Joseph Holtzinger ( DJ Joe H) Memorial Fund
Joe was the most caring curmudgeon you could ever meet. He cared about his family and friends and especially his work to a fault. He made it all look easy but you would never know how hard he worked to get to that point. He would work for hours gathering every song that he could get his hands on for his customers to make huge song binders that with “no duplicate listings,” he personalized sounds systems for his venues so everyone would sound good, he made special graphics for both singing and non-singing patrons so everyone would feel like a rock star, he devised a custom touchscreen system and an incredible wireless songbook that a few patrons got to enjoy this fall. Through the years working at Nickel’s, Locust Bar, National Mechanics, Bait & Switch, Daly’s, private parties and especially McGillin’s- where he hosted karaoke for 20+ years, he loved getting people together to sing. He was perfectly content to not sing himself because it meant that it was a good night for everybody else. Outside of work he was a quiet nerd who loved sci-fi, prog rock, cooking, “frantic couponing,” trivia and DIY renovations.
He put everything into his business/home and unfortunately he hadn’t much left for insurance (yeah, ok, the smoking didn’t help) and his death was very unexpected. Due to the pandemic, Joe hadn’t been working for months & the family’s savings are completely depleted. We are hoping as Joe has given so much to the karaoke community, you can help us give him a memorial worthy of all the good times that he has given you. His Family-Jennifer, Jaidyn & Joseph II, thanks you advance for your condolences and support.
Note: I've increased the goal as Jen had optioned for an open- casket viewing so that friends and family could pay their last respects. Please join us if you can- visitation will be held Tuesday, December 29, 2020 9:00am-11:00 am at Reilly-Rakowski Funeral Home, 2632 E. Allegheny Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19134, with service immediately following. Masks and social distancing will be observed. Joe will then be entrusted to cremation services. All-day open house (to allow for social distancing) will immediately follow at 3210 Salmon St, Philadelphia, PA 19134.