Thursday, September 7, 2017

Accordion World Loses Another Icon


Accordion icon Tony Lovello passed away on Sunday, September 3. A number of us in the CAA had the pleasure of hearing Tony play over the years at various AAA functions, at the Florida Smash and most recently at the New England Accordion Museum, compliments of Paul Ramunni. It was an honor to know and hear Tony. He will be greatly missed....

NICHOLASVILLE -Tony Lovello, 84, died Sept.3, 2017, at St. Joseph Hospital. Born in Buffalo, NY, he moved to Los Angeles, Ca. at the age of 12. There he became a Master of the Accordion and consummate showman. Tony played with "The Three Suns", and such stars as Eddie Cantor, Debbie Reynolds, Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Durante and many others. He was a Korean War Veteran and spent his time entertaining the troops. In later years, he managed the Campbell House Inn for 31 years. He continued performing and teaching throughout his life. He taught students all over the world via Skype. He is survived by his wife Jo Ellen, daughters: Lee Gehefer, Louise Lovello, Toni (Gary) Comeaux, and Jill Hartfield; 8 grandchildren: Jessica, Olivia, Jolene, Ryan, Natasha, Nicole, Jason and Michael, 5 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother Joe (Dianne) Lovullo, sister-in law, Grace Lovullo and numerous nieces and nephews.