Joe was a superb pianist and friend who played at Pal's Cabin in West Orange, NJ for many years. I played string bass with him during our youth.
At Pal's, he kept those who could join at the piano happy with his lively improvisations of musical standards while they fed and drank themselves on the many weekends he was the featured artist at the restaurant, which has recently been sold and demolished. Tubby Tubelo, a comedic drummer; Pete Rogers, one of the greatest jazz big band players at the time; Buddy Yannon, Charlie Spivak's first trumpeter; and other superb musicians played with him. Joe could play anything in any key at any time. His sense of timing was impeccable, including playing "Stardust" out of meter when a new trumpet player joined the band on theatre dates, to the end that his whole presentation would bring gales of laughter as the trumpeter fumbled for the beat and the right notes to play to cover up the offbeat accompaniment. God bless you, Joe, from your old pal Steve Maskaleris.

My name is Michael Cuozzo. I had the good fortune to be able to study the piano with Joe about thirty-five years ago when he resided here in New Jersey. Joe and my late dad were fellow musicians, and when I expressed the desire to study music, I was taken to Joe. Later on, the obligations of work and family kept me from playing for many years, but not long ago, I took out some of my old pieces (still bearing corrections and suggestions in Joe's writing) and began practicing a few times per week. The basics that I learned from having a great teacher like Joe stayed with me and as a result, I have been able to bring back some of my former abilities. I am grateful to have known Joe. He was a musician's musician, and could do the most amazing things at the piano. Joe was a serious teacher and knew when you were capable of doing better. He really cared, and pushed me to do all the right things like a great coach. I'm sorry I did not work harder for him in those days. But in addition to the work, there was always laughter! Joe had a great smile and a deep, wonderful laugh. He shared many funny and interesting stories with me about people he had worked with during what was already in those days a long and impressive career.I lost touch after he and the family relocated to Florida, but I remember him so very well--like it was yesterday. My family and I send our deepest sympathy to Mary and the children, and we wish them the best. I will keep Joe in my prayers and will never forget him.

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Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Joseph Rago

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Joseph T. Rago

November 21, 1928 – February 17, 2013

Kraeer Funeral Home & Cremation Center

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