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Gerald F. "Jerry" Lavene
Gerald F. "Jerry" Lavene
Obituary
Guest Book
Gerald Lavene Obituary
He was born in Plattsburgh, the son of Lawrence and Dorothy (Smart) Lavene.
Jerry graduated from Plattsburgh High School in 1967. He attended Berkley School of Music, in Boston, for two years, where he became an accomplished classical/jazz guitarist. He went on to play with such noted artists as Louis Armstrong, Tal Farlow, George Benson, Tony Orlando, Mary McPartland, the Glen Miller Orchestra, as well as several other New York and Vermont artists. In the local area, he played at Brodies, Dominics, 13 Morgans, Cadilac Club, Red Fox Inn, Tijauna Jail, Iris', PAFB NCO and Officer's Clubs, Lake Placid Inn, Stonehelm, Howard Johnsons, Holiday Inn, Chowbella's, Ruth Cliff, Giovani's, Tail O the Pup, Monopole, Upper Deck Restaurant, White Face Inn, Hawkins Hall, Kent Delord House, as well as weddings, the Vermont Jazz Festival and many others. Jerry's life was music, and he looked forward to every new "gig" and the people that he played with.
Jerry was a communicant of Trinity Episcopal Church where he played at 5 p.m. Mass on Saturdays.
Survivors include his father, Lawrence, of Plattsburgh; one brother, Thomas Lavene, and his wife, Diane of Plattsburgh; one uncle, Leo Lavene of Plattsburgh; two aunts, Margaret "Aggie" Lavene of Morrisonville and Margaret "Peggy" Lavene Breyette of Cadyville; and several nieces, nephews; cousins and friends; and a six-year companion, Shelley Morrow.
His sister, Mary Ann (Chartier) Lavene, died earlier.
There will be no public calling hours or funeral services.
Donations in his memory may be made to the Salvation Army or the Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Fund.
Arrangements have been entrusted with the R.W. Walker Funeral Home, 69 Court St., Plattsburgh.
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Lyle Glidden
July 9, 2009
Hi David..., This is Lyle Glidden from Vermont.
I was in the house band at Brodi's during that time period and also loved Jerry !
Is there a possibility I might be able to beg some of the live CDs that you are making ? It would mean a lot to me !
Jerry was amazing right to the end...I heard him play many times at the evening service at the Trinity Episcopal church in Plattsburgh ! It was like being in heaven hearing him play Bach etc. !!!
My mailing address is : P. O. Box 31 Franklin, VT 05405-0031.
Thanks so much ! Lyle
[email protected]
David Johannesson
July 8, 2009
I just googled Jerry to find him, as we hadn't spoken in several years, and was shocked to find the news that he had passed. I knew Jerry very well in the late 70's when my band (Spunk) from Montreal visited Plattsburgh often. Jerry used to play with us a lot, and he almost became a full-time member before the group broke up. We often hung out until the wee hours discussing Jerry's many musical ideas. I have recently been converting old live tapes to digital, and fell in love with Jerry's playing all over again. He was a master guitarist, and a very funny guy. Over the years, we were less in touch, but I am very happy to have known him, and deeply saddened to learn of his passing. He was a unique, and extraordinarily talented man.
David Johannesson
Marta Decker Bugaile
April 20, 2009
Dear Lavene Family,
I had the great pleasure of meeting all of you when visiting Plattsburgh/Burlington in the late 70s when Jerry played with "The Citizen's Band". When in the Pittsburgh area, he shared Thanksgiving with my family, as he hated to be alone when on the road. Jerry played with "Biddie & Co." back then. Sometimes they played at a restaurant called Steak and Ale, which he called Hoof and Mouth. What a great sense of humor and a tremendously kind, talented spirit. I treasure to this day the letters and cards he sent. I am happy to know that he is at peace. The world was a better place for having had him here - even if for too short a while.
Rob Brennan
March 14, 2009
Having had the pleasure of performing with Jerry several times, I will say his personality and love for music was unmatched by any other. I can recall fond memories of him in my cheap apartment at the time - happily writing chord changes and music ideas to ponder. Some of my fondest memories include receiving genuine compliments on my drumming - which meant a lot coming from such an experienced and well versed artist.
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Bill LaBarge
February 25, 2009
I am so sad to hear the news about Jerry.... the life he brought to his music was truly stunning and he never ceased to amaze me.... I am so sorry for all his friends especially Shelley... my thought go out to you.
Cindy Pytlak
February 25, 2009
I just learned today of Jerry's death. We here on Willsboro Point considered it to be a great pleasure and privilege to listen to Jerry play on those long summer evenings at the Upper Deck. He was truly gifted, and I will always hear his music wafting across the bay as the sun sets.
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Stewart Zweikoft
November 20, 2008
I was fortunate enough to study with Jerry many years ago when I was a student at SUNY. He was simply one of the finest musicians I have ever seen, and was a wonderfully funny and warm person as well.
Jer and the Bear
October 20, 2008
Jer and his musical auras
October 20, 2008
At the Upper Deck 2004
October 20, 2008
Circ mid to late 90's Bearded Jer
October 20, 2008
I miss those dreamy eyes
October 20, 2008
Taken at the Upper Deck Restaurant 2007
October 20, 2008
Circa the mid to late 80's this photo captures the essance of Jerry
October 20, 2008
Greg Nolan
October 7, 2008
Jerry Lavene was a inspiration to me as a musician.I always looked up him.I am greatly saddened at his passing.I had the great priviledge of playing drums next to him during the '70's. The title of one of his tunes was "Octa-monster" and that's what he was ...a monster.He expressed his art at the highest level and felt comfortable on any stage.That guy slept in his guitar case and he was damn funny too.I'll really miss my big bro...Greg Nolan
Tom Lavene
October 1, 2008
10-1-08 Thank you to all who took part in setting up and attending the tribute for Jerry at the Burgundy Room on Route 3 on 9-16 08 and everyone who attended the Trinity Church on 9-23-08 in the memory of Jerry, and all of his other friends too. Too many names to list. I really didn,t realize that Jerry had so many good friends. Growing up with Jerry, I often thought he had someone else in his room jamming with him,and I,d pop in his room,to my surprise he was playing solo. You left us way to soon Jerry, but your music will go on with the discs and tapes we still have. Save us a spot in heaven. We,ll all be together one day for the ultimate gig. We will miss you. Love ya brother. Tom Lavene (brother) Plattsburgh, N.Y.
"Night Magic" (See Guestbook entry Sept. 10)
September 30, 2008
kc reiter
September 15, 2008
So sorry for the loss of your mate. Wishing you strength Shelley.
Darnay Campbell
September 15, 2008
My condolences to Shelly and the rest of Jerry's family, I know this is a tough time...
I knew Jerry in the 90's - I was going to school at Plattsburgh State, and I'd show up to jam sessions at JC's Jazz Club with my electric bass, trying to get my chops together. (I found out he referred to me as "the Mexican kid" to others in the club. That always made me laugh - I'm not Mexican!!) He taught me so much on that bandstand, more than I understood at the time: I heard a recording online recently of him and began to realize how many of the musical colors I imagine now are those he created! Thank you Jerry! What a brilliant, playful, generous, infinitely talented man. It hurts to think of this world without him. We're all very lucky to have known him, he'll be very missed.
kim-wah baldwin
September 11, 2008
It was an honor and inspiration to have known and played with Jerry over the years- I called him"Jeru" and he really seemed to like that name. Others called him "line copper".As everyone knows Jerry was never lacking for a multi-dimensional anylasis of any situation he was in. Greg Noland came up with a good term for Jerry's chords years ago-"Rhino chords". I guess that's because they were big and powerful. Jerry was thought of as more of an accoustic setting player but he was also a cutting edge electric guitarist. I was with the band Solar Sauris for a concert at Hawkins Hall years ago. It was fusion and Jerry's playing was, as usual, powerful. He rocked the place! I will see you on the other side, Jeru. Kim-Wah Baldwin
Tom LaMar
September 10, 2008
Jer, You always did the unexpected, and it was usually really funky, funny, or just plain fun when you tolerated my musical meanderings on keyboards...for the last 20 years or more ! The gig at the Ausable Club was about as good as you, Mike Lewandowski and I could get; you set the ambiance like you are probably doing right now somewhere hopefully in another smoke-filled room or cloud draped vista that lets your almost limitless talent make all that hear your lines soar with you. I will miss you my friend, and all the crazy bandstands we shared. Let me know when I get there if you need another dose of electronic music therapy like I tried to keep you and your 22 cats (at one point) supplied with. As a fellow Port Kenter, I'll stay in touch with your Shelly to keep her on track to celebrate your memory.
Bob Elmendorf
September 10, 2008
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. I first was introduced to him in the late sixties and knew him immediately to be an extremely imaginative person and though I was not a musician, his tremendous musical gifts displayed in original compositions and startling improvisations were obvious. I lost touch with him when I moved away, but reconnected a few times. I remember seeing him raking the lawn and he said "If I had time, I would be a perfectionist." Recently I had gotten some recordings of his and had had enough harmony through the piano to realize again from an amateur musician's perspective what a unique style and potent musical vocabulary he possessed. I wish he had received the recognition that was his due. He had a tremendous sense of humor, and was also an athlete-could walk the tightrope. My heart goes out to his family and to his friends.
Simone Felty
September 10, 2008
I was "on the road" with Jerry for nearly five years in the early '80's. We crossed the country together and had the most wonderful musical experiences. I cannot imagine the sorrow his family and close friends are feeling because Jerry added the touch of the unusual and candid presence that no one else has ever done. My deepest condolences to all of you who've had the privilege to be close to him. I for one, will never ever forget Jerry. Wherever we played, musicians would come in and comment "God is playing tonight!" He taught me to play the bass as playing guitar with him was impossible ... not many musicians could follow his musical mind and apparent genius. I recall when we were playing in a Sheraton Hotel in Joliet, IL, he had borrowed some of my expensive Eckstein face cream because he wanted his face to "shine" on the stand (to look good, and that was OK with me) so I gave it to him. Around 11 PM, his eyes began to have a "glow" within the whites of his eyes and as the evening moved on, they got redder and redder. Finally, I asked him (because Jerry used to sweat a lot as he performed) "what was going on, was it my cream doing that?" He confessed he had mixed it with Oil of Olay (and of course, caused a chemical reaction.) After our gig was over, I drove him to the Emergency Room and he was diagnosed with second-degree burns in both eyes. He wore black patches over both eyes for two weeks and we finished our month long gig with Jerry playing blind for at least two weeks. Jose Feliciano could not have done a better job, he never made a mistake or missed a single note! I had a dream of Jerry the night after his death and he came to say goodbye to me. I will keep on praying for my dear friend, may God enjoy his humor, his candor, his unusual personality and most of all, his unspeakable beautiful talent. I shall miss you Jerry, albeit from afar.
Simone Felty, Jerry's musical partner in the duo "Night Magic."
Donald Henderson
September 10, 2008
I only met Jerry about 2 years ago when he came to visit my friend here in Plattsburgh. He did some maintenance on her guitar and then he began to play it. He played things like Stairway to Heaven and even the Charlie Brown theme. I was out of the room when he began and I thought at least two other people had somehow shown up and were all playing together. When I realized it was just him playing melody, rhythm, and even a bass line, by himself, I was totally amazed. He visited a few other times and the three of us went to bingo at the Ganienkeh reservation once.
The man was incredibly gifted and aside from that , had a great sense of humor and seemed like one of those rare genuinely nice people. I was shocked when my friend here told me he had passed on. I only knew him for a short time but he will be remembered and missed.
beth stansbury
September 9, 2008
Shelley - our deepest condolences in the loss of the love of your life, Jerry. We did not know him other than through your speaking of him and his music. With our deepest sympathy, Beth & Grace
Anne Jablonka Holshek
September 9, 2008
From the moment I met Jerry in my youth, I knew he was true. The real deal. True to himself, to his heart and to the music he loved. I still remember the afternoon at 95 Court when he orchestrated a bunch of us with assorted guitar lines, clanking ashtrays together, and noises. It was amazing how good we sounded. He was a truly gifted man in many respects - his musical talent, intellect, gentleness and humor.
I was away from the area for over 30 years, returned, and we connected again as if I had not gone away at all. Jerry was, above all, a great and true friend.
The music of the Angels will be sweeter for his presence. And the music that I know will be richer for having known him. Rest well, my dear friend. And play.
My most sincere condolences to Jerry's family. He is truly and sadly missed.
Tim Goodman
September 9, 2008
Let me give my deepest and heart felt sympathy to Jerrys inner circle.
Jerry was truly a one of a kind of human being. He didn't try to be, he just was.
He was one of those few friends that you could pick up the phone after 5 or 6 years and pick up where you left off. Just as if it where yesterday. Wish that I could do that now.
Jerry was on the road with our family band Biddie & Company back in the mid to late 70's. My mother was the drummer and she and Jerry took an instant liking ( and respect ) for each other. We lost mother ( Biddie ) almost two years ago. I'm sure she and Jerry are catching up right now.
You cats are all so very eloquent with
the very true stories of Jerrys musical virtuosity.
I'll try to give my perspective.
I remember how on the road we would sit in a hotel room and hear a song on the radio. You would literaly see the light bulb go on over Jerrys head. Then he would say " I think I'll re-harmonize that song". Then show up for breakfast with a CHART ready to go. The song I'm thinking of specifically right at this moment is " Here And There And Everywhere " by the Beatles or "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis. Just two of, literally hundreds. I always wished the original composers could here Jerrys insight to THEIR songs !!!
He would say " He man, check this out," and start playing his arm like it was a fret board. His favorite joke for a few years was about the buck toothed cow, MOOF !!!
Any way my heart is breaking, so I hope those of you that were really close must really take solice in the fact that this man/ guitarist/ teacher/ musicians musician, made a real inpact on the lives of so many people it is really hard to believe that he's in a better place.
Sincerely,
Jerry Lavene's Friend,
David Stamegna
September 8, 2008
My deepest condolences to Jerry's Family.
We will all miss him so very much.
Dr. Jim Miller at P.S.U.C. was my professor and very good friend.
He gave Jerry guitar lessons early on and had told me that Jerry would come back the following week and instead of just learning the lesson he was told to, he had already gone thru the whole lesson BOOK...Dr. Miller was amazed at his playing.
Everyone was.
Jerry, Dr. Miller and I played quite a few gigs together.
Jerry and I laughed and lived and worked together and communicated to each other thru our music for 6 years.
Playing with Jerry was an amazing daily experience.
His musical knowledge astounded me.
From a 2 year gig at 'The Office' with the Jeremy Band, to living with him in Burlington and forging new musical boundaries with 'Citizens Band', to playing the hotel circuit through out the Northeast, I had Jerry by my side.
I moved to Florida after our last gig together, which was at the Cape Cod Country Club in Falmouth ,Mass.
We were there for the whole Summer of 1978.
Throughout the years, I stayed in touch with Jerry, always with hopes that he would break thru to the next level and receive the musical and monetary appreciation that he so deserved.
I firmly believe that he is now at the right hand of God and he is at Peace.
I will always miss him and treasure the memories.
Thank you Jerry.
Dale Derusha
September 7, 2008
Jerry, I will miss you my friend. My deepest condolences to your family & closest friends. I met Jerry when I was 17. I was taking guitar lessons from Doc Miller, and then he introduced me to You. The rest was history in the making. I learned so much from you and had the great fortune of doing several musical collaborations with "The Master" himself. We shared a lot of laughs, philosophy, and of course, "Them Changes". You were the Best of the Best. God Bless you my friend.
Dale Derusha
Terry Infante
September 6, 2008
Jerry,
"My Guitar Gently Weeps"....
God Bless You
Gary Snow
September 6, 2008
This is so difficult to fathom, my father Wayne died on August 5, a long time and trend-setting musician of his own accord. He was good friends with Lawrence, Jerry's Dad. My condolences to you Lawrence and all of the family including intimate friends for your loss. Like many musicians in Plattsburgh, my father and Jerry had played together. I met and played with Jerry beginning when he was 12, I played piano and tenor sax at the time. We recorded with Gordie Little and Ben Everest for a demo on Rondack Records and over the years played together many times, including my Tijuana Jail Jazz Concerts, Juniper boat cruises, my TV Show "On the Road Again" for WPTZ and various other local venues. However, we didn't stay in touch because I'd initially began playing for Concert Canada after moving back from Europe and then during my college years in Plattsburgh and then played all over this country and finally moved away years ago. However, I did connect with Jerry on my visits to Plattsburgh. My first vivid recollection was Jerry riding his English bike to my house on Cornelia St., with some radio tubes in his pocket which he'd picked up for my then hobby ham radio. Unfortunately Jerry took a tumble and the tubes were utterly crushed however, Jerry and the bike were unhurt. He found it very amusing. This was the key to Jerry he was unruffled throughout life and secure in himself, a friend, a musician, an intellectual and one of the few people who ever self actualized in the tradition of Maslow et al. His passing as was my father's was felt with a deep grief, but not despair. For Jerry, for all of us, in the words of the metaphysical meditations of John Donne "no man is an island, entire of itself - any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind; and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee."
LORI MATOTT
September 5, 2008
JERRY WAS MY UNCLE HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED I JUST WISH I HAD SPENT MORE TIME WITH HIM BUT LIKE ALL FAMILES EVERYONES TOO BUSY LIVE EACH DAY TO THE FULLEST BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW HE WAS TO YOUNG AND FULL OF LIFE AT LEAST I GOT TO TELL HIM THAT I FINALLY GOT PREGNANT AFTER 12 YRS OF TRYING I AM 7 WEEKS FOR EVERY HEART THAT STOPS BEATING A NEW ONE BEGINS
Elaine Caron Conway
September 5, 2008
My nephew and niece just had their wedding in May and Jerry entertained us with his music. It was wonderful, he will be missed. My condolences to Tom and family.
Lyle Glidden
September 5, 2008
What a privilege it was to know Jerry and hear him play as no one else in the North Country did...if anyone deserves the title virtuoso, it was Jerry !
I so enjoyed going to Sat. evening services with John Kains and being blessed by Jerry's amazing music...it was like being wrapped in the wings of the Spirit !
I pray you are at peace with our Lord, dear friend !
Blessings on your family...,
Sincerely..., Lyle
Steven LaValley
September 5, 2008
Jerry was my guitar teacher, friend and lasting musical influence.We also worked together and shared many great moments
(mostly due to him) on stage. Jerry never
received the level of long term success that the was equal to his amazing talent.
Jerry was a very sensitive man, and rarely if ever lost his temper or spoke harsh
words or insults about another person. Which makes this loss even greater because
it's a quality so rare for most people you meet in life.
Jerry remained childlike about his enthusiasm and Love of music.He was probably
the most non jaded person of his age and experience around. And he did have some
very tuff hands dealt to him more than once. It breaks my heart to think of this
master guitarist as well as jazz humorist and great person has had to leave us.
Thank You Shelley for being there to comfort him when he needed you.
And my sincere sympathy and condolences to his family.
And thank you Jerry for all the coco-nog, pick'n and a grinn'n sessions and air
ping pong games. You will be sorely missed here. Goodbye Bro
kenneth searles
September 5, 2008
my condolences to jerrys family..what a talent he was. i only knew jerry for about 5 years, but in those 5 years he taught me to respect my musical talent even though i had limitations. to listen to jerry play "stairway to heaven" was absolute heaven..well jerry my friend, you made the stairway to heaven. i will miss your smile when we would have lunch. god speed...
John Kains
September 5, 2008
I hope you are finally at peace! Your music was an inspiration to all of us and we will miss you, that's for sure! Your music at Trinity was reason for me to keep coming back! Peace Brother!!
Michael O,Connell
September 5, 2008
Jerry, God must need a great guitarist. My Thoughts and Prayers go out to everyone in the Lavene Family.
Randy Vaughn
September 5, 2008
You know, there is one person you meet in a life time that leaves a lasting impression on about everyone they come in contact with. I wrote in this guest book yesterday however the shock has finally subsided and I just wanted to mention a few of my thoughts. I am now 53 and my first Gig with Jerry was at the Caberet when I was 17. From that moment on we've remained close. We worked on the road most of the mid to late 70's and like everyone else who's life he touched, I have lasting memories. We worked together on and off again in the 80's and his musical genius never ceased to just amaze you. As many of you know he was an extremely deep individual. We were driving down the road together one day and he says " Imagine if you were a speck on a twig and that twig was on the branch of a tree and that tree was the whole universe"! You will be sincerely missed my friend and as Jim N. says you are the master. You will never be forgotten.. May God Bless you and your family.. Love you brother!!!
Jim Wells
September 5, 2008
Jerry,
Rest in peace my friend. It was an honor and a pleasure to know you and a privilege to hear you play guitar.
Many may not know that Jerry was quite a pitcher in Little League and Babe Ruth. He was very intimidating being 6' tall at 12 years old with a great fastball.
I didn't know Jerry played guitar until I was about 15 years old. I walked into Nelson's Music Shop and heard someone playing an acoustic-jazz redition of a Beatles song. I was shocked and delighted to see it was Jerry.
Thank you for the musical enjoyment you gave to me throughout the years.
Your friend,
Jim Wells
Jim Wells (Melbourne Beach, FL)
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Eric, Bentley & Craig Austin
September 5, 2008
The Austin Brothers, since leaving Plattsburgh in '67, have traveled extensively playing music in all parts of the country.
In all our travels, and while playing with some of the great artists in the field, we have always remarked that Jerry was probably the best musician we had ever had the honor of knowing as a colleague and a friend.
He will be truly missed. Our condolences to the Lavene family.
Shelley Morrow
September 5, 2008
Jerry started out as my guitar teacher, quickly became a friend and confidant and soon became the love of my life. I was blessed with 7 years of knowing him and 6 years of living with him up until he took his last breath.
I had hoped to spend a lifetime with him, but I am grateful for the time I had.
Anyone who speaks of Jer with love is an instant friend of mine for I want to talk about him for hours.
I have saved video, photos, recordings and many happy memories .... he told me everything he could remember about his life at least twice and I feel as though I could write a book !
There will be a hole in my heart right next to that song in my heart that he put there.
Good bye for now, my forever love !! I will see you again !
P.S. a BIG HUGE thank you to Rosemary for buying me the time to say goodbye. I am so glad you were with him that awful Monday when his artery burst. Thank you for your loving care of our beloved Jer.
billy pajonas
September 4, 2008
"Billy Pajonas"my sincerest condolences!Jerr was a dear friend for years & a real player.We,ve shared many memories together.I wil miss YOU dearly!May the LORD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND!~~~~~MAY YOU PLAY MUSIC NOW&FOREVER!SALUT"PJ"
Jim Norcross
September 4, 2008
Jerry, You finally made it off this planet- it only held you back anyway, man. Anyone who ever heard you has been touched by the magic of a true musical genius. You are the mystery, mastery, majesty & simplicity of it all. To me, You are music...
A.J. Domizio, Jr.
September 4, 2008
I'm so shocked and sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. We attended Plattsburgh High School together. We had many great conversations in school, and talked about his love of music. Jerry went on to be a very talented musician. My Dad , Al D'Lano, played with Jerry on many occasions and sends his condolences as well. My prayers and thoughts are with Jerry's family.
Greg Fiske
September 4, 2008
It is quite the shock to hear this news........My wife and I would enjoy listening to him during dinner many times........as a fellow musician, it was always cool to talk to him about jazz, and I really enjoyed recording his live performance one evening, man could he play.......we'll miss you Jerry
Bob Wesley
September 4, 2008
I'll never forget the last year the Juniper sailed on Lake Champlain. Jerry and I played a duo on it for the entire summer and it was one of the great highlights of my 40 year musical career.
You'll be missed my old friend. My very best to your entire family and may you rest in peace.
Donald LaPoint Jr.
September 4, 2008
This comes as a great shock to me. I have known Jerry for most of my 35 years. My deepest sympathys go out to Tom and family. If you need anything, Feel free to contact me.
Herbert and Donna Recore
September 4, 2008
Memories of my first friend, Jerry.
When we were learning to play Guitar together, within a few weeks I was playing 3 finger cords and Jerry was playing Orchestrated music. What Talent!
When he found he could play a 7 fret cord. What Natural Ability!
When he sat and listened to a Herby-man album for 2 days, went to Hasens, bought a flute and was playing along with it that night. What a God given gift!
When he played with the Teen age Jazzmen. He now knew what he wanted!
When on leave from service I saw him walking near St Johns Church. I blew my horn and pulled over next to him.He stared at my truck, then at me and begain singing "Come on Baby Bite my tire". He then walked over to my 37 Dodge and bit my spare tire. ( which is in the Rt fender)
What a card!
When I would go to dinner or a club where he was playing, he would make time to stop, visit and catch up on things. What a friend!
Though I've been away for years, there will be hole in my life, for the Friend I made 47 years ago, is no longer there!
Herbert A Recore Jr.
Jake Beauvais
September 4, 2008
A great jazz artist and musical genius. One of the stellar musical talents to come out of the area, he will be sorely missed.
Joe Finn
September 4, 2008
I’m so sorry to here of Jerry’s passing. I’d like to express my sympathy to his family and to let them know how much Jerry will be missed. Jerry was my guitar instructor when I was a student in Plattsburgh in the 1970’s. We were also friends and tennis partners. He was a great guy and I learned a lot from him in many different ways. I’ll always remember him as a good hearted soul with a great sense of humor and a passion for life. Please accept my condolences. I’m very sorry for your loss.
Andy Fee
September 4, 2008
Jerry, you were one of my favourite guitarists in this solar -system. I remember going to see you at the Inn-of-the-Nations (or...as you called it...the "Halluce-of-the-Nations") and you added an incredible Segovia-like passage to a Doobies bros. song....like the lady said..."no one could play it like Jerry."
Good-bye Jerrry...hate to see you go...
-andy fee
Jonathan Maddix
September 4, 2008
I agree with others, God must have needed another great guitarist in his band. I just saw Jerry play at Irises and he sounded great. I used to hear him play at JC's Jazz club. I wish him and his family well. I will miss hearing him play.
Michael Wahl
September 4, 2008
Jerry,
Thanks for all the great things you taught me. No one could communicate like you musically and verbally. A true unrecognized genius.
Rick Davies
September 4, 2008
We have lost a musical treasure. Condolences to his family and many friends. The musicians of the north country have lost a legend. Its hard to imagine not hearing that incredible guitar.
Karen (Knuffke) Martin
September 4, 2008
I have fond memories of Jerry from highschool. A group of us would meet at someone's home on the base with our guitars and Jerry would give us all some "mini" lessons. A few years ago he and I would have discussions about various subjects including eternity. His laughter and talent will be very missed.
John La Porte
September 4, 2008
Jerry, may god bless. You have always been a great friend and big inspiration to me and many, many people. I'll miss you and your great playing Jerry!
Beverly Janusz
September 4, 2008
rosemary i am so sorry to hear of your loss, jerry was a very kind and gentle man i will miss him at bingo.
Randy Vaughn
September 4, 2008
Jerry I just spoke with you and you sounded great. God must have a Jazz Band needing a wonderful player. I'll miss talking with you. God Speed buddy.
Pete Beauvais
September 4, 2008
My condolences to Jerry Lavene's family,
My name is Pete Beauvais, a person who also graduated from Plattsburgh High School in 1967. I remember Jerry playing an amazing guitar during our dance band years together under the eyes of Bill Zanelli, our wonderful band instructor. I know that Jerry was one of many who made music their occupation during those years. Jerry was also a family friend who taught me a little about the guitar. I moved away, but heard/read about his involment with the upper crust of the music world. He made us all proud to have known him; to have played next to him, and to share his love of music. He will be sadly missed.
Laura and Chris Dominianni
September 4, 2008
Jerry was a great guy who leaves all of us with many fond memories of his laughter, his humor , his love for his cats, and most of all, his great gift of music. Nobody plays it like Jerry, fingers flying, mind soaring into the cosmos...Peace, friend.
Katherine (Bea) Gonyo
September 4, 2008
I am very sad to hear of Jerry's passing. His musical talent has been something I've admired over the years. Jerry was a genuinely kind and generous individual too. Our community will mourn the loss of this fine man. My sincere condolences to his wife and family.
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69 Court Street, Plattsburgh, NY 12901
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