Joseph L. LaBracio

Joseph "Joe Long" L. LaBracio

September 5, 1932 - April 21, 2021

Joseph L. LaBracio, 88 of Long Branch, died at Monmouth Medical Center on Monday, April. 21^st. Better known as Joe Long, was the bass player in Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Joe was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, where he went to Thomas Jefferson High School, and attended several music schools, where he was classically trained on the piano, accordion and of course the bass guitar. Joe joined the Four Seasons following Nick Masi and played with the band for many years. His favorite song was “Got you under my skin”, which he had enjoyed creating the instrumentals of the intro. As well as many others of their famous songs, including Can’t take my eyes off of you and the Rag Doll video. Joe enjoyed a great friendship with Frank Sinatra whom took Joe under his wing because of his Classical training. Joe was honored by being inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame

He was an amateur pilot and enjoyed playing Flight Simulator in his later years. He was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and enjoyed spending time with his son, Joe and his friends at the Sushi Bar at Ichiban and enjoyed Sunday afternoons, at Jonny Piancone’s. He was a soft spoken man, that enjoyed sarcasm and a great sense of humor.

Joe is survived by his children, Joseph J. LaBracio, Long Branch and Kimberly A. LaBracio, Los Angeles, Ca.; and his brother Anthony LaBracio and his wife Judy, Ft. Myers, Fl.

Joe’s Life Celebration services will be private. There will be no public funeral services due to Covid 19. To share a favorite memory or send messages of condolence please visit Joe’s page of tributes at www.woolleyboglioli.com. In honor of Joe, his family requests that contributions be made to the S.P.C.A., 260 Wall Street, Eatontown, NJ 07724.

Woolley Boglioli Funeral Home

Carmine Basciano

Concetta & Joe Ruggiero

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Joseph L. LaBracio, 88 of Long Branch, died at Monmouth Medical Center on Monday, April. 21st. Better known as Joe Long, was the bass player in Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Joe was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, where he went to Thomas Jefferson High School, and attended several music schools, where he …
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My sincere condolences to the family of Joe Long. Here at work listening to a live concert and just listening to Joe Long and Frankie Valli going back and fourth with their banter. Never had the pleasure of meeting Joe Long but he sure seemed like one heck of a great guy and I’m sure he was. Rest In Peace Joe Long

Joe was married to one of my good friends, Pam, and I also considered him a good friend. I am so sad to hear of his passing. Condolences and prayers to his family.

Sorry to hear of Joe's passing. We were classmates at Thomas Jefferson HS in Elizabeth, NJ. I was a big fan of the Four Seasons, and enjoyed them more after Joe joined the group and stayed with them for 10 years. Saw them in Asbury Park's Convention Hall and many times on TV especially the Ed Sullivan Show. RIP Joe you will be missed.

Even though we haven't seen or been in touch with Joe for years, memories of his warm friendship meant that everyone in my family was sad at his passing. Joey and Kim, I know you miss him and your mom. My thoughts are with you.

Sincerst condolences To Joe and his family. Had the great pleasure of knowing him for years and was fortunate to being invited to visit him with Kim and Joey. What a great person he was.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Joe LaBracio (Long). Because Joe was such a dear, sweet gentleman, his loss will be felt deeply. I got to know Joe and his kind nature when he welcomed my late brother, Demetri Callas, into the Four Seasons family. Through the years, the two of them kept their relationship alive with their zany sense of humor and reminiscences of their adventurous times with the Four Seasons. When my brother needed help, Joe arrived with an autographed bass to auction off and an armload of autographed Four Seasons photos. I'll never forget his generosity. Joe understood hard times and had a heart to reach out and help others. May he rest in heaven with all his loved ones who have passed. I hope he, Tommy DeVito and Demetri are bringing the Seasons sound to the angels. Joe will be missed because, like his favorite song, "we got him under our skin."

I didn't know the man but I sure loved his music and he was my favorite of the four. Rest i peace, Joe Your music will live forever.

Condolences to Joey & Kim. Joe was a great guy both at work (Dnb) and as a friend. My family will never forget the A TEAM ''crab'' parties that Joe hosted at his house for several years. His humor and cleverness were always on display and he was loved by everyone he came into contact with. It was an honor and privilege to consider him a friend.

Our family shared so many wonderful times with Joe. He was a man of integrity, wit and great honor and we will miss him terribly. May his family find comfort at this difficult time. Rest In Peace dear friend xo With love and prayers, Darcel, David, Tyler and Thomas

Our deepest sympathy and condolences to the LaBracio family. Joe led an amazing life and always remembered his home here in NJ. Rest in peace. Concetts & Joe Ruggiero

In memory of Joseph "Joe Long" L. LaBracio, Concetta & Joe Ruggiero lit a candle

Joe was a great musician, a real gentleman and one of the nicest guy I've ever known. I will miss him. RIP Sincerely, Frankie Cupo

My heart is truly broken! I lost a dear friend and wonderful human being, former Four Seasons bass player and vocalist, Joe Long! Joe touched everyone he met! The ultimate gentleman and human being! Joe, Vinnie Jule, our mutual friend, and myself shared many lunches together where we discussed music, old times with Frankie and The Seasons, and just life in general! Joe became a mentor to me with my career and my music! I love you brother and will miss you so very much! My prayers are with Joe’s family! R. I.P. my friend and sleep warm!

My deepest sympathy to Joe's children and his brother. I am actually a cousin of Joe's from Pittsburgh. I actually got to see him about 3-4 years ago when he was in town with the tribute ban. It was as if we were never apart. My mother Mary Catone was a cousin of Joe's mother and we visited every summer until I was about 17 or 18. Joe and Buzzy were like olders brothers to me when we visited. Aunt Stella and my grandmother were sisters. We always had great times with the whole family. I know from my family, everyone has gone and I know the same for the Picaro Family. I would love to get a call from one of Joe's children and Anthony (Buzzy) and speak of old times. My email is above and they can send their contact information and I will contact them. There are a contingency of second and third generation of cousins still in Pittsburgh. Love and God's Blessing to you. Philomena

Dear Joey and Kimmie, Words cannot express our sadness over losing our dear friend, Joe. We have been talking frequently with him about when we can all get together again for our group lunches at Denino's. When JoAnn texted him she promised to make her meatballs and pasta of his choice as soon as he could come over. Your dad replied "Keep em frozen". Our hearts are heavy now knowing we will not be able to all be together to celebrate HIM. He has been a great friend to us and always made sure to say "I Love You" when we ended a phone call. Not many people today do that, it just goes to show the depth of his compassion for people he cared about. We loved talking to him about his musical career and the Yankees. He will be in our minds and hearts forever. Our prayers go out to you and all of Joe's family and loved ones. He was such a special man in so many ways, and was loved by all who knew him. God be with you and may our dear friend Joe Rest In Peace. Love, Jerry & JoAnn Coppola

My deepest condolences. We were good neighbors and friends growing up on High Street across from each other. Will never forget the times Joey tried to help me learn to ride a bike and drive a car (unfortunately, we hit a pole and my driving lessons were over). So many fond memories of hanging out with each other and friends in our younger years. Rest in Peace. ~ Mary

Dear Joe and Kimmie our heartfelt condolences. Our hearts are broken with the loss of our wonderful friend of 48 years. He was a kind, humble and talented man and we are left with a huge hole in our lives. We spent a lot of time together and felt very privileged to be his friend. Everyone who knew him, loved him. God Bless you Joe. We will miss you forever. May you rest in Peace with the Angels knowing how much kindness and love you brought to so many. Till we meet again. Love, Vinnie and Bernie

Joe and Kimmy..I am so sorry to hear about your dad.He was a very funny and sweet man..Please accept my heartfelt Sympathy.

My deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Joe (Long) Labracio. To Kimmy & Joey, fond memories of your trips to Long Hill Township for dinners at Rob (Bob) Fellows house with your Dad and trips to the Yankee Games will be cherished. Your father was a joy to know and I am so glad to have spent time with him and you. Joe had a great sense of humor and made every visit special. He will truly be missed. A great talent but an even better friend.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.