Joe Alessi, maker of the Jo-Ral Mutes, father of New York Philharmonic principal trombonist Joseph Alessi, Jr., and Jazz trumpeter Ralph Alessi, passed away on December 24, 2004 at his home in San Rafael, California. He was born in Brooklyn, New York on September 2, 1915.

A student of William Vacchiano, he played trumpet in the Metropolitan Opera, Goldman Band, New York Symphony, Radio City Music Hall.

I felt very fortunate to have studied with him during my tenure in the Air Force Band at Hamilton AFB, California in the 1960's, which was only five miles from his home. His demonstrations of etudes in my lessons always amazed me with his beautiful rich tone and lyrical style. I'm sure that every serious trumpet student that came into contact with him feels the loss that I do.

Websites:
San Francisco Chronicle obituary
Tribute page at Joseph Alessi, Jr's website