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Sal Gallina Obituary
SAL GALLINA
"MUSIC WAS MY LIFE"
Sal Gallina, born Salvatore Angelo Gallina on June 20, 1951, formally of The Bronx, NY, died peacefully after a long illness on October 4, 2007. He resided at 146 Pine Circle, Bennington, VT 05201.
Sal graduated from the New York High School of Music and Art, the Manhattan School of Music, Julliard, and the American College of Forensic Examiners. Sal was an extremely intelligent man who loved music and was known worldwide for his innovative style of music. He was brilliant, both musically and electronically. One of his inventions, which is used exclusively in the music industry today, is on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, D.C. He also loved the outdoors, exotic and classic cars, anything electronic such as remote control airplanes and loved to target shoot, especially with pellet guns.
He leaves behind his grieving family - his parents Justo and Marie (Saia) Gallina of Bennington, VT, his brother Angelo Gallina of Bennington, VT, his sister Fran Artale of Wappingers Falls, NY and his niece Dyanna Artale of Wappingers Falls, NY.
For information on the accomplishments of Sal Gallina, please go to Google or Yahoo and type-in Sal Gallina.
You can email condolences to: [email protected]
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Memories and Condolences
for Sal Gallina
Sponsored by Justo & Marie Gallina.
John Leone
February 25, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Sals passing. My name is John Leone and was a friend of Sals and fellow student at Music and Art. We had many great times and laughs growing up and cruising the Bronx in his beautiful Firebird. Sal was indeed very talented and played a hell of a Sax. Rest in Peace dear friend and thanks for the memories. Sincerely, John Leone.
TOM CHASE
October 13, 2024
Every week since you left this planet, I have taken a moment of a day to reflect upon your incredible genius, and realize how fortunate I am still to known you. I listen to your music and look at the pictures I have and they make me smile. I will always keep you close to my thoughts as I treasure still and forever all you so generously shared with me as true freind ,, SALUTE
TOM CHASE
October 13, 2023
Another year another tear..man you brought me some serious joy,, thanks brutha KEEP ROCKING. I will see you soon,, SALUTE
TOM CHASE
October 13, 2023
There is never a moment that Sal himself along with his magical music and remarkable performances doesn't escape me and still highly inspires me
you are still simply the Best Mr Sal Gallina , and I miss you and love you appreciate you more and more as grow towards the light you brought to this planet,,SALUTE
TOM CHASE
October 13, 2022
I think of you often brutha and i miss your energy and voice ,,thank you for coming into my life with for ever love
TOM CHASE
October 16, 2021
Hi Sal I know your reading these postings, i am just reminding you I am always thinking of you in very beautiful way and I miss you immensely,i know your in heaven and I will see you there and we can chat and perhaps play some music ..I love you man you where a major player in my own life PEACE
Prince Charles Alexander
October 14, 2021
Remembering Sal fondly!
Tom Chase
October 13, 2020
Sal ,,, you are always on my mind ,, the love and music we shared never fades,in fact it grows stronger and stronger with the passing of every tic of the toc, SALUTE
kevin blake
April 22, 2020
I found out just recently of Sal's passing. I was a friend and for a short time a brother inlaw. his music I was lucky to see first hand. God bless yo Sal. deepest sympanthys to your family.
Tom Chase
October 13, 2019
It,s still amazing to me that I was so fortunate to meet, work and be great friends with Sal ,,
I am always thinking about those magical still yet un matched times we shared, truly inspirational
Sal , thanks for all the love you gave so freely to me and the universe
you created and gave a wonderful contribution to meaning of -Lasting Love
SALUTE
Tom Chase
June 11, 2019
Sal ,.. I think of you often I still have your music and outtakes I am listen and man , YOU ROCKED ,, I miss you BIG TIME ,, your still a fantastic friend and a pretty dam amazing artist musician ,, to me ,,no one compares,, SALUTE
June 10, 2019
I watched in the late 1980s in Newcastle, England as Sal created the most mesmerising sounds with a WX-7 and a Rex-50. I've never forgotten that moment. Thankyou Sal. x Richie, York, England.
Ronnie Westhead
May 3, 2015
My dear old friend it was with dismay and sadness that I heard of your passing. Forever I shall remember the truly fun-times we had working together as guitar v saxophonist on countless shows for Yamaha. You were a truly great friend and exemplary musician. God bless sir. xxxxx
July 3, 2014
RIP Sal. Thanks for your kind help with music at Yamaha, and for teaching me how to order a good meal and send it back if it wasn't right!
Tom Chase
December 5, 2013
It;s a Cool,kinda cold December morning here in the Chuenga Pass of Studio City,yet I am pleasantly warmed from that still flamed passion of your beauty and grace that you shared so generously with me personally and equally with the entire world so willingly and effortlessly.
R.I.P. knowing you where indeed one "awe inspiring" Man-Artist-Friend..you did real good Sal thanks,, SALUTE'
John Nelson
December 4, 2013
"And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest..."
“AUDIO & VIDEO FORENSICS” DIPLOMATE AM BRD FORENSIC EXAM'S BRD CERT'D FORENSIC EXAM. MBR AM COLG FORENSIC EXAM'S. LIFE DIPL AM COLG FORENSIC EXAM INTL
October 2, 2012
BELOVED SON, BROTHER, AND UNCLE. INVENTOR OF THE "YAMAHA WX7", THE "SALVINIZER, AND THE "CROMULIZER"
October 2, 2012
Sal and family Bernstein in Denmark 1998
Marc Bernstein
October 2, 2012
Our pal, and uncle Sal, was, and still is, my dearest friend! He inspires me every day, both as a fantastic human being, and as a musical/technical genius. I try to give what he gave me to both my family and my students every day.... That sharing joy and fun and simple and direct honesty with good people is the most important thing in life!! "The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience."-Eleanor Roosevelt- Sal understood this instinctively, and will live forever in our hearts, minds and souls!! Marc, Laila and Jonas Kibrick Bernstein
Our Pal and uncle Sal in Denmark with the Bernstein family in the late 1990's. Sal was, and still is, my best and closest friend. Love You Pal !!!!!!
Marc Bernstein
October 2, 2012
October 1, 2012
“AUDIO AND VIDEO FORENSICS”
DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN BOARD OF FORENSIC EXAMINERS. BOARD CERTIFIED FORENSIC EXAMINER. MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FORENSIC EXAMINERS. LIFE DIPLOMATE OF THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF FORENSIC EXAMINERS INTERNATIONAL.
October 1, 2012
BELOVED SON, BROTHER, AND UNCLE
INVENTOR OF THE “YAMAHA WX7”, THE “SALVINIZER”, AND THE ”CROMULIZER”.
October 1, 2012
SAL
”MUSIC IS MY LIFE”
Five years ago on October 4, 2007 at 1:45 A.M. with your family at your bedside, God called you home. When you left, a part of each of us went with you.
Sal's family would like to thank all his friends from around the world, who are sending us loving and wonderful memories of their dear friend Sal on legacy.com. Letting his family know how much all of you love him and cherish wonderful memories of him has been a blessing to his family, God bless you all. May God bless Sal's soul and keep him the happy free spirit he always was.
We all love and miss you every day.
Love always,
Mom, Dad, Angelo, Fran and Dyanna
Louise and Dan Gallina Fraser
September 15, 2012
So sorry to find to find out about Sal, we had no idea. We found this sight by chance looking up our family name. I remember his sense of humor love of his family and life. He was one of a kind.
TOM CHASE
September 5, 2012
IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR NEVER ENDING FRIENDSHIP. I STILL LOVE YOU SAL,,I ALWAYS WILL
I BET YOUR ELECTRIFYING THOSE HARPS UP THERE,AND JAMMIN IT UP WITH HENDRIX- MOZART AND ALL THOSE OTHER GREAT ARTIST YOU NO DOUBT MINGLE WITH NOW,,SEE YOU WHEN I GET THERE BROTHER,CAN'T WAIT TO WATCH AND LISTEN TO YOU AGAIN,,,YOUR STILL
"THE MAN"
PEACE
SLAUTE'
A HIGH LITE IN MY LIFE -YOUR MUSIC AND FREINDSHIP IS STILL BURNING VERY BRIGHT INSIDE EVERY NOTE I PLAY-YOU SET ME FREE WITH YOUR LOVE- THANKS SAL,,
TOM CHASE
September 5, 2012
Christine Sowin
September 4, 2012
Thinking of you today my friend.
Tim Tully
September 3, 2012
Sal was a brilliant innovator. I had the immense pleasure of interviewing him for Electronic Musician magazine, and learned that he was utterly devoted to his music and his revolutionary wind controller.
Losing Sal makes the world less interesting.
Wilfredo Velez
August 29, 2012
MY BRO! Señor Sal Gallina my dear friend and classmate of Music and Art. I will miss you I had no idea you went home. PEACE I will see you in Eternity! Thank you for being my friend always and forever love you bro! wilfredo
October 1, 2011
Back when the Lyricon came to be,, Sal, came on board, we got very close, I have so many recordings I still cherish Sal would call me from every hotel where ever he was, and I loved him I loved his passion, I loved his music, . I just learned tonight after doing a name search he passed,.
I am Tom Chase, I loved this man , and I miss him, deeply
RIP. brother,
Claudio Pizzale
May 26, 2011
Grandissiomo musicista!!!
Sono molto dispiaciuto.
Ancora oggi io suono il WX7 con i suoni di Sal!
Grazie di tutto quello che hai dato alla musica.
Rest in peace
Claudio Chato Pizzale (Roma)
Christine Sowin
March 5, 2011
Oh Sal I had no idea until now that you have passed. My friend you will be missed. I always remember the chinese food dinners we had.
Jennifer Price
December 24, 2010
Sal I still miss you and want you to know Im thinking of you and your family this Christmas much love always
Kevin Marshall
June 25, 2010
Sorry to loose you Sal. I just listened to the demos you did with the WX7 and TX81Z. Amazing stuff. RIP
paul b
March 6, 2010
I knew Sal when he lived on Bronx Park East. We would hang out with him, Tony Vette, Joey A., Crazy Bruce, and I remember his trike. We all joked alot about the electric sax of course, I guess none of us really knew that Sal was brilliant. I met up with an old friend on Fb, and we were discussing people from the past. Sal's name came up and I Google'd him, I can't believe how well he did with his inventions, and unfortunately how young he passed on.
October 15, 2009
I just now heard some of Sal's work via the patchmanmusic web site. To entice those kinds of sounds out of an old Yamaha TX81Z is utterly amazing. Upon hearing it, I immediately ordered a rare copy of his book and can't wait to find out some of the secrets of this brilliant guy. My condolences for your loss. --Mike in Ohio
Steve and Pat DellaRuffa
June 22, 2009
I knew Sal from the Bronx days. I knew Sal when he rode a Harley Trike back in the '60's and no one knew he could play a clarinet. I knew Sal in the 70's when he was on the "Road". I knew Sal along with Ralphie at Chucks Bar in the 80's; all the remote control planes and all the explanations of the WX7 in it's prototype stages. Even if I didn't understand it, it was cool just to sit and witness his enthusiasm on the project. Seeing all the great electronics in the basement apartment. Gadgets brought back from his trips to Japan. Sal had a Mactintosh midi-set up before most of the population even knew what a computer was. First guy I knew to have a cell phone. I knew Sal in the 90's when I had moved to Woodstock NY and he came up to visit. Even though we would fall out of touch from time to time, my wife and I would talk about him to people. I had Googled him back in 2005 and had seen that he had gotten into forensics. "That Sal," I said, "He can do anything." I am sorry that our paths had not crossed again. I will miss Sal. But I am proud to say, I knew Sal.
Prince Charles Alexander
January 30, 2009
I played the Lyricon as a feature instrument in Prince Charles and the City Beat Band circa 1979-1987. Sal was the person that kept my Lyricons in tip top shape. I switched to the WX-7 in 1987, when I knew that he had something to do with it, but had lost contact with him by that time. I'm heart broken. What a beautiful soul. Luvya Sal.
Weldon Mc Dougal III
August 4, 2008
I will miss you Sal your main man in
Philly
Weldon A Mc Dougal III
June 20, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAL !
We miss you,
Mom, Dad, Angelo, Fran and Dyanna
Andy Quin
May 6, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear Sal had passed away. I have fond memories of when we worked together in the UK doing duets demonstrating the Yamaha Midi grand and WX7. What a great musician and a lovely guy.
Matt Traum
March 17, 2008
I was deeply saddened and surprised to learn of Sal's passing. He was an inspiration to me personally and professionally as well as to so many musicians that have adopted the MIDI wind controller as their instrument. I talk to folks every business day who play the wind controller and all of them owe Sal a big thanks for his work.
Sal's work on the Yamaha WX7 helped make it a landmark innovation worthy of a place in the Smithsonian Museum as well as industrial design awards. This is no small feat.
I have been a fan of Sal's for many years. As a way of publicly thanking Sal, several years ago I created a webpage celebrating Sal's contributions (google his name for the link). Sal was so happy to learn about it and he even called to thank me which was a huge thrill! It was the least I could do for someone who blazed the trail for me to follow. His efforts with Yamaha and the WX7 helped build the foundation upon which I have built my own business. I owe Sal a great deal for the groundbreaking technologies he helped establish and I look up to him every day as a mentor and inspiration.
I am dedicated to carrying on Sal's legacy in this field. I will continue to educate the world about the amazing wind controller as I have for many years. I will also do whatever I can to keep Sal's spirit of innovation alive.
My warmest condolences go out to Sal's family and friends. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you, Sal.
Sincerely,
Matt Traum
Patchman Music
http://www.patchmanmusic.com/SalGallina.html
Chuck Agresta
December 18, 2007
Sal, you were truly a great friend and mentor. The last time we spoke - I think in September, you told me you were sick and to call back later. I had no idea. I was trying to call you today to discuss something I am working on and to wish you Happy Holidays. Right now, I'm in shock. We haven't spoken much this year and I regret not having spoken more with you this year.
I will always remember and cherish the hours upon hours we spent on the phone discussing everything audio and how to improve the world of forensic audio. We never got around to manufacturing our inventions but I'm sure your busy doing that now in between sessions. I deeply regret your passing and I will miss you deeply. My deepest condolences to your family and friends.
I'll search through my pictures from my time in NY and Bennington and get them to your family.
I wish you well my friend and the world was truly a better place with you in it. I hope to meet up with you again.
Your friend and pal, Chuck
Jennifer Price
November 25, 2007
My Pal Sal is gone and I still cannot believe it!
One of my fondest memories of Sal is my 30th birthday. Sal kidnapped me and my husband and the three of us went on every roller coaster from NY to FL. None of us had a change of clothes or toothbrush, Sal said forget it we will just buy what we need and we were off.....Work could not believe it either, but Sal's infectious quest for fun won over again! We had a BLAST!!!!!
Sal was always funny and always fun and I will forever love and miss my pal Sal.
Marc Bernstein
November 13, 2007
"Our Pal Sal" and "Uncle Sal" are the two names Sal had here in the home of Marc, Laila and Jonas Bernstein of Varde, Denmark. Originally from NYC, I met Sal at a Sam Ash store in the early 1990's. When I realized who I was standing next to at the counter, I immediately freaked out being a sax and wind controller player myself,I couldn't belive I was standing there talking with the man himself, the #1 pioneer in wind synthesis, and the inventor of the Yamaha WX7. I had just read his book, and was using his tx81z sounds with my WX7. We hit it off immediately, and Sal invited me to the Bronx with my wife to eat Italian food with him that same evening. Well, I wound up in the Bronx almost every night for the next 2 weeks, and Sal, who was one of the kindest, most caring, and most generous people on this planet, wouldn't let my wife and I pay for any of it. Almost every night for the following 2 weeks he was at our apartment in Queens and we got our chance to try to give back, but we could never fully return all the Love, Happiness and Good Times Sal gave us. And thats just how it was with Sal, you weren't supposed to.
My first visit to Sal's house in the Bronx was like visiting the Guggenheim of wind controlling. There where piles of "salvinisers", lyricons, and wx7's all over the place and I could literally see and feel the development of the WX7.
I met Sal's family at that time as well, and Sal and I basically became family.
Our close relationship continued with vacations together in Florida, "roller coaster" junkets up and down the east coast of the USA, occasional gigs together, and Christmas and New Years together. Sal loved fireworks as I did, and we had some amazing July 4ths together as well.
When my wife suddenly left me, Sal was there for me. When I decided to drop everything and move to Europe, Sal was there for me. When everyone else told me I was crazy for leaving the USA, Sal backed me up. Sal ALWAYS BACKED ME AND MY FAMILY UP!!! When I remarried in Denmark, Sal was the only one of my friends who made the trip across the atlantic ocean to our wedding. After the birth of my son Jonas, Uncle Sal came to Denmark to see him get baptised. Sal returned to Denmark a couple of more times where he helped my students at the Danish Music Conservatory with their wind controllers and synths and computers. When I suddenly lost my father Sal spent hours on the phone with me. Again Sal gave, and gave, and gave, and gave!!
During the entire period of his sickness, whenever I spoke with him on the phone, he ALWAYS made me laugh. Even at the very end, he ALWAYS made me laugh- talking about the old days- backing me up about how smart I was to get out of the crazy USA- making fun of himself and his situation- He was a champion, a magic person, and my family and I will never forget him.
As we say in Denmark-
Salvatore Angelo Gallina- Æret Være Hans Navn! HONOR BE HIS NAME
I Love you Pal
Marc Kibrick Bernstein
Robert Reading
November 10, 2007
Sal or "Zip" as I called him was a true friend and colleague in the world of forensic audio. Sal and I would talk for hours on subjects old friends would speak of. His accomplishments in the audio forensic world were second to none and always inspired me to explore more techniques to accomplish a clearer and cleaner enhancement. As a former and retired federal agent, I respected Sal's knowledge almost immediately. I know Sal was well known for his exceptional musical talents, especially in the electronic arena, but this man really shined when it came to audio recordings used in a court of law.
Sal, I know you're looking down on us enjoying that cigar and drink. I'll be looking for you when I pass through those pearly gates with all the other great artists. I feel sad for Kenny G. He lost a great teacher in technique and electronic enhancements of his music. Take care and keep them smiling and laughing up there in God's Holy place. My sympathy goes out to the Gallina family on the loss of a great son. May God Bless. Your forever friend, Bob
Remi Corriveau
October 27, 2007
I knew Sal as the cool guy with millions of stories to tell. he was always showing off how cool his cars were and everything he knew about the gimicks of todays comercial scociety. Sal always visited the coffee shop in Bennington which was right behind where I work at a gas station. I eventually started talking to sal about my interst in guns and target practice and thats when he had offered to sell me one of his and take me to a shooting range. though this was during the time his health would not keep up with his intentions. he told me once and it is something I will never forget, "If I had known that I would have turned out like this I would have partied harder." heres to you sal, and I'll keep your old .22 clean and oiled up just like you tought me.
David Eiland
October 25, 2007
I loved Sal Gallina, he was one of the greatest electronic musical geniuses of our time. I was lucky enough to have him come to Minneapolis and record and demonstrate the only prototype of his still incredible WX7 back in the late 80's. He blew me away not only with his talent, but also with his kindness, generosity and willingness to share the knowledge that us mere mortals could only dream of grasping. I'll will really miss you my brother, but I know I'll see you again someday.
Gilbert Dhennin
October 24, 2007
I was very lucky in the early 80's to meet Sal at his house in New York, where he helped me with a Lyricon I bought in Singapore in the late 70's. The instrument was, as he said "Out of whack", and he put it back to factory specs.
He went on to blow me away with an impromptu demonstration of his technique using one of his wind synth prototypes... That was phenomenal! I never seen him since, but he inspired me to use Wind Controllers more, and I am glad to, to this day, use a step child of his WX7: the WX5...
Sal is now a huge part of the Big Band In the Sky...
Keep on playing Sal!!!
Angelo Gallina
October 23, 2007
On October 4th, the music stopped playing. Fore that was the day that my beloved brother Sal left this world to bring his music to heaven.
He took with him the S note. The S note is known only to musicians who played for the love of music.
There are no equals to him and his talant, nor will there ever be.
I'll see you on the other side, Your loving brother Angelo.
I have cried a million tears in the time it has taken me to write this, but it is only the beginning of my loss and sorrow. Your loving brother and friend, Angelo
Bob Norton
October 22, 2007
You didn't know me, but you left your mark on my musical career.
Thanks.
RIP
Bob "Notes" Norton
http://www.nortonmusic.com
Patrick Harman
October 22, 2007
I spoke on the telephone with Sal many times over the years (since 1987 up to a few weeks ago) regarding our common interest in Lyricons and wind synthesizers. His expertise helped me so much, always got me going when I was stuck. But it was the wild conversations about absolutely everything else that I'll remember most. I am sad I never got a chance to meet Sal in person. Goodbye Sal.
My deep condolences to the family.
Pat.
J Tomás Henriques
October 22, 2007
Sal was an inspiration to a great deal of musicians. His artistry and innovations in the field of electronic music will forever be remembered.
Tom Gallina
October 21, 2007
I'm sorry i did not meet Sal when we were in our music stages. I played drums in a rock band from 1959-1966. He and i would have had a great time. I know the grief you feel. Love and God bless T.Gallina
Justo & Marie Gallina
October 19, 2007
We are very proud of Sal's "life accomplishments", and proud of the "mark" he made on the music industry.
Sal was loved by many, and will be missed by many.
Our hearts are with him!
THE GALLINA FAMILY
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