Lee Vincent

Lee Vincent was born Vincent Cerreta on April 15, 1916 in Shickshinny, to the late Frank Cerreta and Grace D'Angelo. Raised in Mocanaqua, Lee first learned music on the violin at the age of 9, but soon switched to the stand-up bass in order to play "danceable" music. He started his first band, The John Tearpock Band, at 11 years old. Lee graduated from Shickshinny High School in 1933 and began working at the Wanamie and Bliss collieries while playing in bands at night. A career in the service came next. Lee served with the 106th Cavalry of the 7th Army during World War II from 1943-1946 and was awarded two Bronze Stars for valor in combat, the French Croix De Guerre, and earned the Good Conduct Medal. During his service, he had the opportunity to perform before Russian Marshall Gregori Zhukov, U.S. General Mark Clark and King Leopold of Belgium at the internationally known Salzburg Music Festival at the end of World War II.

In 1946, the Lee Vincent Orchestra was formed, and the 12-piece orchestra began playing venues across the Wyoming Valley. Their popularity eventually took them to Atlantic City's Steel Pier and the American Stock Exchange in New York City. While the band played engagements in nearby states, Lee never found the idea of life on a tour bus and away from his family appealing, so the Orchestra stayed close to home. Among the many weddings, Bar Mitzvahs, reunions, proms and anniversary parties the Lee Vincent Orchestra played, they were often highlighted in Purvin's Sunday Serenade on WBRE beginning in 1963. Lee has been featured with an extensive list of performers such as Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole, Frank Sinatra Jr., Jerry Vale, Bobby Rydell, Danny Thomas, George Burns, Eddy Arnold, Perry Como, Frankie Laine, Johnny Mathis, the Dorseys, the Temptations, the Four Aces, the Four Tops, Smokey Robinson, Marie Osmond, Rosemary Clooney, Glenn Miller, Aretha Franklin and Clay Aiken. Numerous awards include Top Regional Bands by the American Federation of Musicians, recognized by the U.S. Senate for 50 years in the music business and Fine Arts Fiesta Friend of the Arts.

Lee simultaneously had a successful and expansive career in radio, beginning in the early 1950s for WNAK. He then moved to WILK where he hosted "Three for All," a popular radio music and entertainment show with daughters, Juanita and Candy (which was occasionally broadcast from the family home in Shickshinny).

During his tenure at WILK, he moved from sales to sales manager, then marketing consultant. After 28 years, he moved to WBAX, where the new music format was popular standards, perfect for the band leader. His radio career spanned 50 years, until 2006, when he retired from Shamrock Communications, which included WBAX, WEJL, WZTR and Rock 107.

Lee was an active community member. He belonged to organizations such as Candy's Place, corporate member; Local Musicians Union 140; Irem Temple Country Club; Jefferson Hospital, past board member; judge for Miss UNICO Pageant; and Rotary Club of Wilkes-Barre.

Lee Vincent was preceded in death by his first wife, the late Angeline Prince; and second wife, Lucille Cinti; daughter, Candice Vincent-Mamary; brother, Carl Cerreta; and sister, Lila Butzek.

Surviving family includes four children, Juanita Namey and her husband, Lee, Wilkes-Barre; Penny Cunningham and her husband, Bob, Kingston; Rose Ann Stevens and her husband, David, Peachtree City, Ga.; Michael Lee Vincent, Kingston; six grandchildren, Angela Falzone, Tara Namey, Jennifer Mamary, Kelly Maley, 2nd Lt. Brett Stevens and Brittany Stevens; six great-grandchildren, Samuel Falzone, Richard Falzone, Alesha Falzone, Lee Falzone, Kadar Namey and Elia Namey; siblings, Mary DiCariano, Port Richey, Fla.; Frank Cerreta, Wilkes-Barre; and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be held Friday at 9:30 a.m. in Luzerne United Methodist Church, 440 Bennett St., Luzerne, with interment in Italian Independent Cemetery, Wyoming. Friends may call at Luzerne United Methodist Church on Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.

Arrangements are by Mamary-Durkin Funeral Services, 59 Parrish St., Wilkes-Barre.

Those who desire may give memorial contributions to Candy's Place, 190 Welles St., Forty Fort, PA 18704, or Hospice Care of the VNA, 648 Northampton St., Edwardsville, PA 18704.

While Lee experienced great success in life, his family was his greatest accomplishment and most important to him. He was accepting of all faiths, races and cultures and always had a kind word. He leaves behind a large, loving family, many friends and a legacy of music. In the words of the leader of the band, "remember to keep on dancin'."