Big Joe... We'll miss this guy!
A couple of years ago down at the Fur Peace Ranch a bunch of our New York Friends would show up every now an then for our Saturday night shows at the Fur Peace Station. In many respects, ever since the 60’s, the Northeast United States, especially New York, has been a very real home to Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna and myself. For many years we have all soared on the wings of dear friends like Joe LaMontagne. When Barry and I played Our Lady Of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn two weeks ago, Joe was there as he had been at so many of our shows. Yesterday John Hurlbut down at the Ranch got a sad email from Joe’s friend Michael to tell us that Joe had passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly on Saturday, April 5, 2014. Joe was an amazing guy, and it is worth getting to know him a little bit by reading this piece from the Poughkeepsie Journal.
WILLISTON PARK – Joseph T. LaMontagne, 54, of Williston Park passed away on Saturday, April 5th at Winthrop Hospital surrounded by family.
Born on November 7, 1959 in Far Rockaway to Bridie Maloney and George LaMontagne.
On August 2nd, 2011, Joseph married his best friend Paula (Minyard) LaMontagne, who survives at home.
In addition to his wife, he is also survived by his brother George and Ellen (George and Kevin), his sister Marie Dave Falcon (Davey and Steve), his sister Maggie and John Crumb (Johnny, James And Bridget), his Brother Sean (Seanie and Shamus), his five stepchildren, J.T., Nick, Gina, David and Jalicia, His beloved granddaughters, Trinity, Akili, Oriana, Braylin and his grandson Jayden. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins and some of the greatest group of men that he called friends and brothers that any man could ever want.
Having overcome a troubled early life, battling his demons, Joe rose above that to live a second life, a very accomplished one. Some of the things that Joseph was most proud of were working for St. Joes in the Poughkeepsie Guest House and then working for the same Franciscan Friars that saved his life many years before at SCI (Graymoor) for almost a decade. Giving back to men what was so freely given to him. He was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 20 years.
Joseph was a huge music lover, a passionate Jets and Mets fan and he loved to fish.
Heaven gained an angel, Joe will be sadly missed, but never forgotten. Family and friends may call Thursday 2-5 & 7-9:30 at Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, 29 Atlantic Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001. In Lieu of Flowers, please send donations to SCI – 21 Franciscan Way, P.O. Box 150, Garrison, NY 10524.
At my age I have come to realize that you meet people in this life that you will count as friends. You may meet them infrequently… you may rarely speak… but you will know that you will always be friends… and you may think, ‘Perhaps I should have called more often.’
Fair winds and following seas brother… fair winds and following seas!
Dear Jorma,
So Sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. May Joe RIP.
Be well,
Cyndy
RIP Big Joe
Happy Birthday John William.
Happy Birthday Jack!
There’s no other shelter than Jorma’s blog if your heart wants to say something you’re not ashamed of. I have been questioned by my standing soul over Jack’s research heard in the latest harmonic series performed last winter during the East to West Hot Tuna two months tour by an amazing Jack with his titanic art and sealed inside iTuna’s golden archives (direct access user service). That old song to a new tune finds uncertain me in my darkling room full of fears, and on Jack’s air, the certainty that everyday something new in the sense of his Art will be searched & found makes me proceed.
Thank You Jorma for the opportunity.
Steady As She Goes
Happy birthday Jack
Peace
LoveAll Ways
Happy Birthday Jack Casady… I hope you see this post.In my opinion you have to be one of the best bass players I’ve ever heard or seen and I thank you.I listened to a live version of Invitation a couple weeks ago and im still amazed.Thanks for all and again. Happy Birthday! Dickie Cowles Upstate,N.Y.
Happy Birthday, Jack!
(For photos: I still take my glasses off and you still keep your glasses on.
Some things, over the decades, never change.)
Happy Birthday Jack!
We love you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK !!!!!
Joe was one of the greatest guy you want to meet. He was older brother to. he will be missed by many. One of his favor it groups was Hot Tuna. Thank you Jorma
I too, was born in ’59. To experience a clean path for the past 20 years such as Big Joe, is a miracle. We believe in miracles, we see them each and every 24 hours. Learning to live one day at a time and in the moment, is all any one could ever ask for. My prayers for all who loved and knew Big Joe, that they may find peace and acceptance for his early departure. Joe will certainly be present in my morning meditation. That spiritual bond that Joey referred to is what brings such heartfelt gratitude in my life now, for it wasn’t always there. Go in Peace Brother.
Lets Go Mets
Body surf Rockaway Beach
Go see Jorma
Sounds like someone who would be near and dear to my heart.
My condolences to all your friends and family.
May your tears be filled with memories of the laughter, joy ,love and peace of happiness you shared.
Peace
Love All Ways
WHAT A LOVELY POST………
You sound like a great guy Joe..RIP
RIP Joe from NY
thoughts from here to your family and friends
keep on trukin……………
Always sad to see a fisherman pass, God bless. m
Thank you, Jorma. Joe was such an amazing, kind person. He was all that you’ve said and more. He will missed but the love he gave to many, so generously and from the heart can never be forgotten or lost. ~ Lay down my sweet brother, lay down and take your rest. ~ Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you for touching my life.
Peace,
Jill
I feel a special connection spiritually to any Sober Hot Tuna fan. My prayers go out to Joe & my condolences to his friends & family. I was at the BKLYN show, there was an old timey kind of vibe inside the venue. Like I remember from the ’70’s. It was very comforting, despite the mass quantities being consumed around me.
Joe-lived with the choices/freedoms that come from beyond our wildest dreams.
Thank you, Jorma for bringing your friend to our attention.
Peace, Joey H.
At our age you just never know. Say a prayer for his soul. RIP Joe.
Keep your Lamps,
john
At our age you just never know. “Death Don’t Have No Mercy. RIP Joe.
Keep your Lamps,
john
Rest In Peace Brother.
And congratulations on completing your 13th Step (the original version not perverted version). Give my regards and secret handshake to Stuart F., the UCF Bug Man, who joined you at the gates that same day.
Peace and Love Fur All
mutt