Belleville's Beloved 'Jersey Boy' Tommy DeVito Dies Of COVID-19

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Tommy DeVito, a member of the Four Seasons and one of the artists who inspired the hit musical “Jersey Boys,” died from complications related to the coronavirus on Monday. He was 92.

DeVito, a Belleville native, rose to fame as a founding member, vocalist and lead guitarist for the Four Seasons, a band known for hits such as “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry” and “Walk Like A Man.”

Bandmates Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio announced DeVito’s passing on social media, writing that “he will be missed by all who loved him.”

A spokesperson for Valli told The New York Times that the cause of death was related to the coronavirus.

After learning about DeVito’s death, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo of the 28th District released a glowing statement in his memory. Caputo wrote:

“Last night, our state lost a New Jersey icon, talented musician and all-around good man. Belleville native Tommy DeVito was the engine behind ‘The Four Seasons,’ whose hard work and musical skill helped the group achieve their well-deserved success. It’s no wonder the band’s members were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Jersey Boys’ written about their lives. Yet even with all that acclaim, Tom never let it go to his head. He stayed the same genuine man he always was.”

Caputo continued:

“I had the pleasure of knowing Tommy for many years and having his support throughout my career. It was my great honor to present him with an Assembly resolution recognizing all of his accomplishments back in 2012. In addition to being a good friend, he was a generous and charitable person who freely offered advice to aspiring, young musicians. Tommy and his life’s work will never be forgotten in our state.”

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham also offered words of condolence for DeVito. He wrote:

“It’s a sad day for millions around the world who loved the music of The Four Seasons. But the news of Tommy DeVito’s passing at 92 hits especially hard here in Belleville. We have not only lost a founding member of a legendary band and a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, but we have also lost a native son. I had the great pleasure of meeting Mr. DeVito several times. The first was about 20 years ago when we named a street after him. After that, I had the opportunity to have lunch with him several times. I took the opportunity to tell him how proud Belleville was of 'Sherry' and 'Can’t Take My Eyes Off You' and so many other classic hits. It was wonderful to see a new generation discover the music he, Frankie Valli and the others made with the release of 'Jersey Boys.' His career took him to great heights, but he remained Belleville, through and through, and often returned to see old childhood friends or play a round of golf with his pal, Joe Pesci. Mr. DeVito may have lost his final fight, but his music and his memory will live on forever.”

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