Joseph F. Claffy, a popular bankruptcy lawyer and piano prodigy who turned Joseph Claffy Music into a popular orchestra, died on June 25 at Chester County Hospital aged 68, writes Gary Miles for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Claffy started playing piano early in life, making it obvious from the start that he was special.
He underwent formal training, graduated high school two years early, and was playing piano in Las Vegas with show bands before he turned 18. Claffy later earned a bachelor’s degree in classical piano and composition and spent 35 years leading the Joseph Claffy Orchestra. They played everywhere from the White House to the Palace at Versailles, as well as top clubs and hotels worldwide.
For years, Claffy was also the band leader at the Downingtown Inn.
He earned a law degree at Widener University and opened a firm with offices in Downingtown and West Chester. He found his niche in bankruptcy cases.
“He was really brilliant,” said his wife, Patti. “He was about helping people. He never said you couldn’t do something. He evolved every day.”
Read more about Joseph F. Claffy in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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