We regret to inform you of the Petirah of Yossi Piamenta, the world-renowned Jewish singer and entertainer who was Niftar today following an illness. He was 64.
The following is from YWN:
Yossi had the Zechus to be Misameach thousands upon thousands of Chasanim and Kallah’s at weddings in the past 35 years. His music touched many of us, and many of his songs are played at weddings every night.
Yossi Piamenta was battling a dreaded illness since being diagnosed more than a year ago, as thousands of his fans continue to pray for his recovery.
Sadly, he was Niftar on Sunday afternoon.
Never the one to say no, Yossi would always drop all he was doing and run to hospital or private home to cheer up those suffering from illness and disease. Yossi did countless amazing acts of chesed which did quietly for so many years. Chesed that we will never even know about.
Alwasy seen with a huge smile, Yossi was always seen holding a Sefer Tehillim in his hands in between dance sets at weddings – praying for the unfortunate ones.
Piamenta was born in Jerusalem, Israel in 1951 to Yehuda and Genia Piamenta. In 1962, when he was 12 years old, Piamenta moved with his family to Tel Aviv, Israel. There, he received his first guitar from his uncle, Albert Piamenta, an Israeli saxophonist. Growing up, he practiced traditional Judaism.
In his 20s, Piamenta moved to New York, together with his brother, Avi Piamenta, with the intention of working on a joint album with American saxophone player Stan Getz. The album was a success but Piamenta disapproved of the entertainment industry lifestyle and turned to religion, joining the Orthodox Jewish community.
Piamenta lived in Flatbush, New York, for over 20 years before moving back to Israel.
In August 2014, Piamenta – together with Avi Piamenta and Naftali Kalfa – released a single, “Yaancha,” calling it a “prayer for Piamenta’s recovery.”
Even after taking ill, Yossi traveled to the Gaza border during the last war to play for the soldiers.
Levaya details have not yet been made available.
To TLS Editor:
The Yeshiva World posted the following update:
“The Levaya is scheduled for Sunday evening at 8:00PM, in Shomrei Hachomos Chapels on Ft Hamilton Parkway in Boro Park. The Kevura will be in Israel.”
So Sad – He was so into pumping everybody up with true Simcha ! May he be a meilitz yosher, and in the zchus of all the Simcha he generated bring the true Simcha to Klal Yisroel !
Yossi A”H was the sweetest of the sweet. He will be sorely missed.
He had a very special neshama. I spent a Shabbos with him. He sang zemiris with such heart and sat and learnt all fri nite eating papitas. It was a very unique experience . He is back with the Aibeshter , with whom he was so close.
Oish. I dunno why, but I’m so depressed about this. To me, growing up, he was mamesh the Rebbeh. He was a gaon & gadol in music. I could, and did, watch him for hours. As I got older we got to know each other & I considered him a good friend. He went through hard times, he wasn’t getting rich off his albums &/or concerts but he was always happy & smiling. He played at R’ Ghoori’s Kollel in Lkwd a few yrs ago. There were maybe 40-50 ppl there. I thought he’d play so-so. Boy was I wrong. Rabbeinu Rob played bass, Yossi played & sang, he brought along some sick drummer & it was amazing. I was mamesh flying.The oilam loved it. Yossi loved it. It. Was just amazing. Then he would sit, eat & shmooze with the oilam & give some of the guys chizzuk. He was a special man, a gifted musician & he will be sorely missed by all his friends, family & fans. Yehi zichro Boruch. If anyone knows a name for Mishnayos, plz post. After all he did, the least I could do is learn some Mishnayos l’iluy nishmasoi. Thanx.
Besides he was one in a generation in his mastery of his instrument . He played guitar as it was second nature.
Remember him playing at the simchas beis hashoaivah in crown heights. He had the place rocking! He was mesamaiach so many peopled. Hashem gave him UNUSUAL talent and he used it to serve Hashem and make other people Happy. May he be a mailitz yosher!
I agree with jog a thon 100%. I was there at the Kollel when Yopssi played. He came more than once. The place was electric & he mingled with the oilam like one of the boys. Yossi was great. I also 2d Isaac’s post. I used togo to Simchas Bais HaShoaiva till 4:00 am to watch him. What a special talent.
He made people happy…that is what counts!!!