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Joseph “Joe” Walter Dismondi, a beloved sound technician, musician, and friend, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025. Born and raised in Redondo Beach, California, Joe graduated from Redondo Union High School in 1971 before embarking on a lifelong journey in the music industry.
Joe’s passion for music led him to the road, where he honed his skills as a sound technician with local bands before earning a place alongside rock legends. In 1974 he worked for Tycobrahe, a leader in sound technology where he found himself helping Van Halen and other notable bands figure out “the sound”. He would work with some of the most iconic artists of all time. His expertise and dedication brought him to the stages of the Allman Brothers Band where he would tour constantly over 2 decades. He was credited for his sound work on The Allman Brothers Band’s album “Enlightened Rogues”. Throughout his career, he contributed to the live performances of Fleetwood Mac, Little River Band, Heart, Boston, Black Sabbath, America, ELO, Rich Harper, Ted Nugent, Grateful Dead, Kiss, Jefferson Starship, Linda Ronstadt, Robert Palmer, Black Oak Arkansas, the Marshall Tucker Band, and many others. With an ear for perfection and a deep love for the art of sound, Joe helped bring music to life, ensuring that every audience felt its raw energy and emotion.
One of Joe’s most cherished moments on the road was hearing the Allman Brothers Band perform Dreams, a song that resonated deeply with him. It was in those fleeting yet powerful moments that all the long miles and hard work felt worthwhile.
Beyond his career, Joe was known for his quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and deep loyalty to those he loved. He never spoke ill of his friends and built lifelong bonds with his fellow travelers on the road. Whether sharing stories over a bowl of clam chowder at Old Tony’s on the Redondo Beach Pier or watching the sun sink into the ocean, he found peace in life’s simple pleasures and the endless rhythm of the sea. In his free time with Joe’s love for the ocean, he could be found taking long bike rides on his Strand Cruiser at the beach meeting with friends and sharing a brew and good times.
Joe was preceded in death by his father, Joseph B. Dismondi; his mother, Ida Bernice Martin Dismondi; and his half-brother, Johnny Charles Hicks. He is survived by his stepbrother, Cole Walton “Terry” of Torrance, California; his niece, Sherry Culpepper, and nephews, Donnie Hicks and Scott Hicks of Texas; and several cousins, aunts, and uncles. He also leaves behind a vast family of friends from the road, his chosen family, who will forever carry his memory with them along with countless friends at NRG, Edison and other places Joe worked around the world.
Joe’s family wishes to express their profound gratitude for the outpouring of love and support that surrounded him throughout his life. They extend heartfelt thanks to Sharon for first love, Anna for her angelic care, Tim, Renee and Cheska for their unwavering hope, Shirley for her steadfast friendship, Arlene for keeping watch, and Beverly for her devoted care of “the boys”, and DB cat.
Joe was deeply touched by the kindness and generosity of countless others who crossed his path, leaving an indelible mark on his life. To all who shared in Joe's journey and contributed to the love and light that surrounded him, the family offers their sincere appreciation and thanks.
Joe’s kindness, humor, and love for music and the sea will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy lives on in the music he helped shape and the hearts he touched along the way.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his honor to a music education charity of your choice, ensuring that future generations can share in the passion that defined his life.
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