The Jewish Link of New Jersey is saddened by the passing of famed Jewish guitarist and singer Yossi Piamenta. He was 64.

Yossi had performed at thousands of simchas during the course of his illustrious 35-year music career. His songs are recognized by many, and are still played at weddings by Jewish performers across the world. Prior to his death on Sunday, he had been battling a debilitating illness for more than a year, as fans the world over continued to pray for his recovery.

Piamenta was born in Jerusalem in 1951, and in 1962 moved with his family to Tel Aviv. In the 1970s, he moved to New York with his brother, Avi Piamenta, where he remained for over 20 years before returning to Israel to live.

In August 2014, Piamenta, together with his brother Avi and performer Naftali Kalfa, released a single called “Yaancha,” which was intended as a prayer for Piamenta’s recovery.

Even after his diagnosis, Yossi traveled to Gaza during the last war to play for the soldiers, as yet another example of the acts of chesed he performed daily during his lifetime.

Yossi Piamenta will be deeply missed by all who knew him, benefited from his music, and loved him.