Big Joe Fitz | Celebration of Life
House band - The Lo Fi's: Mark Dziuba, Robert Bard, Tim Whalen, Eric Parker
Featuring performances by: Jumpin Jack Stroebel, Robin Baker and Eric Stamberg, Chris Vitarello, Willa Vincetore, Dorraine Scofield, Petey Hop, Betty and the Baby Boomers, Jeremy Baum, Dewitt Nelson and Barbara Dempsey, Jimmy Eppard, Paul Toscano, Brian Melick, Jeff Siegel
Joseph Michael Fitzpatrick Jr., affectionately known as "Big Joe Fitz," passed away peacefully at his Rosendale, NY home on January 15, 2026, at age 76. A legendary Hudson Valley musician and Radio Woodstock host, he was deeply celebrated and beloved for his community service, his 30-year career at the Astor Home, and last but not least, his soulful, swinging blues. Over the last 20 years or so, he played all over the Hudson Valley with his band, the Lo Fi's.. These gigs, including regular Sunday afternoons for many years at the Falcon, were known for the way Big Joe brought people together and spread the joy.
Joe was born on May 7, 1949, in New York City. Over the decades, he became a pillar of the Hudson Valley—hosting "Blues Break" on WDST, performing his soulful blues, and dedicating his time to local causes like Angel Food East, Ulster Literacy, and the Threshold Choir. [1]
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Kluber, and his son, Sam.