Albert R. Streit

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Temple University

Albert Streit Obituary

Albert R. "Al Raymond" Streit, 91 Band Leader Albert R. "Al Raymond" Streit, 91, formerly of Broomall, died February 5, 2011 in Arizona. He graduated from Frankford High School and received his Masters from Temple University. He led his big band for 45 years. He played music professionally for 72 years; playing for stars such as Mel Torme, Shirley Jones and Charlie Callas. He hosted radio shows with his son for WPEN, WRTI and WNAR. He played in the Army band (W.W. II) and he played for Generals Eisenhower and Patton. He also played on the Jack Benny Show and at the inaurural balls for Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton. He recorded close to 20 albums and wrote the book "Swinging Big Bands into the Millenium." Survivors: Wife Florence E. (nee Van Note); daughter Lisa Carbutt of AZ; son Craig Albert Streit of AZ; grandchildren Emily and Daniel Service: Monday 10:30 AM in Church of the Redeemer, Hillcrest & Springfield Rds., Springfield and Sunday eve 6 to 8 PM in the Frank C. Videon Funeral Home, Sproul & Lawrence Rds., Broomall. Burial: Glenwood Memorial Gardens Contributions: American Diabetes Assoc., 150 Monument Rd., Suite 100, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004

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Published by Delaware County Daily & Sunday Times from Feb. 9 to Feb. 10, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Albert Streit

13 Entries

Jeffrey Larsen

February 11, 2021

I knew Al for many years. When I was Park Superintendent for the Norristown Farm Park, I started the Summer Concert Series. Al and his big band came and played for us for years. Loved hi on the trumpet and his war stories. Sad to hear. RIP Al. Missed you.

h prego

March 16, 2011

Al was the nicest man, He helped me out in the early 90's selling me some of his big band arrangements. I was just recently thinking about him and googled him.
He'll be missed. Henry Prego (Palm Springs CA)

February 16, 2011

Mr. Streit was my mentor. He probably never knew that. If it was not for him I would not have developed a love of music and had an amazing career in music education. He helped me appreciate what big bands were all about. He helped me become who I am today. Dr. Jim Capolupo - former band director Upper Darby HS; Superintendent Springfield SD ( Thanks Al.....Jimmy)

Richard Sannasardo

February 16, 2011

I had the pleasure and honor to have "Mr. Streit" as my bandleader at Beverly Hills Junior High School in 1962. As a new student, I entered the band room on that first morning of practice and was immediately given a warm welcome by Mr. Streit. He gave me a tenor sax seat on the concert and marching bands shortly after starting to practice with the band, what an honor!
He was always ahead of his time and started the school's first dance band later that year. After the lead alto chair became vacant due to a graduation, he gave it to me, an even greater honor than than the first one!
I'll never forget how excited all the band members were when his band came to play at the school's auditorium one night. It was overwhelming for a bunch of admiring music students.
I give full credit to Mr. Streit for nurturing my love of music, especially jazz and swing. He was my hero and we also all considered him a really "cool guy", you could talk to him any time about anything that was on your mind. He spoke as a friend as well as a respected educator.
My respect and sympathy to his family who, I know, are aware of his huge impact on the art as well as the countless students that he mentored.

Terry Rowlyk

February 14, 2011

Thanks Al for being very supportive and giving me the opportunity to play and grow within your groups. You were always very professional and will be missed.

February 14, 2011

Mr. Streit was also my music teacher at Darby-Colwyn. He taught me to play the trombone in the 3d grade. By the 6th grade I was already playing in the HS band. I continued to play thru HS. He was a great teacher and mentor.
Lee S. Dewald, Ph.D. Lexington, VA

Christina Robertson

February 13, 2011

Al's wife, Florence (Betsy) is a relative. She was named for my grandmother, Florence Van Note Fraser who was her aunt and godmother. Every Christmas, Al and Betsy would come to our home for Christmas dinner. My grandmother would play the Steinway piano and we would all sing. The highlight was Handel's Hallelujah chorus - my grandmother would call out all the parts and fill in if we were weak in the tenor section. Betsy's mother, Marie, a beautiful singer, would sing The Christmas Rose. Uncle Al would have to leave early as he always had an engagement (today we would call it a "gig").

Years later, my husband John and I surprised Al and Betsy when we showed up on a cruise to Bermuda. Al was directing the band. Although we enjoyed ourselves, we only spent six hours in Bermuda as there was a hurricane. I remember dancing to the Al Raymond band and going from one end of the dance floor to the other as the ship lurched from side to side.

Seven years ago, I had the priviledge of interviewing Al for research I was completing on creativity. One comment I remember is that an effective person, musician, or band leader has to have "presence" - something he certainly demonstrated! I wish his family all the best.

Kenneth Yockey

February 11, 2011

During my junior and senior years at Darby High, Mr. Streit was the conductor of the school band and orchestra. He encouraged me to take up the alto sax. Although I knew he had his own dance band, I had no idea he had such an impressive resume. I was saddened to learn of his passing, and I wish his family the best.

Carol Ash

February 10, 2011

Mr. Streit was my band teacher at Darby High School. His enthusiasm for music was contagious to those of us who were fortunate to be students of his. I enjoyed reading of his travels and doings over the years, of keeping the "Big Bands active.
My deepest sympathy to his family.
Carol (Rickner) Ash

Chris Pyle

February 10, 2011

You were an inspiration Mr. Streit while growing up with Craig..

Chris Pyle

February 10, 2011

God bless you Mr. Sreit. You were an inspiration while I was in school with Craig.

February 9, 2011

As a 4th grader in the Upper Darby School District I had the honor of learning to play the flute from Mr. Streit. I continued to work with Mr. Streit through 9th grade at Beverly Hills Junior High. He was a terrific teacher and a terrific man. Thank you for your dedication to the students in the Upper Darby School District. Janet Esbiornson Conley (Saline

Robert J. Robbins

February 9, 2011

I was privileged to have been a friend and colleague of Al for over three decades, and I was thrilled when he asked me to edit his 1990 book Swinging Big Bands: Into the '90's. He was a tireless crusader for the music of the big bands and the Great American Songbook, and he will be missed. From the USA Secretary of Big Bands International,

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