Pat Martino, a renowned jazz guitarist from South Philadelphia, died last week in the same rowhouse where he grew up. He was 77.
Martino had been suffering from chronic respiratory disorder, and had not performed since November 2018.
Martino grew up playing music with fellow South Philadelphians Bobby Rydell and Frankie Avalon. In the 1980s, he had to learn to play the guitar again after suffering a life-threatening aneurysm caused him to lose his memory.
Later, in the 2000s, he received Grammy nominations for his albums Live at Yoshi’s and Think Tank.
Martino, born Patrick Azzara, is survived by his wife, Ayako. A musical celebration of his life is being planned.
Grasso Funeral Home handled funeral arrangements.
