Area musician passes away. Steve Kimmel

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Monday Jun 02, 2008

Steve Kimmel, a long time drummer from Altoona / Hollidaysburg. He's been sick for a long time. Passed away last Wednesday. See today's Mirror.

You might have heard of his son, Aaron Kimmel. Also a drummer.

Heartless_Mockery_Records · Monday Jun 02, 2008

Wow, that sucks. Mr. Kimmel was my guidance counselor when I went to Keith Jr. High and was probably once of the nicest people I have ever met.

(I actually had no idea he was a drummer.)

HurricaneBob · Post by **HurricaneBob** » Monday Jun 02, 2008

My condolences to the family and Aaron...he was a great man.

CCdrums · Post by **CCdrums** » Monday Jun 02, 2008

I echo Bobby's sentiments. Steve was a good guy, a good drummer and a great father. The first time I ever met him was at the Keystone Country Festival back in 1979. I had a loose floor tom leg on my drum and he noticed it and offered to fix it for me since I didn't have any tools to do it with at the time. That was pretty nice of him to do that. His son Aaron is a great drummer and he was very close to his dad. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. He will be missed.

Atomic Jim · Post by **Atomic Jim** » Tuesday Jun 03, 2008

I played with Steve back in the 60s when we were both very young. He was a great drummer, and an all around good guy. I think the first time I went to rehearse with him he was still living with his parents.

My condolences and sympathies to his family. I know he was very proud of his son, Aaron.

You'll be missed, Steve.

rickw · Post by **rickw** » Tuesday Jun 03, 2008

An absolutely wonderful guy. I felt so bad that he went through so many health issues, especially this last one. I hope his family will find balance without him, and I wish the very best for Aaron. I've seen him play quite a few times and he's a brilliant drummer. Keep your dad with you Aaron, he was def your biggest fan!

Hawk · Post by **Hawk** » Tuesday Jun 03, 2008

Steve was an old friend of mine. We both took drum lessons from Tom Petro. When I joined the Gardner Guards Drum and Bugle Corps, I was a few years younger than Steve. He was there for me in more ways than I can describe. I left him know of my appreciation many years after the fact. I'm glad I had the chance to do that.

Interestingly, radio personality (who also passed away way to soon) Tom Riley, Told me Steve's dad was just as helpful to him, when Tom was breaking into news casting. Just a nice family.

Steve's viewing is this Friday at a church in Hollidaysburg. I think 2:00 - 4:00. But I know for sure it is 7:00 to 9:00. If you want the name if the church, I'll check the paper for you.

Some of you know I have been building drums. I would take them to Steve's house and show him. He was extremely supportive. Giving me marketing ideas. He wanted to do a photo shoot (he was a hobbyist photographer) of the drums for my advertisement preparation. I'm sorry I never finished that phase with Steve. I'll miss him.

randydrummer · Post by **randydrummer** » Wednesday Jun 04, 2008

Man, I remember seeing Steve play when I was a kid. I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to make contact with him since I've moved back here. Sad loss.