016 at age 85. He was born on August 7, 1930 to Joseph and Eleanor Nyahay Shepley in Yonkers where he was raised and attended local schools. Joseph served his country in the US Army from 1952 to 1954 serving in Korea. He married Helen Dedyo on September 25, 1955 in Holy Trinity Church in Yonkers, she survives living in Yonkers. Joseph belonged to Local 802 Musicians Union. Mr. Shepley was a world renowned trumpet player. One of the most in-demand studio and live performers from the 1960's to the 2000's. He began playing professionally in 1942 at the age of 12, he graduated with his Master's Degree from The Manhattan School of Music in 1957. Joseph played with nearly every significant jazz and pop act in the 60's and 70's, but most notably with Duke Pearson, B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, George Benson, Paul Anka, Astrud Gilberto, Kenny Burrell and Frank Sinatra. Besides his wife Helen he is also survived by his sister Eleanor (Richard) Zimmerman of Sciota, Pa., 3 daughters Maryellen Shepley of Mt. Vernon, NY, Susan Cuevas (William) Bennett of Long Island, and Pamela (Keith) O'Quinn of Tarrytown, NY, his son Joe (Emily) Shepley of Oak Park, IL, 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Donald Shepley in 2006. Visiting hours will be at the Whalen & Ball Funeral Home on Monday from 7-9pm and Tuesday from 12-4pm. A funeral service will be at 3pm. Donations can be made to Local 802 Musicians Assistance Program Local 802 AFM 322 West 48th Street, New York, NY 10036.
Whalen & Ball Funeral Home
168 Park Avenue
Yonkers, NY 10703
(914)965-5488
www.whalenandballfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kamau Adilifu
April 1, 2016
I want to send my deepest, heartfelt condolences to the Shepley family. Like so many others writing here, Joe had a profound effect on my life and career. The fact is that much of my success as a professional trumpeter can be traced to Joe giving me one of his personal mouthpieces when he saw I was struggling on a recording date. That mouthpiece turned out to be a perfect fit for me and with it I was able to perform at a level far above what I'd been able to accomplish before. Joe's generosity towards me didn't end there. There were countless great (and lucrative) gigs and recordings that he got me on and was always a valued supporter of mine. His greatest gift to me, however, was just having the opportunity to know him and to share so many good times. With Joe's passing the world has lost a very special person. But he's left so much behind for us to treasure and remember. I certainly will.
Peace & love to the family
Thom Gambino
March 30, 2016
Joe Shepley, I'm so grateful that I met you when you joined my orchestra so many years ago. And we reconnected on LinkedIn only a short time ago! You always were a great player, but, more than that, I was struck by what a fine person you were: always generous with your time, always with a great humor, always the serious musician striving for the best in yourself and all of the others around you. Lorry and I will miss you, Joe. You were the best. RIP
Thom Gambino
March 30, 2016
Joe Shepley, I'm so grateful that I met you when you joined my orchestra so many years ago. And we reconnected on LinkedIn only a short time ago! You always were a great player, but, more than that, I was struck by what a fine person you were: always generous with your time, always with a great humor, always the serious musician striving for the best in yourself and all of the others around you. Lorry and I will miss you, Joe. You were the best. RIP
Bhima Hogan
March 29, 2016
Mrs. Shepley and Family, I am so sorry and very sad to learn of Joseph Shepley's passing. Sending my heart felt condolences and soulful prayers. He was and still is, a great inspiration and amazing smiling friend to Everyone. He will always be remembered. His Soul is playing Music for God in Heaven.
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Becky McGovern
March 29, 2016
Hi Pam and Family
I was very sorry to learn of your Dad's Passing, Pam. Please know that we are praying for all your family and especially for your Mom Helen at this time.
March 29, 2016
Mrs. Shepley and family, I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband/father, Know that his soul is at peace in Gods Heaven, I'm sure he is playing his trumpet for our lord. Know that he will always be with you all and I'm sure the memories' will always be a part of your life everyday. Keeping you in my prayers. Love Wanda London
Mother's Day 2012- Joe Shepley & Pam Fleming
Pam Fleming
March 29, 2016
Dear Shepley Family, Friends, and Circle of Musicians,
I am so saddened to hear this news. Joe was certainly One Of A Kind, and such a "Present" Personality, that it is hard to imagine that he is not here... His personal Nature, generosity of Spirit, and Humor lives on in each of us, as we recall our experiences with him, whether it was making music, chatting on the late night phone calls, or just hanging out. Joe, I will surely miss you, and my Love goes out to all your Family and Worldwide friends...
Mother's Day 2012 - Joe Shepley & Pam Fleming
Pam Fleming
March 29, 2016
Thomas Maguire
March 29, 2016
Dear Helen and Family, We met Joe back in 1981 while working at Counterpoint. He was always a bright light in the day, in both talent and personality. Throughout the years our paths crossed. Gordon had him sit in at my wedding and he killed it! When he learned my friend was a trumpet major, he had her over the house and could not do enough to encourage her musically. You can't buy friendship like that. We miss you Joe and we feel your loss.
Frank (paco) Kulaga
March 29, 2016
Joe's passing has left a great emptiness in our lives. It was thrilling to know and work with him, and even better when we became friends. The world of music is much diminished without him, and my heart goes out to Helen and the rest of his wonderful family,
Victoria Berdy
March 28, 2016
My heart and love goes out to you, Helen, Maryellen, Pamela, Susan, Joe Jr., all the grandkids, and the great grandchildren. I have known Joe since 1974 when we met on a jingle. He has been a longtime, important friend in my life, and was so kind as to include me in family events. I watched him help those that showed their talent, and feed the hungry struggling musicians he knew. He was grateful for his success and never forgot where he came from.
He called me a few weeks and we had one of our long conversations that ended in the usual short trumpet concert. He sounded extraordinary from his expertise, experience, chops, and all the infirmity of his state. He still had the ability to go to the "end of his air" to the heart and soul of himself. I told him so and he said, "Yes, that's what I am doing." How fortunate I am to have had that honor!
March 27, 2016
Helen and Family, I'm so sad to hear that Joe has left us. I had many bright moments playing and talking music with Joe. I will keep his memory in my heart.
Calvin Hill (Englewood NJ)
David Barratt
March 27, 2016
I had the honour of working with Joe in the late 90's/early 2000's in NYC on jingles and some pretty out-there dance records. As well as being a magnificent musician, he was a profound raconteur, (he told the BEST Sinatra stories), a comedian of rare talent and an all round great guy.
RIP Joe Shepley. This planet will not see your like again but you live in in the music and memories you made.
You are missed.
March 27, 2016
I ,VE LOST ONE OF MY BEST FRIENDS,MY MENTOR AND PAL. LOVED YOU ,R.I.P. OLD FRIEND SCOTT MELAMERSON
March 27, 2016
Helen and family, I am so sorry to hear about Joe. It was our pleasure meeting him last fall after all these years having Pam in our family. We had such a good time at your house. He had such a sense of humor. I know he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family at this time of loss.
Gail McKinney (Grovespring, Mo)
Gail McKinney
March 27, 2016
Helen and family, I am so sorry to hear about Joe. It was our pleasure meeting him last fall after all these years having Pam in our family. We had such a good time at your house. He had such a sense of humor. I know he will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family at this time of loss.
mattie matthews
March 27, 2016
We will all miss Joe. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend and an unbelievable musician.
I feel so lucky to have known him. My love and sympathy to Helen and the rest of the family.
Barbara Laurence-Welshman
March 27, 2016
We were saddened to hear of the loss of one the great men Joe Shepley. His kindness and generosity were always at the forefront of his life. He was an inspiration to all the many lives he touched. Our deepest sympathy to Helen and the entire family.
Barbara Laurence and Lynn Welshman
Carlos Franzetti
March 27, 2016
My deepest condolences for the sad passing of a truly wonderful human being and amaizing musician
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168 Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10703
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