Sad News Last Night

[RobTheDrummer]

Everyone needs to send thier best wishes to Claudio from City Limits. We got news that his father has passed away at approximately 8 pm last night. I've unfortunately never had the chance to know his father very well and I know he was the founder of Sebastianos and the old Sebastianos. Please send your condolences and pray for him.

[Jim Price]

He will very much be missed.

I found out Friday night that Albert was in the hospital, and his brother, Aldo (Aldo's Place) informed me of his passing last night. He apparently had gone into the hospital a couple of weeks ago with some pains, and suffered a stroke while he was there.

Albert often showed up at City Limits on band nights (particularly busy Saturdays), and was fun to chat with. He had a good sense of humor, and every so often he would drop a piece of sagely wisdom on you during a conversation. From the old country (Italy), he was sometimes hard to understand, but he always put a smile on my face after chatting with him.

When I bring back the new month's issues of Pennsylvania Musician from State College, City Limits is always one of the first places I deliver magazines to when I arrive back in Altoona. Usually getting there in early afternoon, I'd often enter the club to see Albert sitting at the bar alone, watching the TV. At the beginning of this month, when I stopped by with the magazines, he wasn't there; apparently he was hospitalized at that point. He always called me "Billy;" after a while, I stopped trying to correct him. I'll always remember that.

My condolences to Claudio and the entire Castrechini family, and all of City Limits' staff. Albert will definitely be missed.

[banditos]

My heartfelt condolences to Michelle,Claudio,Lettie,and the rest of the family as Albert's passing brings fond memories recent and from the past.I concurr with J.P. of walking in seeing Albert with his N.Y. Post watching an old western or soccer match sitting at the bar more recently or my first Altoona gig at "the old bar"with Ozone where we showed up in the afternoon and Albert made us feel comfortable and welcome right from day one.But I will particularly miss sharing a backyard glass of wine with his own hand-picked peaches and his humor and wisdom always followed by a "see you Billy" as I left.Via-condios my old friend.

[Dave]

I could tell that Claudio had something on his mind when we played there on Friday night, now I know what was bothering him.

I only ever spoke to his father one time and I will agree, he was a very nice gentleman.

Our condolences go out to Claudio and his family. He has always been really great to us.

David Wertz
Shift

[Big Jim]

I haven't been out much in the past 3 months but I was at City Limits Saturday night. I would usually see Albert there and say "Hi" and sometimes sit and chat for a while if there was a seat next to him at the bar. Of course, he wasn't there last night, and the bar was rather busy at the time. I just got my drink and headed to the band room.

Albert was always smiling and both he and Claudio always made me feel welcome and took time to chat when they could. I will miss him. My condolences to the family.

[songsmith]

My condolences go to Albert's family... he was a university grad, and smarter than you'd think if you just met him... he played his cards close to the vest. Occasionally, as I sat with him at Old Sab's on a quiet afternoon, he'd talk about Italy to a farm boy who'd seldom even left Pennsylvania. He could drop a bomb on you, tell you some deep wisdom from a place where wisdom is thousands of years old. He'll be missed.--->JMS

[Danette]

I have been sitting here for a while trying to write something but Im at a loss - this is just too sad. I worked for the family for so long that they seemed like a part of mine after a while. Im so glad now that I got to talk to him a little while ago at my sons birthday party. Heartfelt condolences to his family.

[HurricaneBob]

I still remember the day the Castrechinis moved here from Italy. I was 5 years old. They bought a house across the street from my family. All through my childhood Claudio and i were best friends hanging out. I was always at there house and he at mine. I remeber Albert taking us to the Buccinese and showing us how to play bocce, also at the old bar teaching us foosball. The day i had calimari at there house and not knowing what it was. One thing Albert would always tell me about bands was you got to stick together, you wont go nowhere without sticking together. He hated to see bands break up and he would let you know that. Heres to all the good times from a very wise man!

Anyone wanting to pay there respects...Wednesday 16th Stevens Mortuary 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm.

RIP Albert......

[Victor Synn]

Our condolences to Claudio and his family for their loss. I know I wasn't old enough to be a part of a lot of the memories that Sab's had, but I respect what Albert and his family have done for the area music scene over the years. Hell, my parents tried like hell to try and get me in to see Quiet Riot when they played Sab's in the 90's, but Claudio told them no LoL. Who would have known I'd be on that stage 10+ years later? Hair Force One will always consider City Limits our home and we share in the family's grief.

[BigJohn]

Claudio Your Dad was a great guy, He always treated me like a good friend. He will be missed by all who new him. I remember I first met him when I worked for you and him at the old bar. Jodie sends love and condolences. If there is anything we can do for you give us a call.

[BDR]

From the Bad Daze family to Claudio, Aldo and their loved ones, we are truly sorry to hear of your loss.

[esa]

I'm sorry to hear about this. DMFJ and I had met him twice on excursions to City Limits. Seemed like a real corn ball and very into the music going on. I'm sure he was a great man. My wishes to your family and friends...

[PanzerFaust]

Just wanted to add my respects to Albert.
I too was lucky enough to play at "old Sab's" and enjoyed Alberts smile and sense of humor.
Like JP instead of "Tood" I soon got used to Albert calling me "Tubby" Easy enough to figger given my stature. hehe..
But I was very sad to hear about Alberts passing, as I equate him with so many fond memories that I will always cherish.. Goodbye Albert.. You will indeed be missed by the musicians you were kind enough to care about.

"Tood" Smith

[Hubast]

Does anyone have an address to send cards to?

Thx, JP