(TRENTON) – Upon news of Belleville native Tommy DeVito passing away due to COVID-19, Assemblyman Ralph Caputo (D-Essex) issued the following statement regarding this member of The Four Seasons – the musical group on which “Jersey Boys” was based:

“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.

“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.”