Musician Philip Antonucci Dies at 59

Philip Antonucci, a musician, an award-winning sound mixer and a devoted volunteer and family man, died Monday at the age of 59.

Antonucci won several honors, including an Emmy, for his work as a recording engineer and sound technician for a number of media companies, including Fox, CBS, YES, SNY and Cablevision. He had mixed sound on 2,200 live TV shows.

He also had served as president of the Huntington High School Band Parents Association and as the announcer at the band's shows.

"A great musician, gifted mixer, funny fellow, good friend, and, of course, devoted dad and hubby. Our hearts and prayers are with the Antonucci family," one person wrote on his Facebook page.

Another wrote, "Heaven has gained an amazing musician. They are now blessed to hear the beautiful the music you made for your family & friends. You will be truly missed."

previously scheduled for Sept.12 will go on. In planning the benefit, friends wrote, "With his musical genius, his irascible wit, and his boundless love of his family and his many friends and fans, Phil Antonucci has touched the hearts of Long Islanders throughout most of his 59 years. A professional musician since his school days at both St. Ignatius and Holy Trinity in Hicksville, Phil has worked alongside a veritable Who’s Who of Long Island’s most noted musicians, entertainers, and media figures."

The benefit will begin at 7 p.m. at the Huntington Elks Lodge.

"Phil Antonucci was an incredibly generous, passionate and talented man.  He devoted thousands of volunteer hours to our band program and other music programs," said Joan B. Fretz, director of fine and performing arts for the Huntington schools. "His knowledge of audio engineering and sound systems was of great assistance in many school projects. For instance, Phil was responsible for the complete design and installation of our new sound system in the high school auditorium.

"There was passion in everything Phil did. He was the proud voice you heard announcing the Huntington Band competitions and we loved hearing him sing and play guitar in his Chicago tribute band. Phil had a heart of gold and was a true friend to every staff member, parent and student in our school.  We will miss our wonderful friend."

The Huntington resident was born in Rockville Centre, and graduated from Holy Trinity High School, Nassau Community College and Long Island University C.W. Post.

He is survived by his wife, Dee, two daughters, Alexa and Corina, and sister, JoAnne Antonucci.

Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday from 7-9 p.m. and Thursday from 2-4 p.m., 7-9 p.m., at the M. A. Connell Funeral Home Inc., 934 New York Ave., Huntington Station. A Mass is scheduled for Friday,  9:45 a.m., at St. Patricks Church, Huntington, followed by cremation.