Mark T. Mannetta - Guitarist

Mark T. Manetta, a prominent jazz guitarist from Rochester, NY, passed away on June 7, 2005, at the age of 49 due to complications from diabetes and leukemia. He was born on January 25, 1956, and is buried at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester.

Career and Legacy

Manetta was a highly respected musician known for his work with Chuck Mangione (replacing Grant Geissman in the early 80s), the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, and various other luminaries. A former student of jazz giants Joe Pass and Gene Bertoncini, he also taught at Hobart and William Smith Colleges and performed locally with bands like Prime Time Funk.

Family and Services

He is survived by his children Alicia and Jonathan, his wife Marsha, and his siblings Diane Helfer and Cheryl DiFrancesco. His calling hours were held at Falvo Funeral Home in Webster, followed by a funeral at Bethel Christian Fellowship Church on June 13, 2005.

Bill Blind and Mark had been roomates. (Bill Blind is a fantastic drummer and keyboard player.)

Bill wrote the following as he was with Mark when he passed away.....

"For those of you who knew Mark you already know how special this man was. A genuine soul and spirit who lived and loved life, a friend who was always there and really cared. He had a heart of gold, not to mention the finest musician I ever had the pleasure of playing with. He had a profound influence on me spiritually, Mark loved The Lord and we would talk about spiritual things often. His music influenced me as a young teenager when I would hear him play with Chuck Mangione and Don Potter. I always found it ironic that many years later we would be making music together. Now I look back on it as providence. I was truly blessed to be able to enjoy his love for music and obviously blessed to have enjoyed his friendship. The blessing will go on and on."

Mark T. Manetta

Music for the (M)asses