Thomas Ippolito

Thomas (Tommy) Ippolito, 87, passed away peacefully at his home on December 20, 2015.

Tommy was born in Albany, and lived for most of his life in Colonie. He is the husband of the late Anna (Zorr) Ippolito and son of the late Giacomo and Concetta Ippolito. Tommy was a distinguished musician in the Albany and Tri-city area. His travel along the road as a professional musician began at the early age of six, when he was already labeled a child prodigy. At the age of eight, Tommy was chosen to represent the City of Albany on the Major Bowes Amateur Hour and won with over 40,000 votes. It was then that he met his role model accordionist extraordinaire, Charlie Magnante.

In 1946, he graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany. He then studied at the Biviano School of Music and later joined the Albany Musicians Union.

From 1950-52, Tommy served in the US Army. He was on the faculty of the European Band School in Germany, and was chosen at the age of 23 to lead a new Army Band, making him the youngest bandleader in the US Army. In 1956 & '57, he was a member of the Arthur Godfrey band on TV, performing with Pat Boone, the McGuire Sisters and various other artists. In 1966 he was on the Mike Douglas Show and worked with Rosemary Clooney, Al Martino and Art Van Damme.

He continued his career in music after he returned to Albany. Simultaneously, he worked for the State of New York, retiring after 27 years of service. He provided many years of music for all occasions, from sporting events, social functions, charitable organizations, hospitals, nursing homes and schools. In 1989 Mayor Thomas Whalen, declared October 15, as "Tommy Ippolito Day". He was considered an icon by the Albany Times Union, for his never-ending energy and representation of the Capital city.

He was the President of the Albany Musicians Union for 16 years. The prestigious Tommy Ippolito Music Scholarship was created in his name which is awarded to one or two talented instrumentalists and/or vocalists who are pursuing a college education in music.

He was a devoted, loving father and grandfather to his three daughters and their children. Survivors include his three daughters, Lisa Ippolito, Nancy Lawler, (Jim) and Tina Cornell, (Roger). He is survived by five grandchildren, Jamie Lawler (Kim), Roger, Tyler, Carter and Juliana Cornell, and great grandson Colton Lawler. Tommy is survived by his sister Nancy (Ippolito) Haggerty and her husband Jack. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Lola Gibson and her team for their love and support over the past three years. Lola has become a sister to our family and we are blessed to have her in our lives.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you consider contributions to the "Tommy Ippolito Music Scholarship Fund" via the Albany Musicians Association, PO Box 189, Delmar, NY 12054-0189, in Tommy's memory.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Monday, December 28, 2015 at 9:00 am at St. Clare's Catholic Church, 1947 Central Ave., Colonie. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, December 27, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Newcomer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd., Colonie, NY. Interment will follow the Mass in Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont.