Obituary of Joseph Kruty

     Joseph Kruty, of Englewood Cliffs, NJ, originally of Cliffside Park, NJ, passed on Sunday Nov. 5, 2017, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He passed peacefully in his home, with his family by his side. Joe is survived by his wife, Dr. Sharon Amato, who serves as an administrator in the Fort Lee Public Schools, and his sons Eric and Justin. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Kylie, his nieces Neshamah and Lauren and his nephew Judah. He was predeceased by his parents, Lillian Brokal, a prominent NYC fashion model, and his father Joseph Kruty, an engineer. 

     Joe attended Xavier High School in NYC, and later, St. Cecelia High School in Englewood. He attended Fordham University in Manhattan, studying performing arts. He was an accomplished freelance pianist and voice actor, performing professionally from the time he was a teenager. When he was not playing private events for Hank Lane music, Harold Davis Orchestras, or other club date agents, he played at events, celebrations and night clubs at a myriad of venues in NYC and across the country. He played with jazz bands, big bands, and he led a rhythm section, playing with the world's foremost R&B and jazz musicians at the former "Far and Away" in Cliffside Park. He was sought out as a piano player and organist for his talent, broad musical repertoire that spanned nearly a century, and his mastery of the B3 organ. He was also employed by Sam Ash music in Paramus and Manhattan, and worked in real estate management. 

     He will be most remembered for his kindness, sensitivity, intelligence and quick wit. He had an infectious sense of humor and was a great story teller. In addition to his talent as a musician, Joe was the consummate handyman, who could repair or re-purpose anything, and he was a skilled cook and baker. Joe had a rich and full life that included making music with some of the world's most talented musicians, travel to far reaches of the world, dining at the finest restaurants, hosting memorable events and jam sessions in his home, and mostly, being surrounded by his loving family members and devoted friends.

     Visitation to be held at McCorry Brothers, 780 Anderson Avenue, Cliffside Park, NJ, on Thursday, November  9, 2017, from 2-4 & 7-9PM.  Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, November 10, 2017 at 10:30AM.  Cremation to follow is private.

         IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, DONATIONS MAY BE MADE TO THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.