Obituary of Vito J. Davi

Jazzman, Mr. Vito Joseph Davi, 88, a creative saxophonist, big band musician, and lifetime New York Yankees fan died Tuesday, April 25, 2017 at Good Samaritan Lutheran Heathcare Center in Delmar. Born on June 9, 1928 in Manhattan, NYC, he was the son of Joseph Davi and Nancy K. Davi. He attended NYC schools and lived in the Canajoharie area for many years, also residing in Ocala, Fl and Troy, NY. Mr. Davi was a US Postal Service carrier and clerk in Canajoharie, NY for 30 years by day and was a saxophonist by night; playing through the Mohawk Valley with many bands. He was a veteran of the US Airforce, serving from 1951-1955 during the Korean War as a Chef, obtaining the rank of Airman 2nd Class and receiving the National Defense Service Medal. He also played saxophone in the USAF Band. Mr. Davi was of Roman Catholic faith and was a communicant of the former St. Peter's & Paul's Catholic Church. Mr. Davi was a member of the Musician Union, playing saxophone with the Center Stage Band in Ocala, FL, The Jazz Society with Combo in Ocala, FL, The Musicians Union of NY, and a member of the American Federation of US and Canada. He also spent time volunteering at the VA Hospital, providing Music Therapy. Mr. Davi won a National Award in a Veterans competition. On March 7, 1975 in Canajoharie, NY, Vito was married to Agatha T."Babe" Susi. She preceded him in death along with his first wife, Margaret Slaper. Mr. Davi is survived by his daughters, Nancy B. and Hans Pennink of Slingerlands, NY, Rosemary J. and Kevin Hart of Petaluma, CA; brother, Salvatore Davi and Gail of Florida; grandchildren, Joseph T. Davi, Rianna E. Elrod; great-granddaughter, Presley C. Rivera; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A funeral will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at 11:00am at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY. The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday, May 5, 2017 from 4:00-7:00pm at the funeral home. Burial will take place in St. Peter's & Paul's Catholic Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Mr. Vito J. Davi may be made to the Canajoharie Central School Music Department, 136 Scholastic Way, Canajoharie, NY.