the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, multiply sources have reported that the gentleman who played the flute on Ridgewood Avenue often near Warner Theater has passed away. He anonymously serenaded central business district patrons and was a unique addition to the Village . If anyone has any details we would be glad to pass them on.
Philip Belpasso Death – Obituary News; Philip Belpasso, Homeless street musician has passed away. He was a fixture on the streets of Ridgewood NJ for over 20 years. He was also known and reached some acclaim as the “pied piper of ground zero” where he would frequently play his flute in the days after 9/11.
Always the eccentric Phil would often claim to be working on some sort of patten involving some contraption he was designing that he would insist would solve global warming and cure cancer. I’m deeply saddened by his passing and if you knew him you would be too. He’ll be missed. He was loved.
Family, friends, and loved ones are devastated and shattered at the completely unexpected passing of Philip Belpasso.
His name was Philip Belpasso and he lived in a single-family Fair Lawn home for decades. Many thought he was homeless, but he was not. Since 9/11, many news articles were written about him playing the flute on the streets of Lower Manhattan. Google his full name to learn more about this very interesting man. May he Rest In Peace.
Yes he looks so very happy playing the flute for so many people God rest his soul.
He gave Ridgewood Ave. a special feel with his music especially around Christmas time ! RIP 🙏🏻
Yes – a bit eccentric, but very learned, great conversationalist – hard to get him to stop. I enjoyed the time over the past few years. Will be missed!
Yes – a bit eccentric, but very learned, great conversationalist – hard to get him to stop. I enjoyed the time over the past few years. Will be missed!
Sure, missed this flute person. Rest in peace Phil.
Mike
Starbucks Ridgewood Guy.
I lived with Phil in a rented room in his home one summer in 1993. Very kind gentle generous and welcoming man. We need more people like him in this world not less. Rest In Peace.
Any update of what Phil died from and if they had a memorial or anything. Someone somewhere said his brother in California would plan something in May.
I can still hear him playing this summer. He is missed.
I remember Piper from my first NYC trip that I took as a child back in 2006, he was playing the flute at Ground Zero. I have thought about him quite often over the last almost 20 years. He was such a sweet man. May he rest in peace.
I’m sorry to hear about the passing of Flute Man. He was a talented musician and will be missed.
So sad to hear about the passing of the beloved Flute Man in Ridgewood. He will be dearly missed by the community. My condolences to his loved ones. 😢
Wish someone would put something there to remember him. Statue would be cool, but even a plaque or just some sign of remembrance