Vito Platamone, Jr., pictured above around 1970, was the principal clarinet player in the New Orleans Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra.
Stefan Platamone’s beloved father lives more than 2,000 miles away from his home in Brooklyn, New York, but thanks to the DES Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP), Stefan knows his aging father is in good hands, receiving support and companionship in Prescott.
Stefan’s father, Vito Platamone, Jr., served in the United States Army from 1963-1965 where he was part of the prestigious band of the U.S. Military Academy (USMA), also known as West Point. While playing in the West Point band, he performed at President John F. Kennedy’s funeral procession on November 25, 1963, as well as for President Lyndon B. Johnson's inauguration in 1965. Vito’s experience in the West Point band helped shape his career, as well as those with whom he served, as many of its members went on to have storied careers on Broadway, as well as in orchestras around the country.
Vito joined the New Orleans Philharmonic-Symphony Orchestra in 1967, playing second and E-flat clarinet. He then advanced to principal clarinet in 1969. His musical journey began when he was a child after one of his older brothers stopped playing the instrument. The orchestra played concerts in the South, as well as on a tour to Mexico. Vito was featured on standard orchestral repertoire, including Respighi’s “Pini di Roma (Pines of Rome),” Ravel’s “Daphnis et Chloé” and Rimskey’s “Capricco Espagnol.” Vito played at the 1965 World’s Fair as well as for the legendary, Doc Severinsen, in Manhattan for a short time. When Paul McCartney came through New Orleans to record with his band Wings, McCartney used Vito and other members of the orchestra to play on a Wings record.
Vito played in the orchestra until he suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after being involved in a car accident in 1973 that left him struggling with his memory. “He can get pretty overwhelmed or confused, and every day is a challenge,” Stefan added. “He survives on routine, and that’s where the services come in.”
The FCSP and its partners at the Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG) Area Agency on Aging provide services that have allowed Vito, who is nearly 82 years old, to live in his own home, as independently as possible while pursuing his hobbies, listening to music, forming friendships and staying safe, which gives his family members peace of mind.
The support through the FCSP began when Stefan contacted the NACOG, who explained that Vito was eligible for many services. Through NACOG and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Vito is transported four days a week to and from the Susan J. Rheem Adult Day Center, which serves people and their families living in northern Arizona to promote independence through social activities and medical services. Vito enjoys woodworking and other activities at the center. NACOG also connected Vito to another organization that provides an aide to help Vito shop for groceries and sort mail, as well as clean his home, in addition to a ride-sharing company, in order to transport him to yoga classes that make a big impact on his overall well-being.
Having structure to his days allows Vito to cope with his challenges, especially since his doctor told him he could no longer drive.
“It’s just a game changer,” Stefan said. “Before this, I had a lot of anxiety. He’s in such a better situation. My family can take comfort that someone has their eyes on him. It’s huge.”
To learn more about the DES Family Caregiver Support Program, please visit https://des.az.gov/services/older-adults/family-caregiver-support.
Stefan Platamone, pictured on the far right, bonds with his father, Vito Platamone, Jr., and his sister, Dominique Platamone (photo by Stefan Platamone).