Joseph Patrick McGuire III Born May 20, 1951 - Died January 12, 2017
Submitted by Carson Now Reader on Thu, 01/26/2017 - 9:57am
Born in Pittsburgh, PA., the second eldest child of Joseph Patrick McGuire Jr. and Sylvia Francis May, Joe spent his early childhood in and around that area, moving often due to his Father’s work.
In 1964, at the age of 13, he and his family moved to Carson City, the Capital of Nevada. It was there, playing in the school band, that Joe had discovered a love of music that would become the muse that he would follow the rest of his life.
In High School, Joe taught himself to play guitar and with close friends Casey, Lou, Ray & Suzette (Mugsie), he formed and played in numerous “garage” bands. Influenced by singer songwriters such as John Lennon and Stephen Stills, Joe poured heart and soul into playing the songs of these musical icons.
Upon High School graduation in 1969, Joe worked construction and briefly studied engineering at the University of Idaho but always he was drawn to playing and writing music. In the early 70’s he moved to the San Luis Obispo / Morrow Bay area to study music at Cuesta College, earning an Associate of Arts degree.
Joe was a multi-instrumentalist; playing 6 and 12-string guitars, bass, mandolin and was proficient on piano, flute and saxophone. He worked hard at his craft. Joe’s band, with its jazz / folk influences became the house band at the local music venue, the Motel Inn; initially with vocal partner, Suzette (Mugsie) Dietel and then with singer / pianist Jana Sorensen.
Joe and Jana were married and in 1979, as “Milk Wood”, they recorded and self-produced an album of original music titled “Another Sunday”. A move to Los Angeles unfortunately ended their marriage but Joe began a career there as a music copyist with Warner Brothers. Using his talent and training, he transcribed music arrangements for major motion picture productions, including the Batman franchise.
In the mid 90’s Joe started his own business, providing music transcription services at a professional level and in the ensuing years would provide recording assistance to such major acts as Ray Charles and Willie Nelson and touring assistance to Neil Diamond and Barry Manilow. Still following his muse, Joe continued to write and record his own original music.
In 1992, Joe met the woman with whom he would share the rest of his life. Alexandra (Sandy) LoSchiavo and Joe were married in 2008, sharing their interests in food, wine, reading, music, gardening, home improvement, sports, and cats. At the time of his passing Joe was putting the final touches on 23 new original songs and to his last breath spoke of his hopes and dreams for the future.
His wife, Sandy, spoke from her heart in her description of Joe, “He was funny, smart, kind, talented, decent, sweet and just easy to be with”. Joe is preceded in death by his Father and Mother, his older sister Donna and is survived by his wife, his brother and sister, Jim McGuire & Judy Bendure and his nieces and nephews. Joe’s life was a blessing to all who knew him. Rest in peace; son, brother, husband & friend; our lives were enriched by yours.
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