Joseph Cropin

Joseph P. Cropin, Jr., 71, passed away peacefully in hospice care on May 12, 2023 in Crystal
Lake, Illinois.
Joe was born in Chicago to his late parents, Joseph and Mildred Cropin, Sr. A life-long resident
of Lake County, he grew up in Round Lake and most recently lived in Ingleside.
Joe studied music theory at the College of Lake County in addition to studying guitar under
Robert White, Frank Ramoro, and Frank Portolese. He received a Grammy for his work at Sonic
Arts Studio on "Father, Father," the Grammy-winning disc by Pops Staples. Joe played in many
bands over the years, and especially liked playing in Guitarola. He also enjoyed teaching his
guitar students at A-Major Music and Great Lake Music.
An avid fisherman, Joe successfully fished many lakes in Illinois and Wisconsin, and loved
being on the water. He was known to bring a fishing rod to music gigs if they were near a lake.
Joe was a beloved husband and step-father, survived by his wife, Mary Neely and by daughter
Jennifer Neely (Sean Foxley). Also surviving are his sister Gail, friend and former wife Casandre
Siva, and his devoted companion, Chops.
Many thanks to friends who stopped to visit with Joe this past year, and to the wonderful people
at The Pearl of Crystal Lake and Vitas Hospice.
Visitation and a short service will be from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Friday, May 26, 2023 at Peterson & Patch Funeral Home, 408 N. Sheridan Road, Waukegan, IL 60085,
Please sign our online guestbook at www.waukeganfunerals.com.
Donations may be made to Christ Episcopal Church, 410 Grand Ave, Waukegan, IL 60085