Joseph Lawrence Lopresti passed away peacefully in the care of his loving wife, AnneMarie, on Friday evening, February 16th. He was 91.
Born in Chelsea and raised in Chelsea and Malden, Joe attended for 12 years and then graduated from the Perkins School in Watertown and also studied at the famed Berklee School in Boston. A talented musician, performer and teacher, Joe enjoyed a long career as a music teacher and mentor to generations of students. From their home studio in Malden, Joe and his wife AnneMarie gave instruction in keyboards, organ, piano, trumpet and singing for decades. Active in the nightclub circuit as a performer during the zenith of live entertainment, Joe and AnneMarie performed in many popular venues as AME-JOE Two. As a teacher Joe was patient and helped form some very accomplished musicians. He and AnneMarie hosted annual recitals for their students and families until their retirement.
The beloved husband of AnneMarie (Elia) Lopresti, Joe was the son of the late Joseph and Rose (Esposito) Lopresti. He was the dear step brother of the late Marie Lopresti and is also survived by many dear cousins and extended family.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to visit at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford, on Thursday, February 22 from 4 – 8 PM and again on Friday at 9 AM followed by a Mass of Christian burial celebrated at 10 AM in Immaculate Conception Church, 600 Pleasant Street, Malden. Services will conclude with burial at Forest Dale Cemetery, Malden.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Joe's name to Bread of Life, 214 Commercial St., suite 209, Malden, MA 02148 or to Northeast Animal Shelter, 347 Highland Ave., Salem, MA 01970.