Pat DeRosa, world's oldest working pro saxophonist, played for John Coltrane, Glenn Miller, dies at 101

Guinness World Records’ oldest professionally gigging saxophonist in the world has played his last song. Pat DeRosa of Montauk died of natural causes in his sleep on Thursday. He was 101.

“My dad was the most amazing man I have ever known,” said his daughter, Patricia DeRosa Padden, who used to accompany him on piano. “He brought so much joy to so many people.”

DeRosa, who grew up in Huntington, performed with the Maj. Glenn Miller Army Air Forces Orchestra; bandleaders Lionel Hampton and Tommy Tucker; and jazz legend and fellow Long Islander John Coltrane, with whom he played for three years until Coltrane’s death in 1967. Earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education at the Manhattan School of Music, DeRosa taught music at Huntington Elementary and South Huntington Memorial Junior High School. He also served in the Army Air Forces during World War II and worked for Grumman.

In the late 1940s, DeRosa performed at the Strand Theater, Waldorf-Astoria Hotel and Paramount Theatre with Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Andy Williams, and Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. He also formed his own trio gigging at Long Island venues like Milano’s and the Huntington Townhouse and at private parties. DeRosa even performed at the 1969 inaugural ball for President Richard Nixon. In the 1970s, he served as master of ceremonies at jazz concerts at Gosman’s Dock in Montauk.

During his golden years, DeRosa received three special accolades. In 2016, he was inducted into the South Huntington Union Free School District Hall of Fame not only for his playing but his legacy as a music educator. In 2018, Guinness World Records officially declared him the oldest professional saxophonist in the world who is still gigging. Two years later, DeRosa was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame during the pandemic via a special virtual presentation on LIMEHOF’s and WBAB-FM’s Facebook sites.

“The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame is privileged to have inducted Pat DeRosa, at 99 years old, into our Hall of Fame,” said LIMEHOF chairman Ernie Canadeo. “A lifelong Long Islander, he was the personification of a dedicated musician who played his saxophone with joy, performing with the many of the great artists and bands of the 20th century, while also giving back to the Long Island community.”

DeRosa delivered his final performance with the Bill Rignola Quartet at The Dunton Inn “Jazz Jam” in East Patchogue on Oct. 12. He played on three standards — “Take the ‘A’ Train,” “Autumn Leaves” and “Satin Doll” — with his daughter on piano and granddaughter Nicole on vocals. After his performance, he was presented with a cake in celebration of his upcoming 101st birthday.

In addition to his daughter, DeRosa is survived by his son, William DeRosa; grandchildren William Jr., Tracy and Nicole; and great-grandchildren Krista, Jacqueline and Jayden. Constance DeRosa, his wife of 53 years, died in 2009.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church in Shoreham, followed by burial at Pinelawn Memorial Park.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.