Many industry leaders in the Northeast are mourning the passing of Joe DiFazio, who was the founder of Jo-Di’s Sound Centers, based in West Hartford, CT.
Joe died last week at the age of 8o. He opened one of the first car audio shops in CT in 1970, and sold the first 8- track player in the state, and installed the first “car phone” (at $3,499.95). Foretelling what would become the remote start industry, he worked with a car security company to make an “extra button” on the car alarm key fob that could be used for remotely starting a car, said Jodi O’Connor, his daughter who is GM of the Jo-Di’s chain.
Joe conducted his business deals on a handshake, growing the store to 12 locations and 80 employees at its height. In 1974 he opened the New England distributor A-Z Auto Sound.
Many industry members started their careers working at Jo-Dis or A-Z Sound.
“Joe was my first employer in retail car audio,” said Ira Gold of CT rep, Impact Sales and Marketing. “He became my customer when I was a young rep for Northeast Stereo Marketing and then direct for Alpine Electronics. When I was let go from Alpine…, he said, ‘Come work for me at AZ Audio’… I worked with Joe for over 10 years… My family and I were always considered part of his family.”
Gold added, “He was shrewd, generous, loved to have a good time and had lots and lots of energy. He was a man with a big heart… a true legend. I will miss him! I loved him as family and he loved me as family.”
Bill Turner, former VP of JVC Mobile said, “To me, Joe DiFazio was an icon. He was one of the first huge retailers on the east coast. Just really an honest, ethical, salt of the earth type guy. It was enjoyable to do business with him. Joe would go out of his way to help you make your numbers, that’s the kind of person he was.”
Turner added, “He was my first customer in this industry.”
In addition to Jodi, Joe’s daughter Kim Macdonald helps run the business. Jodi said, while she might be the more well-known contact at Jo-Di’s, “It has always been Kim’s unwavering principles, business knowledge and organizational skills that have kept the company forging ahead.” She called the Jo-Di’s employees, a “loyal second family.”
Over the last decade, Joe was enjoying more time away from the business, along with his wife Amy with whom he shared a wonderful 57 years of marriage. He was a consummate family man, never missing a chance to be at one of his grandchildren’s birthdays, sporting or school events. He looked forward every year to hosting an annual family reunion at his home.
“We will all miss his amazing smile, giant bear hugs and larger than life presence,” his family said.
Calling hours will be Sunday, October 29, 4-8 pm at Carmon Funeral Home, Avon, CT
A Funeral Service will be held at the Carmon Funeral Home in Avon, Monday, October 30 at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Main Street Community Foundation: Memorial Tribute, P.O. Box 2702, Bristol, CT 06011-2702
St. Judes: ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105
Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306
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Joe was a friend, a mentor, a customer and considered family by me. He was my first real customer and contact when I joined Metra back in the late 70’s. I will never forget my first visit to his headquarters in Connecticut. It was my first time on a propeller plane. It was a Dehavilland, wing over the top, twin engine, flying out of LaGuardia to Hartford. Needless to say, I was nervous. I was even more nervous meeting the man himself. I had set up an appointment to speak with him and he didn’t make me wait but received me with a smile and warmth. He was a tough negotiator and a distinct presence and could definitely be intimidating. I was trying to get an order from him and he taught me the art of salesmanship that day but in the end i left with a big order and a bear hug. Joe was always that way. Tough on the outside but a big warm heart for a struggling salesman. He really didn’t need anything that day but he would not send me home empty handed. That was Joe. It is with a deep personal sorrow that I learned of his passing. I will hold him in my prayers and heart forever. I send my deepest condolences to Jodi and family at this time. He was a kind and gentle man with a heart of hearts!
With my deepest respect and love
Bill Jones
My thoughts and prayers for his and the Jo-Dis family. Very sorry for your loss. 🙏
Jo-Di’s is one of Alpine’s longest tenured customers. Joe D was a legend in our business and a gentleman. He will be missed.
Joe D was not only a very smart & savvy businessman, he was also a fine human being. I am honored to have called him friend. RIP 🙏