Joseph Stanley

Joseph "Joe" Stanley, 88, of Elbow Rd., Pitcher Hill, died Saturday at Van Duyn Home and Hospital. Joe was born to the late Anthony and Mary Navitsky in Norwood, MA but grew up in Shenandoah, PA. He served in the Army in Italy during WWII and was attached to the special services unit where he played accordion. Joe was an accomplished musician, touring since the age of 18 and playing in nearly every state in the union. He toured extensively with the Three Stooges, as well as other western stage shows. Locally he played at various spots including Dutchman's, Walter White's and Lemoyne Manor. After settling in Syracuse in the 1950s, Joe taught accordion to over 600 students at Clark Music, as well as privately, for a period of more than 25 years. He retired in 1982. He was a life member of the American Federation of Musicians union local 78 and a member of St. Margaret's Church in Mattydale. Joe was predeceased by a brother, John Newton of Verona. Survived by his wife of 38 years, the former Kathleen DeRuischer; two daughters, Linda Gene Bushee of North Syracuse, Jennifer Geoffrey Pashley of Liverpool; a son, Joseph A. Stanley of North Syracuse; a stepson, R. John Olmstead of Kirkville; two sisters, Helen Reece and Frances Owen both of California; 10 grandchildren, Melissa, Jared, Evan, Ryan, Michal, Alex, Kieran, Liam, Jessica and Michael; and two great-grandchildren, Dillon and Madison. Friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Krueger Funeral Home, 2619 Brewerton Rd., Mattydale followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m. Contributions may be made to the Joe Stanley Musicians Scholarship c/o Joe Carfagno, 3009 Burnet Ave., Syracuse, NY 13206.