Joseph E. Killian

Joseph was born April 10, 1927 to Ann & Stanley Killian in Bridgeport, CT. and attended Warren Harding High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy during his senior year and served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and received an honorable discharge.

Joseph dedicated his life to jazz music and loved to entertain audiences. He is remembered as the life of many parties, sitting at the piano, playing and narrating the stories to embellish each song. He was a people person and reached out through his music. As an exceptionally talented pianist and Hammond organist, he played across the United States and Mexico with jazz greats such as Jimmy Ford, Dexter Gordon, Sonny Stitt, Charlie Shavers, Tino Contreras, Curtis Fuller, Stuff Smith, Clifford Scott, Kansas Fields, and Wilbur Ware. Joseph inspired his sons Stanley and Dennis to become professional musicians as well.

Joe was preceded in death by his father Stanley, his mother Ann and his brother John Killian.

Joe is survived by his loving wife Eva of 36 years; his sister Mary; sons Stanley, Dennis and Joseph; daughters Maria and Teresa and grandchildren Katherine & Jonathan.

The Killian family would like to thank the staff of Unit 6 at Eden Hill for providing loving care and attention to Joseph during the last four years his life.

A memorial service will be held at Zoeller Funeral Home at 7 pm on Tuesday, May 7, 2013. A reception at the Faust Hotel will be held immediately following the service.