Pete Fornatale – My Friend
Pete Fornatale was my friend, and it is very hard to reconcile his passing although I know, as a pastor, death is a very real part of life. Even Jesus as He was preparing for the death He would go through at Calvary, prayed to the Father “if there’s any other way let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not my will but Yours be done.” And so it is we all come to death’s door on this journey of life.
Pete and I met through music and I can say without any hesitation, because of him, Poco had an opportunity to be heard in the northeast. Pete loved music; he loved Poco and it meant so much for me to know that “someone got it” and wasn’t intimidated to say so when our music was first introduced. Our friendship would grow over the years and certainly a testimony to that is – he would write the liner notes to three albums I was a part of (two Poco albums and most recently my solo album called Alive). In addition to his radio shows, Pete and I did many things together. He was comfortable to be around I can say we sincerely enjoyed each other’s company. Pete could do an interview without you ever thinking you were doing one; it was just casual conversation – it was always comfortable around Pete. I would never come to NYC without hoping to see him. We had many good times together – and I’m very thankful for those special moments.
When I brought my RF band back to NYC after many years of being away the music scene – Pete introduced us on the stage at BB Kings; just a couple of years ago up at Bethel Woods we did a live interview together; and just six short months ago we were together for a concert in Short Hills where he shared from his book on Simon and Garfunkel. It’s hard to believe those days are forever a memory now – but they will always bring a tear of joy to my eyes – it was and is a good feeling to know Pete Fornatale – my friend.
PS Thanks to Claudia Upton for the photos I have with Pete.
Richie Furay
Comments
I just becae aware of Pete’s passing through this website. I moverd from NYC many years ago though as a teen I listened to Pete on WNEW FM, first on the overnight. It was there I fir5st heard Poco (Nonbody’s Fool/El Tonto de Nadie Regressa and was floored. Only Pete would play the whole side. I haven’t listened to Pete in years, thoough Iwould catch a show here and there on line. If I remeber Pete introduced he band at the old wolman rink concert. I share in your sadness and rejoice in the memories of my youth listening to Pete.
And, wasn’t the fiost song he played on WNEW FM “Under My Thumb” bt The Stones?
Thanks for your words of comfort, Richie. I will always cherish that show in Short Hills and the opportunity to meet with both of you that magical night. I only got to know Pete during the last two years of his life, but he always made me feel like an old friend. I will miss him too, but at the same time I am grateful that I had the chance to get to know him at all and share some stories, photos, and a few laughs. I believe that when a friend passes, their spirit lives on in the hearts of those whom they’ve touched…in memory and especially in song. God bless Pete Fornatale.
Richie, sorry for your loss. I was at the Short Hills show and the one a couple years ago at the Outpost in the burbs. Seeing you and Pete on the same stage was a pleasure. He will be missed.
I am very saddened to hear of the loss of your dear friend… I only know him from his work on the liner notes of your albums. But I will offer prayers and thoughts for his family and yours tonite in hopes that it may comfort all. Thanks so much for the joy you have spread for so many years and for Mr. Fortnatale’s support as well.
GOD bless!
Pete was my favorite DJ in my mis-spent youth. Many radio hosts have this on-air ‘persona’ – with even the best ones having larger-than-life images (and I’m not even talking of figures such as Wolfman Jack).
By contrast, Pete spoke as if he was sitting across a table at a coffee shop from you. Add to that his knowledge ….. and well, if there was a friend to have in the business, you could do a lot worse than him.
Requiescat in Pace.
Richie Pete was a one of a kind. In this day of shock jocks and who can out gross who Pete was a man of peace man and conviction. for 43 years he just played music and made you feel he was only talking to you when he spoke on the radio. He pioneered FM AOR and dared to play music that we never probably hear. He is in Rock and Roll Heaven.
It was because of Pete Fornatale, that I discovered Poco and till this day I remain a fan of not only them but The Springfield and Richie Furay as an individual. I wanted to take this opportunity to say “Thank You” to you for all the joy you’ve brought to my life. It’s most definitely, A Good Feelin’ To Know. Stay well !
Richie,
Sorry for the loss of your good friend … obviously you were close and he will be missed. Hopefully, we’ll see him on the other side.
GOD bless you brother … See you in the morning at Calvary Chapel Broomfield.