Provided by SALVATORE Rocco & Sons Funeral Homes Inc.
| Posted by: Amanda Carr Sun December 04, 2011 | There are few people who leave this world who's loss is equal to our gain. He gave support and joy to not only budding musicians and audiences, but to his family and his community on many levels. He was a giving man and a happy man who chose kindness as the motif of his life and career. I'll miss his calls and phone messages always starting with, "Amaandddaaaaa.... it's Al Veeegggggaaaaa..." . and before I even heard what the gig was, I was bound to be there. He was a special man to a lot of people for a lot of reasons. For me, he was just one of the good guys who defied age because he just never considered it a criteria or barrier. He was always 'Al' and I'll miss his smile and humor and spirit. |
| Posted by: Bruce Gertz Sun December 04, 2011 | I loved Al. He was such a great guy and devoted musician. He was always checking out other players. I saw him outside the Lily Pad 2 years ago at age 88. It was 9:30 or 10:30 pm and he was waiting to listen to Jerry Bergonzi and Me with Bob Kaufman and Columbian pianist, Gabriel Guerrero. Al probably provided more gigs for bass players than any other Boston, musician. We will now all have less work with Al gone. He played great all the way to the end. I remember how he entertained the other patients during some of his previous hospitalizations and rehabs. He was a true gentleman and loved by everyone. I'll miss his sense of humor and youthful spirit. At 90 years old he still seemed like a kid in a candy store. He love what he did and who he did it with. Rest in peace my dear friend Al. My sicere condolences to his wonderful family. Bruce |
| Posted by: Michael Lips Mon December 05, 2011 | My wife Michelle and I had a sad Sunday when we heard about the loss of Al. We spent many enjoyable evenings listening to his trio and guests. His love of music and help and kindness to other professional or musicians just starting out was inspirational. Fondest memory besides the first time we saw him at Cafe Italia was one night he let a 14 year old girl play sax and sing with the band. she was great. That's why someone like Grace Kelly will have a long great career. Al will be sorely missed by all who appreciate good music and a fine human being. Our condolences to his family and freinds. Rest in peace Al.
Michael & Michelle Lips - Halifax, Ma. |
| Posted by: Emily Hertz Tue December 06, 2011 | Al Vega was shining star and a wonderful inspiration and friend. I will miss him very much. My heart goes out to his family. I know his spirit will live on in music forever. |
| Posted by: Millie Cardello Tue December 06, 2011 | I am so glad to have known Al Vega and his wonderful wife, Martha, my Emblem Club Sister.
Al, you have helped to shape the lives of many people with your music, your community involvement, especially with children and by your friendly and loving ways. I am so happy that we had your Square Dedication while you were here to enjoy and appreciate it, that just makes it so much more meaninful and memorable. That will go down in History as my all time favorite Saturday morning. God Bless you, Al Vega and thanks for the memories. Millie |
| Posted by: David Devanna Thu December 08, 2011 | I met Al 6 years ago when I joined the Everett Babe Ruth program. From the moment I met him I knew there was something different and special about Coach Al. Anyone who commits 49years of their life to coaching other peoples children certainly earns a higher degree of respect than most. I grew to admire and respect this man and I only hope that I can leave half the impression that Coach Al has left on this organization. We are richer in having Al and yet just a bit poorer now that he is gone. Coach Al's legacy will live on I'm sure he will be looking down on our little field of dreams. God Bless you Al and your family. Your second family, Everett Babe Ruth will miss you. Thank you for all that you gave to me, EBR and life.
David |
| Posted by: helene gove Sun January 01, 2012 | Today, I heard of Al''s passing and felt so many things...Sadness , not only that we lost such a wonderful musician but a very giving human being who gave so many young people their Start in the world of Jazz, here in Boston. I am one of those people. I first sang at the Hilton Hotel with Al and his Trio. Yes, I do remember it well....I was introduced to him bye Dave Zox: an amazing bass player who performed with Al for so many years. I will always have tremendous respect and appreciation for him. To this day I still sing "My Funny Valentine": the first song I sang on stage with Him that memory is always there. He will be missed by so many ....I hope we all meet with you again Al Vega...You are truly a legend...
Very Sincerely helene j gove 01/01/2012 |