“Eh Ah? What the hell? Don’t be sad, I didn’t fear dying, and I believe in reincarnation.

“I had a beautiful last supper at The Dome with La Familia. Great seafood and lots of music. It’s what we do.”

Joe Leonardi passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 20, surrounded by the deep love of his family.

Joe is survived by his five children: Dean Leonardi, Anastacia Armstrong, Jennifer Bishop, Joey Leonardi, and Jesaca Hatcher. He was a cherished father-in-law to Skip Armstrong, Dino Bishop, and Mark Hatcher, and a proud grandfather to Jake Scott, Noah Bishop, and William and Sedonah Hatcher.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1945, Joe explored life in Arizona, Colorado, and California, before establishing deep roots in Sisters.

A modern renaissance man, Joe expressed his creativity through videography, songwriting, cooking, and community-building. For 30-plus years, Joe continually evolved his geodesic dome home, which was inspired by one of his most valued mentors, Buckminster (Bucky) Fuller. With a welcoming heart, Joe’s door was always open for social gatherings, musical concerts, and incredible meals, when the “Eat at Joe’s” sign was lit in his big picture window.

Joe was a passionate artist and entrepreneur who channeled his humanitarian and philanthropic values into all he created. He established his company, Leonardi Media Arts, where he instinctively encapsulated people’s life stories into film. He was most fulfilled when contributing his videography talents to the Central Oregon community and building events such as Starry Nights, Sisters Folk Festival, My Own Two Hands, and much more. Through his life’s work, Joe left behind a beautiful legacy that we can appreciate for years to come.

At the age of 16, Joe played his first gig with the same Fender bass that he created music with his entire life. For over 60 years he was an integral part of many bands, and composed music all over the country. Joe has been a major contributor to the arts and music scene in the Central Oregon community for the past three decades. Music was Joe’s first language — and his last.

Joe will always be remembered and cherished by his children, grandchildren, and the community, as a guiding source of love. He strived to live life embodying peace, and with a core value of compassion for the evolution of humanity — and for our planet Earth.

Where’s The Party Leonardi? Joe’s entire family is looking forward to honoring and celebrating his incredible life with you all Sunday, November 13, from 2 to 7 p.m. at The Belfry, 302 E. Main Ave., in Sisters.