Caught him & Lin Biviano playing with Buddy Rich's band, and then again, about 8 months or so later, in Maynard's band. Both of them!
A few years pass & I'm checking out the Tonight Show in the Carson days, and who's on bass but Joel DiBartolo. Hey, THAT guy!
The thing I most remember from seeing him was that he always "led with his head" whil playing. Always leaning forward and smiling. always THERE where the music was.
Sorry to hear that he's gone, but it seems as if his was a life well-lived. So many aren't.