Tommy DeCarlo Jr. honors father’s 'incredible legacy' after singer's death

Tommy DeCarlo Jr., 35, paid tribute to his father’s “incredible legacy” in a statement following the Boston frontman’s death. He said some of his most cherished memories with his father were shared through music, whether “touring around the world or working side by side in the studio.” News of DeCarlo’s death broke on March 9; the Utica, N.Y., native was 60 and had lost his battle with brain cancer earlier this month.

DeCarlo Jr. recalled that his father “constantly inspired” him to “strive for more and to never settle,” and shared one of his favorite pieces of advice: “If you wait for opportunities to come to you, you’ll be waiting your whole life — you have to go out and create them yourself.” He described the surreal feeling of going from a longtime Boston fan to standing stage left while his father sang for the band they had admired.

“We would often exchange a look that said, ‘I still can’t believe this is real,’” DeCarlo Jr. said.

United States, Utica, New York

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