Mario DeSantis, the founder of a self-titled orchestra and a key member of the Syracuse music scene, has died.
DeSantis, 91, died at home while surrounded by his family, his obituary said.
He founded the DeSantis Orchestra, which is still active, in 1947. DeSantis graduated from Central Tech High School and was eventually part of LeMoyne College’s first graduating class in 1951.
DeSantis conducted the orchestra until he was 88 with his last performance being his annual Christmas at the Palace concert. For more than 40 years, he owned the Thomas DeSantis & Son Music Company and the DeSantis Music Schoolhouse, where he educated music students.
He brought on his daughter, Maria, as the band’s vocalist in 1979
“It was like (chef) Emeril, Maria’s influence,” Mario said years later. “Bam! There’s excitement.”
Then 24 years later, DeSantis sold the music stores to his daughter, Maria, and named her band director to focus on the band’s itinerary. She helped organize the private events -- like weddings, corporate parties and festivals -- while also serving as a vocalist for DeSantis’ band.
The band has grown to include a rotating roster of about 50 musicians. It played for the 1993 wedding of Jane Baldwin to Randy Sasso and celebrated the induction of Cal Ripken Jr. into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
DeSantis once even served as the one-term mayor of Solvay.
In 2004, he was awarded The New Times Lifetime Achievement Award at the Syracuse Area Music Awards.
“Way overdue,” R&B singer Isreal Hagan said at the time. “When I was on the Sammys committee (in 2003), I brought it up.”
DeSantis is survived by Anita, his wife of 67 years; his daughters, Maria, Andrea and Joanna; and his sons, Thomas and Mario Jr.
A private funeral service is set to be held and he will be buried in Woodlawn Cemetery Mausoleum.
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Mario DeSantis, key member of Syracuse music scene for 70 years and orchestra founder, dies - syracuse.com
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