Joseph A. Guzman, known to family and friends as Alex and to the classical music world as José Alejandro Guzmán, passed away at home on March 17, 2021. He was born in New York City on July 17, 1946, the son of Maria Colón Guzmán. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Hunter College and became a New York State Court Officer, rising to the rank of Captain. He retired from that position in 2002 to pursue his music career full time.
For over 50 years, Maestro Guzmán was an orchestra conductor, serving as music director and guest conductor for many symphony orchestras and opera companies in the New York City metropolitan area, including the Regina Opera Company, the Staten Island Philharmonic, the Centre Symphony, Amore Opera, the New York Symphonic Arts Ensemble, the Rockaway-Five Towns Symphony, the Bronx Symphony, and many others. His passion for music, his kindness, and his sense of humor inspired innumerable musicians and music lovers.
He is survived by his wife, Linda Cantoni, whom he married in 1992; his twin brother, Nelson Guzman; his sister, Noelia Rivera, and her family; his nieces, Denise Aquino and Samantha Cantoni; and his grand-nephews, Jay and Marcus Aquino.
Friends wishing to do so may make tax-deductible donations in his memory to the Regina Opera Company at http://reginaopera.org/give.htm.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net.