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Ben GRISAFI Obituary
Ben Grisafi had brass and reeds in his blood, and his heart pounded with a big band beat. He died September 5, 2013, at age 84, but his music lives on in recordings he made with the Ben Grisafi Big Band, later known as the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Orchestra. Ben started playing at age 15 in bands in New York. In 1951, he was drafted into the Army and was assigned to the Dixie Division Army Band. After he was discharged in 1953, Ben owned a jewelry business in New York. He also played that sweet soprano sax with a combo for weddings, club dates and such. He and his wife, Yvette, came to Florida in 2003 and made a home in Palm Beach Gardens. For several years, he made it his mission to secure the future of the Sally Bennett Big Band Hall of Fame Museum at the South Florida Fairgrounds' Yesteryear Village. That was despite undergoing treatment for advanced prostate cancer that made his body ache. Last fall, he stepped into a recording studio with The Sally Bennett Big Band to record "Magic Moments". This spring, he again returned to the studio to record "Big Band Bash". And in addition he also recorded his final CD "Shining Thru the Night" with the Sally Bennett All Star Quintet. The effort seemed to be what kept him going. Now the music of heaven plays with a slightly sweeter beat. Ben is survived by his wife, Yvette, and his six children, Rosario Grisafi. Cathy Massoni, Maria Adimando, Philip Grisafi, Lauren Peck and Lynn Spiegel and 12 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter A Catholic Mass will be held at Saint Patrick's Church on Prosperity Farms Road in Palm Beach Gardens 10:30 AM Monday September 9. For more information on Ben, see bengrisafibigband.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Ben GRISAFI
Michael Snyder
October 7, 2013
Dear Yvette and family: Little more than an eyeblink ago, I was happily squeezing my poundage and my tenor sax into your Baldwin, NY living room, helping Ben in a small way to realize the music that truly kept him going. Of course, you and Ben graciously had some tempting cake creations I too often chose to sample on rehearsal break! I realize I was privileged to play with this great guy,who now can pick from all the greats {Brecker, Getz,etc.) for his next band and who now will be without pain and worry.
maria adimando
September 26, 2013
Hey dad your always in my mind,I miss our talks,funny thing is you would tell me:you talk alot and had alot to say,gee wonder who I got that from. You always would say how do you know so much about medical terms,I would laugh and say,I absorb what I'm interested in and you would get a kick out of it.dad I'm so lucky to be your daughter,I miss you terribly,just remember ,I will always talk to you and you will give me some kind of sign that you heard me.i wear the bracket you gave me everyday ,along with mommies ring.love you daddy.xoxo
September 23, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Maria Adimando & family. I am so sorry for your loss. I know he will be surely missed. I wished I had the opportunity to have met such a wonderful, talented person. God Bless the family during this difficult time. Rest in peace Mr. Grisafi
Love Janet Russo
maria adimando
September 20, 2013
Dad miss u, love you,i have a whole in my heart only you could fill. Love your babygirl maria,ruby red lips.
Jeff Gordon
September 18, 2013
I'm very sad to hear about Ben's passing. I will always remember with great fondness playing on his band and recording two CD's. He was a wonderful player and arranger and a true gentleman. RIP Ben
Lou Caputo
September 18, 2013
Rest in peace Ben. A lot of old memories of the Long Island big band scene come back to me.
maria adimando
September 17, 2013
Dad i miss you so much.heaven has great entertainment,everyone is swinging to your music.the way i see it even in eternal life you make people happy,my dear father your great,ill miss you body and soul.your a man of many talents.we will still be talking until the day we meet again.you will always be in my heart.im very proud to have you for my dad.my god bless you,rest in peace my dad,love you.
September 8, 2013
We are so saddened to hear the sad news about Ben - he was a good man, husband and father, a talented man who no matter the physical obstacles always followed his dreams. We shall miss him in our lives, Bernie & Norma Schattner
Jeannie Blake
September 8, 2013
May you be in peace and your family be comforted.
Taken at the South Florida Fair 2011
Jeannie Blake
September 8, 2013
Ben took me under his wing and gave me the chance of a lifetime - to sing with his incredible orchestra. He was a friend and mentor to me. I will never forget his kindness and his dedication to preserving the big band sound. He will always have a place in my heart and will never be forgotten.
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