Jameson G. Lavo, 28
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. - Jameson "Jamie" Greeley Lavo, 28, of Northampton died Friday, June 1, 2012, in Northampton. He was the grandson of the late Lewis H. and Jean Hardy Canedy of North Adams.
Born in Louisville, Ky., on Dec. 1, 1983, son of Harry Lavo of Holyoke and Susan Canedy of Farmington, Conn., he attended Pioneer Valley Performing Arts Charter Public School in South Holyoke.
A musician, Mr. Lavo entered the Northampton music scene in the early 2000s with his bands Underlie and Sirrr, formed while still a student. While also working at ABT Corp., he wrote and performed with his bands throughout the Northeast. During the second half of last decade, Mr. Lavo formed The Trials and Tribulations, an 15-member group performing both his own and other members' songs and contemporary versions of classic folk songs. His version of "You Are My Sunshine" became a well-known part of the local music scene. The Trials and Tribulations was nominated as Editor's Choice for best new folk group in Valley Advocate's 2008 "Band Grand Slam" contest, and subsequently has continued to perform in the area while working to complete its first CD.
Friends described Mr. Lavo as an extraordinarily kind, sensitive, thoughtful and passionate person, who lifted the spirits of all who knew and loved him with laughter, helping other musicians in ways large and small, continuing to refresh friendships with old acquaintances. In recent years, he had become an active advocate for social change. He hated injustice and challenged all who knew him with his observations of life and the world. His several trips to New York City to join the Occupy Wall Street movement led him to take an active role in the local group's political planning process. A visit to his Facebook page reveals the breadth and depth of affection in which he was held.
His family will miss him dearly.
Besides his parents, he leaves his sister Katherine Jean Lavo, also of Holyoke; a sister-in-law, Brenda Lavo of Swanton, Vt.; his nephew, Max, and niece, Renee, also both of Swanton; five aunts, four uncles, 10 cousins, and his beloved cat, Carrot.
His brother, Kipling C. Lavo, died in 2010.
FUNERAL NOTICE - A memorial service for Mr. Lavo will be held for friends and acquaintances at the Center for the Arts in Northampton on Saturday, June 16, at 11. Private burial services will be held for the family in North Adams.
Friends and acquaintances are encouraged to add their recollections and comments to Mr. Lavo's Facebook page and, if desired, to donate to the Occupy movement or a local charity in his name. Local arrangements by Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals.