Nancy Gurney (Kopac)

3/24 09:24 PM

#28     EDIT     DELETE

Philip Peter Ruggiero It seems these death announcements are getting more frequent than we're comfortable with. Some of you may probably remember that the Nasto Twins, Pete Wall John Spero and I played music together in High School and had a moderately lucrative business that let us spend our summers at the  Swim Club instead of working in jobs over in Hackensack. Pete and I went on to the same college and dropped music as a pastime.Both Dennis and Richie went on to study in music conservatories. So we went our separate ways but in 1977 Dennis, Richie and I hooked up, and as a trio, played in New York State every weekend until 1991. During that time, Richie started an 18 piece big band that also kept us busy. I never saw two more talented, dedicated professionals as The Brothers Nasto . After they moved to Pennsylvania, we stayed very close but didn't play as often as we used to, since I wasn't going to start traveling to the Poconos to play jobs:))) Rich ended up giving private reed instrument lessons and his reputation grew to the point that Penn State and other colleges would offer scholarships to students based on his recommendation. So I just wanted to testify that my life was richer through my friendship with them.I felt privileged knowing and standing with them on any stage.. A high school to deathbed relationship. I was facetiming Rich hours before he passed. ( Actually, that's a lie, I can't Facetime, Carol facetimed me:)).  I just wanted to add some color to their lives that wasn't very evident to most of our classmates. Rest in Peace Boys.  I hope we can play Together someday. But I doubt that I'm going to make it up to the same place you guys will be.:))))

Anita Marie Hanson (Germaneso)

So sorry to hear about Richard Nasto's passing.  May he rest in peace and prayers for his family.  Phil, thank you for the very moving tribute to the Nasto twins.  Your words were very well spoken and meaningful.  Living so far away, I had no idea they were such accomplished musicians.  It sounds like you just lost a great friend.  I am so sorry for your loss.   

Nancy Gurney (Kopac)

Richard Nasto

February 11, 1947 — September 2, 2024

Richard Anthony Nasto, 77, of Moore Twp., formerly of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024 at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital, Upper Saucon Twp., He was the beloved husband of Carol Ann Nasto (Drozdowicz) to whom he was married to for 50 years this past January. Born in Hoboken, NJ, Richard was a son of the late Anthony and Rose Nasto (Romanelli).

Richard was employed as a design draftsman as his vocation, but Richard's passion was always music. As a young musician he enjoyed Dixieland music which was apparent in him being a regular member of the Perseverance Jazz Band. As a graduate of the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music in Saxophone performance he was an accomplished jazz musician. His additional talents in singing and drumming also provided him opportunities to work in a musical trio with brother Dennis and best friend Phil called The Three of Us which played many venues in the New York City tri-state area for many years. As his love of the swing era was well known, he successfully led his own big band (the Rick Anthony Big Band) for over 30 years with his wife Carol as the band's vocalist. Music was so special to him that he shared his talents through his participation in local community bands over the years with his brother Dennis and his son Richard. As a music teacher, Richard always instilled a love of music in his private students. His love of music was always felt by those who knew him.

Beyond his musical pursuits, Richard found his greatest fulfillment in spending time with his beloved wife, children and his cherished granddaughter, who held a special place in his heart.

In addition to his wife, he will be lovingly remembered by his children: Richard Nasto of Bay Shore, NY and Carolyn Nasto of Allentown; granddaughter: Clara Nasto; brother: Paul Nasto of Fairfax, VA. He was predeceased by his twin-brother: Dennis Nasto.

Richard was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish, Bath. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10:30AM in Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish - 210 E. Northampton Street - Bath, PA 18014. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Parish Cemetery. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at: bensingfuneralhome.net. Arrangements are under the care and direction of the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, LLC - Bath, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to St. Jude Children's Hospital 501 St. Jude Place - Memphis, TN 38105.

Philip Peter Ruggiero

Thank you Anita!

Good to hear from you..hope you and Dave are well..if you ever make it back to Bogota you'll see a lot of changes.. Olsen Park and the High School field are undergoing a big change.. You've probably heard about it. But the football field is going to be switched to a north and south gridiron to accommodate a quarter  mile track so Bogota can again host track meets.

Condos are growing around Bogota over where the old Brewster construction, and the Hess oil tanks were. And that big parking lot across from Bowler City, has a 12 or 13 story  Condominiums. I don't live there but I drive by my mom's house every so often. Which has just been resold from the people who voted from her back in 2002:)))) Take care...