JOSEPH WILLIAM BUCCI, renowned jazz musician. Born August 9, 1927 Malden, Massachusetts, died September 30, 2008 New Durham, N.H. Son of Columbus Anthony Bucci and Lillian DeFranzo. Cherished husband and ?musical soul mate? of Carrol Ena Bucci. Devoted Dad and ?musical soul mate? of Joseph James Bucci. ?Grampy? to Joseph Paul, Tony, Rick, and ?Great Grampy? to Jacy.

Predeceased by brothers Anthony Bucci, James Bucci, and sisters Rita Bucci

(died in childhood), Esther DiGirolamo, and Anna Freitas. Survived by sisters Mae Cannizaro, Agnes DePiano, Eleanore Pace, and Helen Cocuzzo.

Joe was a highly respected ?big band? jazz organist and accomplished accordionist. He had a unique ?signature? style with his ?string bass? technique on the organ pedals.

Throughout the 1960?s, Lennie Sogoloff?s unique Route 1 Peabody Massachusetts jazz club ?Lennie?s on the Turnpike?, provided Joe with a marvellous ?home base? where fans enjoyed special evenings of Joe?s creative improvisations, in what Joe characterized as ?the best jazz listening room ever?.

Joe?s Capital recording ?Wild About Basie? attained national recognition, and brought great admiration from the legendary Count Basie, who hired Joe to play at his famous ?Basie?s? club in Harlem, after hearing Joe perform at a 1961 jazz concert program they shared in Lynn, Massachusetts. Joe was honored to perform on the same program with Count Basie at the world famous 1962 Newport Jazz Festival.

In the mid 60?s, Joe spent a couple of months entertaining the U.S. Military at Thule Air Force Base in Greenland. Through the mid 1960?s Joe was a distinguished travelling concert artist for Lowrey Organ Company. and in the late 60?s traveled with the Lionel Hampton band.

Throughout the mid 1970?s to early 1980?s the Joe Bucci Trio (with Joe Bucci Jr. on drums/vocals and vocalist Martha Maxwell) was a dynamic musical force in the Boston area.

Joe inspired numerous young musicians, who gleaned valuable performing experience with Joe locally, and later achieved nationally recognized music careers. Joe?s warmth and outgoing personality will be sorely missed by family and friends, but his music will continue to live in their hearts.

A service to celebrate Joe?s life will be held Saturday October 4th, 2008 1pm at the First Free Will Baptist Church, Depot Road, New Durham, NH. Pastor James Nason and Pastor Robert Mathis officiating. Arrangements are in the care of Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street, Farmington, NH 03835. To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com