Nicole Padden, Patricia DeRosa Padden and Pat DeRosa
Psychologists have fancy theories for why a song snapshots a memory. Most of us don’t need tech-y terms to know some chords are tied to the keys of our heart. That’s where black and white memories live on and on in vivid color.
It’s no wonder music plays such a pivotal role in our celebrations of life. With just a few notes we’re flooded with emotional connections to a time, a place or that special someone.
This weekend we’re organizing Memorial Day BBQ’s; burgers, barkers, hot wings and cold drinks. We’re headed to Main Street USA for the home town parade, hand over heart, flags in the air, freckle faced kids every where~ such traditions add color to the soundtrack of our lives.
These festivities are a perfect time to revisit the meaning of the holiday dedicated to paying tribute to the men and women who served our country.
Pat DeRosa, Photo Credit: Patrica DeRosa Padden
For Patricia DeRosa Padden, Memorial Day landmarks her dad’s legacy gift of music.
In 1943, Pat DeRosa was drafted. Serving in World War II, the Army/Air Force GI was deployed across the US, entertaining troops with the Glen Miller orchestra. “In the Mood”, Midnight Serenade”, “Chattanooga Choo Choo” were a few of the Big Band sounds that brought joy to GI’s on state-side rest.
When the War ended DeRosa retuned home to New York. Determined to share his love of music he formed a band to swing and sway at all types of life celebrations. He also became a music teacher inspiring kids in Huntington to learn the language that never needs an interpreter.
Throughout his lifetime talent and a passion to perform lead DeRosa to other big-band stages. He joined musical legends John Coltrane and Billy Joel band member Mike Del Guidice in performances that bridged generations. Wearing his signature suit and tie Pat DeRosa jammed with ‘youngsters’ ~lovin the legato.
Today, the era of Swing is part of our history but it’s notes remain evergreen. Pat’s daughter Patrica and granddaughter, Nicole are both performers who also teach school kids how to play with sway.
We know music has evolved, yet sentiments remain the same. The chords tied to the keys of our heart snapshot our most precious black and white memories and keep them safe to live on and on in vivid color.
Veteran, ‘Leader of the Band’, Pat DeRosa passed away in 2023 at 101
But the beat goes on! In June of 2024, the town of South Huntington, New York honored his musical legacy by renaming an intersection Pat A. DeRosa Way.
May your Memorial Day soundtrack be vividly color-filled!
Discover more from She The People News explores the world of business, culture and politics from a woman’s point of view.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.