Anthony Joseph, Educator Award
JOSEPH P. SPERENO HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNER
Singer/songwriter Terry LeRoi is honored to be nominated for this year’s Oswego Music Hall of Fame.
Fans and friends may remember him from local & regional bands The Melons, Jolly Roger and Bleed Christine or National Recording Artists Titanium Black (Great Dane Records - produced by legendary Michael Wagener- (Metallica, Ozzy, Queen).
Terry’s current endeavor, national recording artists Granny 4 Barrel (Warner Brothers/ADA-Produced by legend David Bendeth-(Killswitch Engage, Breaking Benjamin, I Prevail) have recently released three singles (“Freak Flag”, She Likes Guns” and “Nitro Sexy”) and has been touring the US for the past five years.
Terry is the President, owner and master goldsmith at LeRoi Fine Jewelry and lives in Minetto, NY with his fiance’.
He is an OHS graduate and is proud to be a lifetime Oswego County resident.
JOSEPH P. SPERENO HALL OF FAME AWARD WINNER- COUNTRY
Since 1977 the Mac Brothers Band has been a dominant force on the country music scene in the Central region of New York State. A mainstay at the area's premier country music nightspot, Phoenix, New York's Carvell's Roadhouse, the band's consistent popularity has ridden the highs and lows of country music and in 1988 reached a pinnacle as champion of the Statewide Country Music Association Festival of Bands Competition. They were awarded performance opportunities at Nashville's Opryland Hotel and The Hunter Mountain Fest in New York's Catskill Mountains and won fans in both places. They followed those landmark live successes with release of their 2nd album "With Strings Attached", a striking example of the band's versatile, Honky-Tonk style.
The Mac Brothers Band have shared the stage with such name acts as Randy Travis, Tammy Wynette, Billy Walker, The Whites, Dave Dudley, Charlie Pride, and Dottie West in their 12 years and have sent one member, steel guitarist Buck Reid, to Nashville as a member of the John Andersons band. Their successes and accomplishments also include begin named best band by New York State Country Music Association in 1978 and by Printers Alley Possum Holler Club in 1980.
But star performers and trophies aren't what the bands about. The Mac Brothers have made their corner of the world a 2-stepping, hand- clapping, good time haven for country music fans from all over- With Strings Attached.
George Hoffman known to many radio listeners as, Rolly Jolly George fell in love with radio when he received a transistor radio for Christmas back in 1960.
He was born in, Syracuse and moved to the town of, Albion, where he grew up on a farm, and he took that radio with him everywhere.
When answering a call in his junior year of school at, APW, about a news job at, WNDR in Syracuse. While there that morning, he met his first DJ in the industry The then “morning man”, Peter C. Cavanaugh ask him what he was there for. George told him, ‘He wanted to be a radio announcer”, in which, Cavanaugh to this day, still remembers asking him if he needed his head examined.
George was told he would need some practice in enunciating and pronunciation which he worked on. George stayed in contact with personnel at, WNDR and WOLF, buy visiting and helping when he could at record hops.
After being Honorably Discharged from the US Navy, George got his first full time radio job at, WOSC AM/FM in Fulton. He made so many calls to, Bob Rooney he was hired to do the evening shifts at the Fm Station. Rooney said, “It was the only way to make him stop calling him”.
Hoffman did the “Best By Request”, show from 10 to midnight in which he took calls and played requests for his listeners, some of whom he made friends with. He was there when; WKFM went on the air. He also helped do play by play broadcasts of high school sports. He later moved to, WSCP, Pulaski, Sandy Creek, where he was part of the three George’s that worked Saturday morning from 6 to sign-off, before becoming the everyday morning man.
He enjoyed playing Country music to a large country audience. He spent many hours of devoting himself to the public, by going to stations sponsored shows, and meeting his many listeners. He shared in their happiness and felt their sorrows.
After working at several stations in Kentucky he came back to WSCP, before doing a brief stint in sales at WOLF and the “Morning Host”, at WKAL in Rome. George then answered an ad, for an afternoon host at, WSGO AM/FM. There he was hired by two of the nicest people in the business Pat Cahill and the Owner Bob Gessner. After about a year doing afternoons, he was moved up to the, morning spot he also did the news. He enjoyed working with people on a talk show called, “Open Mike”. Getting his show name, Rolly Jolly George in Kentucky, he continued with that name. Enjoying Saturday mornings, when he changed the music to, “all gold” with a program he named, “Saturday Morning of Gold”. George was told by many listeners, that it was a great program on Saturday mornings. Hoffman said, there were many stations doing oldies on a Saturday evenings, he thought Saturday morning was prime for such a program. George met some great radio people at, WSGO including, Bob Hageny (Just Plain Bob), Kevin Velzy (Kevin P---A---U---L), Bill Schlneiz, Johnny Gauge, and Judy Pelow.
For many years being known as, “The Voice of Oswego”. He was also known as, “The Voice of the Oswego State, Great Laker Hockey Team”, where it was told, he woke many up with his broadcast, with his screaming yell, when the Lakers scored. He became friends with many of the Laker players and coaches.
George also had his own DJ business known as, “YGH Music” in which he played at many weddings, graduations and parties. Many times, George volunteered his services for benefits, also, volunteering his service at St. Mary’s Bizzare, and has joined up with his longtime friend, Bob Hageny at, St. Steven’s Polish Festival.
Hoffman has dedicated many countless hours working on Veterans programs. He has served as commander of VFW post 2320, Oswego County Commander and several Positions in the 5th district, working to help veterans in need. He is currently the, Senior Vice Commander, at VFW Post 5885, and the President of the City of Oswego Council. Hoffman has been involved in the Memorial Day Ceremonies in, Oswego for over 20 years organizing the program for the past 22 years. Hoffman has also been involved with the youth as he was a, hockey coach in the Oswego Minor Hockey Association, as well as an assistant coach for the Ontario Bay Storm high school team.
He also spent many years working with youths in the United States Naval Sea Cadet program. He was the Executive officer at the, Truxton Division in Oswego. He has spent many volunteer hours in these programs and is proud that many of his cadets have gone on to great Naval Careers.
With everything going on in his life, he has kept his foot in radio as a guest host on the, “Dinosaur Radio Station”, which airs locally, on Thursday morning at, 8:20 here in the area at 103.9, on a feature called, “Everything Oswego”. The program highlights and promotes things of interest going on in Oswego County. George enjoys his new radio colleagues, Nick Caplan the “Caveman”, Tony Falaco, Bob Brown, Chris Wyman, Bretagne Pidgeon, Ron Wray, John Caruccia, and owner, Craig Fox. Upon becoming involved with this group, Hoffman is now known as the, “Dinosaur Navy Vet, George”.
Today George still volunteers his DJ service at OCO’S annual Bowl- a -Thon fundraiser. Hoffman credits one of his former owners, Steve Sattler, of giving him the confidence of being involved in the local community and considers himself to be proud to be in the, people business.
Hoffman met his wife, Yukiko while stationed in the Navy at Sasebo, Japan. He asked her to marry him after knowing her for 3 weeks. Friends said, “It would never last, but this Halloween, they will celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary. They have 3 sons, 7 grandchildren, one great grandchild and one more on the way.
Anthony J. Joseph, a native of Rome, New York, is a retired music teacher, having completed a 33 year career from September, 1973 to June, 2006. He spent 26 of those years as a music teacher for the City School District of Oswego (1980-2006), where his duties included directing the Oswego High School Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensembles, Marching Band (1981-84) and instrumental/ woodwind music lesson instruction. He had previously taught instrumental music for Draper High School, Schenectady, N.Y. (1973-74) and for the Maine-Endwell School District, Endwell, N.Y. (1974-80). During his long career the ensembles under his direction have consistently achieved excellence on several levels, earning numerous awards and accolades and standing ovations for their outstanding performances, musicianship, and stage presence.
‘Mr. Joe’ as he affectionately became known by his beloved students, holds degrees in Music from Onondaga Community College (1971) and Fredonia State University (1973), with advanced studies at Binghamton State University and the College of Saint Rose, Albany, N.Y. In August 1990, he received his Certificate of Advanced Studies and Master’s degree in Educational Administration at Oswego State University. During the 1989-90 school year Mr. Joe completed a one-year administrative internship as the Director of Music for the Auburn Enlarged City School District. During the 2000-01 school year Mr. Joe was on special assignment as the Coordinator for the Students At Risk ‘Oasis’ Program at Oswego High School. Throughout his entire career Mr. Joe has consistently displayed a genuine passion for teaching and a sincere desire to make a difference. He takes great personal pride in his willingness to strive to always make his program goals be all about ‘his kids.’
Anthony J. Joseph had the honor of receiving the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra’s 2006 Outstanding Instrumental Music Educatoraward. He is also a multiple year honoree for induction into Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers(1998-2006) having been nominated by former students. During the 2002 school year, Mr. Joe and his OHS Symphonic Band students were featured on a WIXT Channel Three in Syracuse, New York television presentation as part of their series to recognize outstanding teachers nominated by their students and colleagues. The program is titled Teacher of the Week, and is sponsored by the New York State Lottery. In 1996 Mr. Joe received the heartfelt honor of the Oswego High School yearbook dedication. He has been a certified New York State School Music Association adjudicator and remains active as a clinician, guest conductor/artist, and performer.
Mr. Joe has held memberships in several professional music organizations including: The New York State Band Director’s Association; the New York State School Music Association; the International Association of Jazz Educators; and the American Federation of Musicians -lifetime member. He also maintains a performance career as a professional clarinetist, leading his own group: “The Anthony Joseph “Swingtet”, which specializes in performing classic jazz standards form The Great American Songbook of Jazz. Their cd received a 2007 SAMMY Award nomination.
Mr. Joe credits his parents for enabling him to appreciate the joy and the beauty of music when he was growing up, particularly jazz. He also credits his junior high school music teacher Mr. Calvin Dening for being his inspiration to become a music teacher. For whatever praise and/or awards he has received Mr. Joe will always believe that he ‘was truly the lucky one’ for having had the opportunity to work with outstanding colleagues, and for being able to get to know and to work with ‘just the greatest kids’ during his 33 years.
Anthony Joseph and his wife of 45 years, the former Kathy Edwards, who is a native Oswegonian, and their three beloved fur babies: Jazz, Gabby, and Rudy, continue to reside in Oswego~
Rose Geraldine Reitz Spinelli, or better known as Rosie, was born to Laura and Phillip Reitz Sr. on March 15 th, 1926. She was a lifetime resident of Oswego, NY. In 1991, Rosie passed unexpectedly due to a brain aneurysm. She was the eldest of her four siblings, Dorothy, Betty, Mary Ann and Phillip (aka Jocko), whom have all passed.
Rosie had a passion for music starting at an early age. Her mother, Laura, received a piano as payment for money owed, and Rosie taught herself how to play it. Laura would have Rosie play for friends and family when they visited. As the years went on, she continued to play and perfect her skills. As a self-taught musician, she played various genres of music on the piano, organ, and accordion- all by ear.
Like many stars of the day, she was a natural entertainer that loved to put on a show. Some even joked that she reminded them of Ray Charles, because she wore dark glasses. She admired the pianist Liberace for his talent, and also for his stage presence and bling. Rosie took a few notes from his book and loved to wear flashy rings while playing.
One of her favorite pastimes was traveling to the Three Rivers Inn in Phoenix, NY to watch celebrities from the 1950s perform. The famous location on Route 57, eventually grew even closer to Rosie’s heart, as this is where she met her late husband, Robert Spinelli Sr., better known as Spinner. The two were very compatible; they both loved putting on a show. In 1958, Rosie and Spinner started their family with their first daughter Denise. Over the next seven years they went on to have two additional daughters, Roberta and Karen, and one son Robert Jr. All of the Spinelli children were born with the gift of entertainment, just like their parents. Rosie’s family continued to grow in 1989, with the birth of her first grandson Giovanni, whom she loved dearly, and in 2006 with the birth of her second grandson Dillon, whom she would have loved to have met.
Rosie became well known locally in 1968, when her mother opened Laura’s Tavern on East 1st Street. She and her mother were very close, and Rosie loved being able to spend time with her while playing for the patrons of the establishment. Her natural talent was the tavern’s golden ticket to a successful business; everyone always had a ball, singing along whenever she performed. Unfortunately, Laura’s Tavern was closed after it burned down. Years later, Rosie got the chance to entertain again when her brother opened the bar, Jocko’s. At one point, she helped managed the business, where she continued to tickle the ivories for the customers.
Rosie’s passion for music and entertaining was not restricted to her performances at Laura’s Tavern and Jocko’s; she also loved to play at local weddings and family occasions. At home, when her children were bored they would dress up as their favorite singers and sing alongside their mom at the piano. If you were to ask Rosie’s children, one of their favorite memories of their mother, was when she would set up speakers in the windows of their home and they would sing and play piano for the neighbors. Once, they even took requests by phone from those who could hear. Another of their favorite memories, was when they helped their mother put on a block party for the entire neighborhood. There was never a dull moment when Rosie was around; a great time was had by all.
Rosie played in almost every establishment in Oswego; she even dedicated time to play in local nursing homes. She would also travel with fellow musicians to venues in nearby cities. Rosie was well recognized in the areas that she traveled to. The musicians she traveled with were always in awe of her natural talent. They would only need to run a song by her once or twice, and she was able to immediately pick it up and play along.
Rosie’s last claim to fame, was jamming with other musicians at The Cabaret in Oswego, a popular spot for Jazz and Blues music at the time. The owner of the Cabaret, Nancy Rodak, was one of Rosie’s best friends. Nancy loved to sing along and entertain with her. Some of Rosie’s favorite tunes to play were: “It Had to Be You,” “I’m Confessin’ (that I Love You),” “Misty,” and “Unforgettable.”
Rosie was a fantastic mother and musician. She was loved by all, not only for her genuine heart, but also for evoking laughter with her comical nature. Her presence and her music have truly been missed throughout the years, especially by her children.
Rosie is now reunited among the stars with her husband, siblings, and parents gathered around the organ, belting out their favorite tunes…occasionally sneaking away to enjoy her favorite pastime, BINGO!
Phil and Laura Reitz (Rosie's parents)
As remembered by James J. Dillabough
First gig I remember was at “Teen Town” underneath the Capital Bowling Alleys. From there it was at Oswego High School dances, playing at the Oswego Elks and the Knights of Columbus, along with the DA Lodge (upstairs and downstairs) and the American Legion upstairs, at the “Hollywood Premier” at the Oswego Theater and at the Junior Variety Show. We played at Christ Church which had the best reverberation sound in the city.
Then we moved on to the bar scene, college parties, The Airport Inn and Driveway Inn along with the County Inn. A favorite was “DK” House which was run by Vince Corsel.
We played many gigs for WNDR’s “Teen Canteen” at Three Rivers Inn hosted by “Dandy Dan” Leonard. We opened for Gene Pitney, Brian Holland and the Paris Sisters.
We participated in Syracuse’s “Battle of the Bands” at Three Rivers Inn or at the Coliseum at the Fair Grounds.
We even traveled to Rensselaer, NY for a gig we got from “Billy and the Barons because they had overbooked. Thank you, Billy Cook!
From there it was off to the US Navy in 1963!
Dave began playing music at the age of 13 on a hand me down electric guitar he received from his sister. Prompted by his interest in rock bands of the day such as KISS, AC/DC, and Queen. He began performing live with bands just a few years later. Early bands he played with were Restless, the Risk, and Special Guest, playing covers as well as original material.
As time progressed he focused on improving his vocal range and skills, delivering powerful renditions of popular rock songs of the time. Eventually, forming the long standing band DOCTOR BOOGIE who played to admiring crowds for sixteen plus years and released a self titled original CD.
He then sought out other musical projects such as Ten Penny and Sideshow and began performing solo acoustic shows where his vocal ability was showcased more extensively.
Dave currently performs with the band, OFF THE RESERVATION, a group which relies on it's strong vocal harmonies to entice and entertain it's audience and continues to perform as a solo act.
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