In Loving Memory 1930 - 2005 On  Saturday  December 3rd, 2005. Al Mattaliano passed away after battling a long illness. Al was loved by all who knew him. He will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.  ALFRED "AL" F. MATTALIANO, 75, of TINTON FALLS Posted by the Asbury Park Press on 12/6/05 ALFRED "AL" F. MATTALIANO, 75, of TINTON FALLS, died Saturday, Dec. 3, at his home after a long illness. Originally from Bayonne, he graduated from Bayonne High School and went on to attend The Julliard School of Music, then relocated to Tinton Falls in 1995. Al had a long, successful career as a musician. At age 17, he played the trumpet with renowned band leader Stan Kenton. He was subsequently hired to play in the ABC radio and television house band before he completed his studies at Julliard, playing with Billy Butterfield, Bobby Hackett and others. From there, Al went on to play with greats such as Paul Whiteman, Boyd Raeburn, Mitch Miller and Louis Armstrong. As a union musician, Al played with bands for Broadway shows including, "Funny Girl," "A Chorus Line," "Irene," "How to Succeed in Business," "Minnie's Boys," and "Hello Dolly." He also played in the band that is shown in the opening wedding scene in the movie "The Godfather." (Look for the trumpet player on the far right). Al's skill as a trumpet player was also used in the military service when he was assigned to the 1st U.S. Army Band stationed on Governor's Island. After retirement, Al continued his love of jazz and big band music by recording original arrangements and old standards. He also volunteered as a member of the Brookdale Community College Big Band until recently. His outlook on life was always positive, leaving all who met him with a smile and fond memories. He leaves behind his wife of 50 years, Eleanor "Pinky"; his son, Al and his wife Shawn of Easley, S.C.; a daughter, Melissa Davidson and her husband Robert of Tinton Falls; his grandchildren, Bobby, Chase, Bryce and Justin; a brother-in-law, Edward Heatherington; two nieces, Marie Jedziniak of Wall, and Linda Ivaldi of Scottsdale, Ariz.; along with many cousins, close family and friends. Visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday and 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, with a funeral service at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Bongarzone Funeral Home, 2400 Shafto Road, Tinton Falls. The funeral will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Entombment will be in Fair View Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be sent to the "VH1 Save the Music Foundation" at 1515 Broadway, 20th Floor, New York, NY 10036.   Bio Al was born in New York City and grew up in Bayonne NJ. He graduated from Bayonne High School and attended Julliard School of music. He played with Stan Kenton at the Paramount Theater when he was 17 yrs old. He later went on to become a member of the Staff orchestra of the American Broadcasting Company doing radio shows and early T.V. shows such as, The Paul Whiteman Show, the Don Ameche Show, and the Sid Ceaser Show. As well as various other programs. Al served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, and played with the 1st Army Band. Upon being discharged he went back to work at ABC until 1960. He then went to work in the Broadway Theater doing such plays as, Funny Girl, Hello Dolly, Irene, and A Chorus Line. Al can also be seen in the orchestra of the wedding scene in the movie The Godfather. He is now a free lance musician in the New York area.   View My Guestbook Sign My Guestbook