Longtime local musician Billy Foppiano has played his last guitar chord. Billy died on April 3, 2025, after being diagnosed with a serious illness some months earlier.
Known as “Guitar Wizard” Billy Foppiano, this exuberant and talented musician entertained crowds at a wide variety of venues all over San Luis Obispo County for more than three decades. Along with his popular band, the Mighty Croon Dogs, Billy played frequently at the Morro Bay Harbor Festival and other city celebrations, numerous fundraisers in Los Osos, the Cayucos 4thof July parade, and Cambria’s Pinedorado. He was a top musical choice for local parties, weddings, and other gatherings over the years.
Locally, award-winning guitarist Billy Foppiano shared his upbeat music and his positive energy at nearly every local venue, from restaurants and bars to backyards and parks, enthusiastically spreading his joy wherever he played, sharing his love of music and his love of life.
It was in 1995 that Billy found the courage to quit his day job and rely on his music and guitar-playing to support himself and his then-young son Charlie. He confidently launched his musical career and never looked back, often playing three or four gigs a day all over the county, before coming home and relaxing by playing guitar.
His many friends, fans, and fellow musicians remember Billy as a kind-hearted, generous, humble person whose positive energy and ebullient sense of humor brought smiles to one and all, from longtime friends to total strangers. Quite a few local musicians credit Billy with helping them get their first gig or meet other like-minded musicians. He helped beginners gain confidence in their own abilities, inviting them to play at jams or onstage with him. Billy was always a lynchpin in the local musical community.
He was born in San Francisco and started learning guitar at age 6. As a teenager in Stockton, Billy played in bands with older musicians, honing his guitar chops and knowledge. He attended University of the Pacific before moving to San Luis Obispo in the 1980s to study solar engineering at Cal Poly, soon becoming a sought-after player in local bands.
Always learning new songs, new chord progressions, and new playing styles, Billy loved exchanging guitar ideas with his talented son Charlie, an excellent guitarist in his own right.
Billy leaves behind his son Charlie; his biggest fan and supporter and partner for 30 years, Katalina (Kathy) Joy Johnston; his brothers, sisters, in-laws, nieces, and nephews; and his many dear friends, fans, fellow musicians, and admirers. As one young friend noted, “Billy leaves us with a hole in our hearts, but by being himself, he made us all more whole.”
A celebration of Billy Foppiano is set for Monday, May 5 (Cinco de Mayo) in the garden at the Merrimaker in Baywood/Los Osos, with live music from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Another celebration will also be held at the San Luis Obispo Elks Lodge 322 on Saturday, May 10, from noon to 5 p.m., a potluck with live music.
Donations in Billy’s name may be made to KCBX Public Radio or the Infinite Music Foundation in Morro Bay. His legacy will live on with every smile and every act of kindness.
