Joseph Poio

Joseph Poio, 77, of Noblesville, passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Community Hospital North in Indianapolis following an extended illness. 

He was born on July 2, 1947, in New York to Joseph and Dora (Martelli) Poio. 

Joseph graduated from Butler University with a master's degree in music education. He was a well-established music educator that adjudicated some of the finest music ensembles around the country with the Central States Judges Association since 2004. He retired from Muncie Community Schools as their band director at Muncie Southside High School.

Some of his greatest accomplishments were State Fair Band Day Coordinator from 1988-2006, conductor of the Indianapolis Symphonic Band from 1998-2018, winning State Fair Band Day as director of Muncie Southside in 2008, and being runner-up in 2007, 2009 and 2010, and serving for four terms on the Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Board. Concert organizations under his direction have received over seventy-five First Division Gold ratings at Indiana State School Music Association Festivals. He was assistant band director at Delta High School from 1989-1991, band director at Pendleton High School from 1980-1986, and band director at Noblesville High School from 1970-1979. He was the Butler Collegiate Ensemble lead chair clarinet player. He was the principal clarinetist with the Carmel Symphony Orchestra for eleven years and performed the Krommer double concerto for clarinets and orchestra with David Bellman of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. 

He was a member and past president of the Indiana Gamma Chapter of the international conductors' fraternity, Phi Beta Mu. He helped found the Hamilton County Community Band and served on its advisory board. He was a member and former member of the board of directors of the Central States Judges Association. He was a member of the ISSMA Board of Directors for twelve years.

He enjoyed golfing, playing with his kitties over the years PT (Passing Tone), Sam, Abby and Benny. He loved motor sports and would take trips to Florida to Daytona with his brother Marc Poio. Jane and Joe were avid cruisers going on at least two cruises a year for many many years.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Martha Jane (Dobson) Poio; a brother, Marc Poio; special friends, Sean Sumwalt, Chris (wife, Teresa) Boots and Tammy Pepper; and several nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at the Bozell Funeral Home, Lahm Chapel, 211 East State Street, Pendleton, Indiana 46064. A memorial concert will be held by the Hamilton County Community Band in the Spring of 2025. 

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Hamilton County Community Band, 6340 E. 266th St. Arcadia, IN 46030. 

Online condolences may be shared at www.bozellfuneralhomes.com.