Obituary of Louis W. Stelluti

Lou was born and raised in Yonkers, New York to Joseph and Anna Stelluti. He attended local schools, graduated from Lincoln High School. After high school, he studied the double bass with the renowned David Walter at the Manhattan School of Music. Later, Lou studied jazz improvisation with jazz great Lenny Tristano. Louis performed with jazz greats: Toots Thielemans, Lee Konitz, Warne Marsh, Carmen Leggio, Mike Mainieri, and many other well-known jazz artists. He also performed and traveled with the Larry Elgart Orchestra, he recently recorded with his dear friend Vinny Riccitelli and his octet. Lou earned a bachelor's degree from Empire State college and for many years worked with the social service department in Yonkers. Lou has been a mentor and teacher to many aspiring musicians. Joel Forbes is one of his many students who became well known in jazz circles. He was an avid chess player and competed in many tournaments. Lou's loving companion, Christine Burlingame predeceased him two years ago. Earlier, he had a long-time relationship with jazz vocalist, Betty Scott. Lou is survived by his beloved brother Joe and his wife Linda. His nieces, Rita, Gina, Joann, Nicole, his nephew, Christopher and his grandnieces, Loren, Alexis, Blake and his grandnephew, Henry. He has many friends, and former students, notably Scott Pollack and Father Stanley Fortuna C.F.R., supported and comforted him through his long illness.