I did not like the man, I learned to hate the man, then I learned to love the man.
Mike Alessi, SAX PLAYER, past away last night. He died in rehab, he lost his ability to balance. For the last three years he refused a hip replaced, and he feared rehab; he must have known.

For the last five years Mike and I had breakfast together in a resterant in his clubhouse. We laughed, talked about old times, and talked about ending times, he asked me about God.

Mike tried, with all he had, to play his sax, it was hard. I offered to buy him a plastic midi sax, it took less effort to play. He said no, it wasn’t the same. When he sold the Selmer Tenor Sax, it was as if he lost a large part of himself.

Mike Alessi was a musicians musician, his life was the tenor, then himself. I have never met another musician like him.

Mike’s daughter called me, she said that I should and take any or all of his music equipment; There are a few things I would like, I will help her sell what is left.

Another season has just passed— He was here, and now he is not here. I will miss him. I wonder if God has a new Selmer Sax ready for him, if so, I’m not leaving without my guitar. (smile)

John C.

John, sorry to hear of the loss of your friend ... may he Rest In Peace with the Lord .

John - so sorry to hear your sad news. May Mike's family and friends be blessed with peace and comfort that his worry and suffering have ended. I'm guessing there are plenty of saxes up there!

Sincere regrets and condolences, John:

The loss of a friend or loved one will never be easy... and at our age(s) we tend to see our friends at funerals and weddings. I have no doubt that your kindness and friendship made Mike's journey along the end of the trail a little more bearable.

I would guess there is a storeroom filled with musical instruments for him to make a selection. May he rest in peace. Thanks for letting us know.

----Dave Rice

Sorry to hear about your friend John. May he rest in peace.

So sorry John...RIP

Sorry about your loss, John. Keep him alive in your mind and I applaud you for helping his daughter to sell his gear. I did this when my friend Bob Lee passed away from Cancer 5 years ago and Jim McKinney (Jimsax), 6 years ago.

All the best,

Gary

John, So sorry to hear of your friend’s passing. I know he was blessed to have you as a close friend.
Mitch

Sorry for the loss of your friend. Sounds lie you were a good friend to him too.

I do very much appreciate and the caring I am receiving from my friends here on SZ, thank you.

Funny, I forgot that we have a nightmare virus.

Randy I know that you understand the Sax player that just left.
Thank you all, John C.

Sorry John. It’s so hard losing a friend. RIP Mike.

Hang in there John. We're all here for you

Sorry for your loss, John.

John, Sorry for your loss may he rest in peace, I understand your pain, Mike sounded like he was a great guy. I know earlier this week Mason's friend the Reverend passed due to the Corona virus, may he rest in peace too.

They say these things come in threes and it seems them do. Yesterday I got a call from a life long friend whose sister in law was found dead at home. She was 71, sad part her husband Louie a guy I new since we were 6 years old died at 67 about 18 months ago. Her death came as a shock since was the rock of the family. This week a 68 year old former coworker a real gentleman died suddenly. Then there was one more an old high school buddy passed away. I went thru this about 18 months ago with the loss of 3 other close friends. The common denominator was they were all in their late 60s or just about 70 years of age. Yup it's my generation and the generation of many of my SZ friends.

John, sorry for your loss.

Unfortunately we are at the age where it is an everyday thing.

Just yesterday while searching for great friends of 40 years..I found the my friend (minister in the 70's here),loss hie wife last year.

And now I just answered my door.. my neighbor of 45 years will not make it thru the night..

What really is sad, confinements hinder funerals..

The last two weeks there have been 7 old friends that have passed, and not a single funeral.

John, concern and good thoughts go to you and the family.

Russ

John,
Sorry for your loss. Many of us ol' guys know the feeling.
Take care bud

It’s soooooo good, knowing people care.

THANK YOU---John C.