Joseph Ralph DeBaise

Joseph Ralph DeBaise, passed away peacefully at Elderwood Nursing Home in Liverpool, on Monday morning, March 2, at the age of 94.

Born on May 23, 1931, Joe lived a full life of music performance and teaching. At an early age, Joe excelled at playing the Violin and Piano. After graduating from North High School, Joe studied at Syracuse University where he earned his Bachelor of Music degree, Cum Laude, followed by his Master’s degree in piano performance. Later, Joe went on to earn a Doctoral degree in music composition at the Eastman School of Music, Rochester NY. There, he composed his full “Second Symphony” as a part of the doctoral requirement.

In his early career, Joe performed in and around New York with a variety of show bands, jazz bands, and orchestras, playing piano, Hammond B3 Organ and the Violin. Joe was a lifelong member in good standing with the American Federation of Musicians Union, Syracuse Local 78. Later in life, Joe focused on teaching music lessons out of his studio in the Village of Liverpool. Joe loved to teach, helping his students to reach advanced levels of skill and performance. Several of Mr. DeBaise’s students went on to perform with the Syracuse Youth Symphony, winning prominent seating positions in the First Violin section.

Joe is predeceased by his parents, Filomena and Joseph DeBaise; and his brother, Ralph DeBaise of Syracuse, NY. He is survived by several of his cousins.

Interment will be made at Woodlawn Cemetery in Syracuse. Services will be held privately.