Mayor Michael Melham’s statement on today’s loss of Tommy DeVito, who was born and raised in Belleville and went onto rock ‘n’ roll history as a member of the Four Seasons:

It’s a sad day for millions around the world who loved the music of The Four Seasons. But the news of Tommy DeVito’s passing at 92 hits especially hard here in Belleville. We have not only lost a founding member of a legendary band and a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, but we have also lost a native son. I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. DeVito several times. The first was about 20 years ago when we named a street after him.  After that, I had the opportunity to have lunch with him several times. I took the opportunity to tell him how proud Belleville was of “Sherry” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and so many other classic hits. It was wonderful to see a new generation discover the music he, Frankie Valli and the others made with the release of “Jersey Boys.” His career took him to great heights, but he remained Belleville, through and through, and often returned to see old childhood friends or play a round of golf with his pal, Joe Pesci. Mr. DeVito may have lost his final fight, but his music and his memory will live on forever.

View Official Statement Here