Clarinetist/saxophonist Joe Torregano, a dedicated musician and teacher, and altogether a nice guy, died on Tuesday, October 6, 2015. He was 63 years old.

Whether he was wearing a black and white brass band uniform or a blue uniform as a reserve member of the New Orleans Police Department, Torregano met everyone with the same mild manner.

“Whatever role he played, he always wanted to support and assist you,” says trumpeter Gregg Stafford, who performed with Torregano on the frontline of...