East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc read a proclamation acknowledging the skills and contributions of Pat DeRosa, a Montauk musician, at the town board's meeting last Thursday. Mr. DeRosa recently celebrated his 99th birthday.
As an enlisted man from 1943 to 1946, Mr. DeRosa entertained troops in World War II, performing with the Glenn Miller Army Air Force Band. He also performed with legendary musicians including Lionel Hampton, Tommy Tucker, and John Coltrane, and entertainers including Bob Hope, Milton Berle, and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. He performed at President Nixon's inaugural ball in 1969.
Mr. DeRosa, who plays saxophone, clarinet, and flute, also enjoyed a long career as a music educator in Huntington schools. Last month, he was inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in a virtual ceremony. He continues to perform with his daughter and granddaughter, and has sat in with a number of East End bands.
