In Memoriam
Neal Bonsanti
We are shocked and deeply sorry to learn of Neal Bonsanti’s demise. He was a talented musician who proved to be an invaluable contributor to the band. We will miss him. A memorial service will be held on the Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 4:00 pm at the St. Paul Lutheran church located in Weston, Florida. Jerry Coker, Mark Egan, Dan and Neal Bonsanti, Whit Sidener, and Ron Tooley are the authors. It was the recruitment of Jaco Pastorius on bass, Alex Darqui on piano, and Bobby Economou on drums that resulted in a significant and long-lasting impact.
Because of the numerous musical projects on which Larry and Jaco worked together, a relationship gradually emerged between the two that was similar to the one that existed between Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, in which it was frequently difficult to determine where one began and the other left off. Larry became into a skilled arranger, orchestrator, and copyist throughout the course of his career. He collaborated with a wide variety of “pop” artists during his career, including the Bee Gees, Barbra Streisand, and Ziggy Marley, to mention a few. In his capacity as a copyist for the Bee Gees’ “Saturday Night Fever” recordings, his handwriting is currently featured in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
In the first season of Miami Vice, which debuted in 1984, Larry contributed incidental music. In the same decade, he also worked as the sound engineer for Grammy winner Bob James during his tours in the 1980s. In 2003 and 2006, Larry paid tribute to his longtime buddy Jaco by contributing numerous arrangements to two highly praised Jaco Pastorius Big Band records for Heads Up. These recordings were titled “Word Of Mouth Revisited” and “The Word Is Out,” respectively. The loss of Larry has left an imprint not only on the South Florida music community but also on the music landscape nationally.
Ray Johnson
Raymond L. Johnson, Sr., 100 yrs. of age formerly of Palmerton, and Florida, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2020, in Tamaqua while in the loving care of his family.
Born on September 11, 1919 in Minneapolis, Minnesota the son of the late, Gustav P., and Anna Louis (Novitz) Johnson. He was also predeceased by his wife, Gaetana (Albanese) Johnson.
Surviving are son, Raymond A. Johnson of Tamaqua, and extended family.
A graduate of Washington High School in Minneapolis, Raymond earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in Chemical Engineering. He retired as a Commander form the United States Navy and was a Research Engineer at the former New Jersey Zinc plant in Palmerton for over 18 years, where he was responsible for a number of patents working as a metallurgist. A talented musician, Raymond played the French Horn in numerous bands and orchestra’s. After returning home from WWII, Raymond earned his Master’s in Metallurgy.
Private arrangements have been entrusted to the E. Franklin Griffiths Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc. of 655 East Broad Street Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. (570) 668-2550
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com
John Richard Turpin
It is with heavy hearts, that we mourn the passing of Richard. He was a devoted member of the and for many years in our trombone section.
Turpin, III, John Richard passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2019. He was preceded in death by his wife: Jayne Ann Turpin. He is survived by 2 children: Rick Turpin and Lori (David) Carmichael; 3 grandsons: Christopher Turpin, Sean Carmichael and Troy Carmichael and 3 sisters: Patricia Swartley, Barbara “Apple” McDonald and Carol Turpin.
Memorial Services to be held on Saturday July 27, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Miami Shores Baptist
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Trueman R. Bronson (Fort Lauderdale, Florida), who passed away on December 18, 2019, at the age of 83, leaving to mourn family and friends.
Wendy Powell
It is with sad hearts that we share the news of Wendy Powell’s passing. She was a clarinetist with the band for many years. She served as a board member for many years. She was about to come back and play with us again. We will miss her smile and cheery personality.
For anyone wishing to pay their respects to Wendy they will be holding a gathering to celebrate Wendy’s wonderful and fulfilling life at Umberto’s restaurant. 1320 North University drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024. It will be held on Saturday, August 3rd at 3 p.m. The family would love to see everyone there.