Joseph Carl Karoly

Joseph Carl Karoly, 73, of Long Island City, NY passed away suddenly on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025. He was born on June 21, 1951 in Bay City, Michigan to the late Louis and Marjorie Karoly.

Joe graduated from T. L. Handy High School in 1969 where he was involved in band and gymnastics. A member of many bands and musical collaborations over the years, Joe got his start in a band called “The House of Commons” in Bay City, Michigan and went on to become a gifted musicologist and multi-instrumentalist, performing in many musical venues while living-here and in NYC.

Joe developed his love for art in his early years, and studied it, as his major, at WMU. After college, he relocated to NYC and has resided there until the time of his death.

Joe was a tremendously gifted artist renowned for his frescoes painted on large canvases and for his beautiful drawings on paper. He created art about art, often using appropriated images that he recontextualized. His works were featured in several New York area solo and group shows including a particularly noteworthy one at the Bond Gallery in 2005.

His love and involvement with art as an artist and art critic, led him to meet a very fine artist, Nancy Olivier, and on February 12, 2002 they were married.

Even though, Joe resided in NYC most of his adult life, he visited Bay City often spending time with his parents, brother Pete and his family; Deb, Katey and Kevin. He was cherished, loved and adored by all in his family for his unique personality, his many talents, and will be sorely missed.

Joe is survived by his wife of 23 years, Nancy, his sister-n-law, Debra Karoly, brother-n-laws, Steven (Marlene) Olivier, David Olivier, nephews and nieces; Kevin Karoly, Kathryn Karoly, Michael, Marisa, Eric Olivier. He was predeceased by his parents, Marjorie and Louis Karoly, his beloved brother, Peter Karoly, whom he shared many interest and gifted abilities, his grandparents, aunts and uncles.

Joe also leaves behind many loving and supportive friends in NY, who enjoyed and appreciated his company, artistic abilities and humorous persona. They enjoyed many hours with him conversing over fine food, wine and attending musical performances. His dear friends include; Jeff Penney, Brian McDonald, Nigel Rollings and Vija Doks.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Bay City, Michigan.