Enrico Polce Naples, FL
On August 23, 2013, Enrico 'Rick' Polce, 75, of Naples, FL left us for his fi nal gig. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, an outstanding musician and a best friend.
He is predeceased by his parents, Lamberto and Clara Mary Polce; niece, Cynthia Sydenstryker; and nephew, William Polce.
Rick is survived by his wife of 21 years, Sharon; daughter, Christina Polce and her husband, Scott Erfe of CT; step-son, Scott Michael Klapik and his wife, Brandy of CT; grandchildren, Noah and Aislinn Klapik; brother, William Polce and his wife, Karen of CT; nephew, Anthony Polce of CA; nieces, Kerry Aldridge, Lori Hummel; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Rick grew up in Hartford, CT, spending his summers in Brooklyn, NY playing stick ball. He was introduced to Doo-Wop singing on the streets of New York where he developed his love of music.
In 1955 he took his love for music and formed a band along with his buddies called 'The Teen Rockers' later to be known as the Moonriders. It consisted of Jim Zoppi on drums, Frank Drena on trumpet/sax/trombone, Chuck Liappes on sax, Joe Terranova on piano, Tony Dignoti on electric bass and Rick on piano. Rick took it upon himself to learn the sax when one of the band members left the band. They later went on to play and back some of histories legends such as; Screamin' Jay Hawkins, The Five Satins, Little Anthony and the Imperials, George Scott, Joey Dee, Bo Diddley and the Starlighters, The Big Bopper, The Skyliners, Bobby Darin, Connee Francis and one of Rick's favorite's, Johnny Mastrio and the Crests, who Rick had the pleasure to reunite and open for in his second music career with the Uptown Express.
Rick's second music career was inspired by his daughter, Christina who refurbished his sax and gave it to him as a Christmas gift and what a gift it was. He enjoyed his remaining years doing what he loved, entertaining and playing for the joy of music. Shortly after Rick moved to Florida in 2003, he was fortunate to join one of Southwest Florida's oldest and most successful DooWop band's, founded by Thomas DeSantis and soon to celebrate their 30th year together. The Uptown Express plays at many local establishments, festivals, golf communities and can be seen as regulars at The Stage. Next to his immediate family he was privileged to know and play with the BEST: Singers Thomas DeSantis, Robert Atmore, Robert Stewart, Gary King and Joe Russo. His fellow band brothers Ronald Casella, John Cortese, Lou Casanova and Rick. A special remembrance to Bruce Goldie who the Band said farewell to this past January.
A memorial visitation will be held at the Polce Residence, Tuesday, August 27, 2013 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.
At 6:30 p.m. there will be a tribute to Rick with a performance by the Uptown Express.
Online condolences may be made at www.fullernaples.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sharon, I will miss our great conversations we had together. He was a great friend to my family and I and he will be missed by us all. Our prayers are with you and Rick's family. God Bless Ed Deichmeister
Ed Deichmeister
September 2, 2013
It can be so hard to face the first year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
September 2, 2013
Sharon,
My prayers are with you, hope your doing well, its been a long time.
Diane Bligh
September 1, 2013
Sharon & Family, Not only did I play with Rick and the other band members but to my surprise about 30 years later we met in Naples FL. We spent 10 yrs enjoying our friendship and even playing a few jobs together. We'll surly miss Rick
Tony & Joan Dignoti
September 1, 2013
As a fellow bowler, never knew his "other" passion. Rest In Peace Rick.
Fred Hogaboom
September 1, 2013
Thanks for many happy memories, the good times we shared in the 50's. Earths loss is heavens gain.
Don Reilly
September 1, 2013
We all will miss Rick very much,I'm sorry I never got to meet his family and children,but over the years people drift away from each other. As young musicians, we had the best of times,playing with the stars of the 50's ! People some have only read about or have heard about,but we were there !!! Love to all ! We'll see you again Rick. Your old drummer Jim Zoppi and family.
August 28, 2013
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Funeral services provided by:
Fuller Funeral Home & Cremation Service - North Naples1625 Pine Ridge Road, Naples, FL 34109
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more