Losing a class act - South Philly Review

$\"Al_martino-sm\"$ Al Martino was in the studio recording Garth Brooks’ \”If Tomorrow Never Comes\” Oct. 12. That night, he and wife Judi met longtime friend Jerry Blavat for dinner at Le Virtu, 1927 E. Passyunk Ave. Blavat asked to meet his old pal the next night, as well, at Modo Mia, a Fishtown restaurant the two frequented.

But Mr. Martino never showed. Blavat called his cell, home and wife’s cellphone, but no one answered. Martino’s daughter Alison called Blavat later that night with the news.

The crooner whose likeness sits between Bobby Rydell’s and Eddie Fisher’s on a music industry mural of local greats at 1231 E. Passyunk died suddenly Oct. 13 at his home in Springfield, Delaware County, six days after celebrating his 82nd birthday.