Tag Archives: final note

Final Note: Robert G. Bornstein

Life Member. Orchestrator
5/14/1928 – 2/18/2022

Robert G. (Bob) Bornstein, the legendary music arranger and orchestrator, died peacefully in his sleep at home with his wife and loving caregivers by his side on February 18, 2022, after living with dementia for seven years. Bob was renowned in the entertainment industry, having worked on more than 600 films, countless television shows and the Academy Awards for 32 years. He worked with some of the industry’s top composers including Bill Conti, James Horner, Danny Elfman, Marvin Hamlisch, Quincy Jones, Henry Mancini, Randy Newman, Nelson Riddle, John Williams and Hans Zimmer. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Charles H. Deremo

Former Life Member. Alto/Tenor Saxophone
9/5/1929 – 12/17/2020

by Jean Deremo

For any former — surviving – big band musicians and friends who have many fond memories of it all — circa 1940s, ‘50s, ‘60s. 

Please remember a most talented, fine musician from those eras, Charles H. Deremo — tenor sax/flute (known to most all of us as Charlie!). Continue reading →

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Final Note: Joseph Diorio

Life Member. Guitar
8/6/1936 – 2/2/2022

by Dr. Len Bergantino, retired Local 47 member and retired clinical psychiatrist

Joe Diorio died on February 2, 2022 at the age of 85. Joe was known as the jazz guitar players’ jazz guitar player! He was the one jazz guitar players thought was the best. He suffered from a stroke in 2005. When I asked him if he would miss being top man and not playing jazz, he said, “I’m just glad to be alive!” He once gave me a painting he did which said, “All the animals in the jungle except man known that the principle business of life is to enjoy it!”

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Final Note: Ernie Ehrhardt

Life Member. Cello
8/8/1946 – 8/17/2021

by Cecilia Tsan

Requiescat in Pace, dear Ernie Ehrhardt! So sad to see how this terrible disease took you so fast. You’ve been my caring stand partner as Assistant Principal with the Long Beach Symphony for 20 years and 20 more before I joined as Principal. We shared so many great memories together and you always tried your best during rehearsals and concerts. Thanks for your dedication to the Orchestra, your sense of humor and your passion for music. You will be missed.

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Final Note: Pat Rizzo

Life Member. Flute
11/30/1941 – 4/15/2021

by Carl Rigoli

I met Pat Rizzo at JHS 141 Astoria, Queens, NYC in the 7th grade and he formed his first band which included Pat on tenor sax, Andre Simone on guitar and myself, Carl Rigoli, on drums. We were all 12 years old and rehearsed at Andre’s house. I remember playing our first performance for our school’s student and faculty assembly. We played “Blue Suede Shoes” and everyone loved it. Pat was our leader and he started booking gigs for local functions such as the Moose Lodge, weddings, etc. We all attended Bryant High School and added another sax and trumpet, plus a bass player named Wally Capone Puschmann to our rhythm section. He named the band the Cavilers and we performed for all the school dances, proms and many local gigs. We played rock, standards, and jazz. Continue reading →

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Final Note: Jonathan Mako Sharkey

Member. Keyboard
7/18/1949 – 12/1/2020

Jonathan Mako Sharkey, 71, succumbed to brain cancer on December 1, 2020. He was a gifted keyboard player. While he held 16 album credits with other artists, he recorded two solo albums (“Voyager,” “West of Malibu”) that feature original songs and a unique Dr. John-type singing voice. Continue reading →

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