Noted Jazz Musician Vincent Lato, Jr. of Providence Dies at 77

Noted Jazz Musician Vincent Lato, Jr. of Providence Dies at 77

Vincent Lato, Jr., 77, of Providence, passed away June 1, 2023, at Our Lady of Fatima Hospital. Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Vincent Lato Sr. and Antoinette (Ferrante) Lato.

He leaves his son and daughter-in-law, Gregory V. and Kristin Lato, and his daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer A. and Mark Cicerone; his four grandchildren, Mark Anthony Cicerone, Sophia Cicerone, Siena Lato and Brianza Lato; and his former wife, Cynthia A. Rosato. He was the brother of the late Dolores Cardullo.

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He was a jazz musician who made a significant mark on the local and national scene, becoming well-known as one of the best saxophone and flute players to ever come from Rhode Island. He performed for two years in the Rhode Island Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and studied briefly at Berklee College of Music. He has performed on tour with such major artists as Tony Bennett, Louie Bellson, The Righteous Brothers, Etta James, Roger Humphries Big Band, Jimmy Smith, The Roman Brothers and Natalie Cole among others. 

He has also performed with such local acts as Bob Mainelli and Holiday, Denise Mainelli with Mike Renzi, The Nomads, Duke Belaire Orchestra, Tony Giorgianni’s Jazz Odyssey and The Calamari Brothers. 

He was a one-of-a-kind personality who always made people laugh with a joke or catchphrase. He was loved by everyone who knew him. 

Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours Tuesday, June 6, from 4 pm until 7 pm in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, 600 Pontiac Ave., Cranston. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, June 7, at 10 am in the “WOODLAWN” Funeral Home, with additional visitation from 8:30 am until the service time at 10 am. Burial will be private.    

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are greatly appreciated to the Rhode Island Philharmonic Music School, 667 Waterman Ave., East Providence, RI 02914.