Services Set For Ocean City-Based Comets Drummer Dick Boccelli

OCEAN CITY, NJ — A celebration of life for Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Dick Boccelli will take place from 3:30-7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 at Greate Bay Country Club in Somers Point. The Ocean City resident and former drummer for Bill Haley & His Comets died July 12. He was 95.

Boccelli, also known as Dick Richards, moved to Ocean City with his family in 1963. He acted in local theater.

The drummer reunited with former band members in 1987 as "The Original Bill Haley's Comets." Boccelli continued to play with his Ocean City group "The Ready Rockers" until he succumbed to illness in March. Read more: Comets Drummer, Ocean City Resident Dick Boccelli Reportedly Dies

"I first met Dick in his youth (at age 91) and watched him bring down the house with a drum solo at the end of 'Shake, Rattle and Roll' during the 2015 Mr. Mature America Pageant in Ocean City," said Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen. "He often visited Mark Soifer, Ocean City’s long-time public relations director, at City Hall, and two of them were always a joy to be around. He’s also the father of the late Betsy Young, a beloved music teacher at Ocean City Intermediate School."

Boccelli received a Key to the City of Ocean City in 2012.

"Throughout his life, Dick's positive spirit, his boundless energy and his love of friends and family made him immensely successful," his obituary says. "He has always been a bright light in the lives of those who knew and loved him. This light will continue to inspire and guide us for many years to come. We are sure he is "Rocking" it among the stars!!"

In lieu of flowers, family requests honoring his memory by donating to any of the following organizations: American Heart Association, United Methodist Communities Foundation, Hedgerow Theater in Rose Valley, PA.

Friends, family and the general public can reminisce and talk about Boccelli from 3:30-6 p.m. Aug. 7. The main service takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. at the country club at 901 Mays Landing Rd.

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