Tony Bennett
August 3, 1926 – July 21, 2023
In December of 2008, in a theater outside of Boston, an 82 year-old man stood on the stage – arms spread out almost as wide as the smile across his face – enwrapped in a moment and basking in the glow of…affection from the hundreds of fans surrounding him, yes, but also, what could only be described as “complete and absolute contentment.”
I only got to see Tony Bennett perform live that one time, but it was pure joy. He was clearly as happy to be there as we were to be there with him. The delight was palpable and contagious. Even if he never sang a note, we would have had an amazing night…just basking in his secondhand happiness.
Anthony Dominick Benedetto seemingly made a career off of this particular brand of joy. From his early days singing for Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia in his native Queens to his later work with modern pop icons like Lady Gaga, he loved to sing. For all intents and purposes, he just loved to be and the songs just flowed from there.
Tony served in World War II and, upon his return home, used the G.I. Bill to study music at the American Theatre Wing. He was discovered in New York by Pearl Bailey and was soon signed to a recording contract. He paved a successful career as a pop crooner, but that was hardly the end of it.
Over the course of his 70(!) year career, Bennett churned out hit pop singles like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco”, “Rags to Riches” and “The Good Life.” He won 20 Grammys – all but two of which were after he turned 60. His final Grammy win came in 2022 for his collaboration with Lady Gaga on the album “Love For Sale.”
He was 95 at the time.
Despite a mid-career slump in the 1970s when his label made him record covers of popular rock ‘n’ roll tunes, Tony Bennett remained at the top for most of his career. His ability late in life to tap into successful collaborations and staggering stamina for touring allowed him to reach generations of audiences.
Tony was also a gifted painter. He famously painted a portrait for friend and fellow-Queens resident, Louis Armstrong that still hangs in Louis’ house to this day.
Through nearly a century of song, music and art, Tony Bennett always, ALWAYS exuded pure joy. It was the kind of joy that allows, no, propels someone to do the thing that they love most for 7 full decades with smiles left over. And a joy that allows that golden sun – made famous in his signature song – to most definitely shine for us all.
Burial
Calvary Cemetery – Queens NY
Specific Location
Fourth Calvary, Section 67, Plot 13, Grave 15; From the southern edge of Section 67, count 15 rows to the north and the BENEDETTO family is buried about 15 yards in from the eastern edge. The marker faces to the north.
Celebrity Graveland 
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