Charlie Balogh, a longtime organist at Organ Stop Pizza in Mesa, unexpectedly died Thursday, Nov. 21, from complications of a stroke. He was 68.
Balogh, one of three staff organists for the pizzeria’s famed Mighty Wurlitzer Pipe Organ, began his professional career at the Phoenix Organ Stop in 1973.
He moved to Michigan in 1976, but returned to Arizona and Organ Stop for good in 1991.
‘‘Organ Stop Pizza has truly lost a great talent and wonderful human being,’’ a statement on the pizzeria’s website reads. ‘‘Charlie leaves behind an incredible legacy, especially in the organ world.
‘‘No words can express our sadness at Charlie’s death or our gratitude for his commitment and love for Organ Stop Pizza through the years.’’
Balogh, a leading national concert artist, was named the American Theatre Organ Society’s Organist of the Year in 2000.
A GoFund Me account to help his family has been set up here.
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