Stephen Bocchino, 62, passed away Tuesday, November 19, 2013 in his Upper West Side apartment of cardiac arrest.  Bocchino, a native New Yorker originally from Staten Island, had been in the forefront of the East Coast cabaret scene for the past three decades.  He served as musical director for such performers as Julie Wilson, Wayland Flowers and Louise DuArt.  He worked as a successful vocal coach and in many local piano bars, including the Upper East Side’s Brandy’s and The Townhouse.  Stephen performed in most of the top cabaret rooms in New York, as well as on stages around the country.  He served as musical director for the New York run of Boobs! The Music of Ruth Wallis, which ran Off-Broadway for over a year.  Stephen also worked on the long-running musical When Pigs Fly and toured with Always Patsy Cline.  He spent five years music directing The Brandy Singers, who performed exclusively for Target, appearing at events from Broadway to Los Angeles.

Over the last 15 years Stephen also traveled internationally with award- winning vocalist Craig Pomranz.  Pomranz recalled, “Stephen Bocchino and I traveled the world performing for the past 15 years, and it was a deeply satisfying collaboration.  When you worked with Steve, it was like having an orchestra behind you.  He supported me musically as a gifted musician who could masterfully play all genres — as an accompanist, his talent for listening was matchless.  More importantly, he supported me as a loyal and constant friend.”  Mr. Bocchino was also an avid Mets fan.

 He is survived by his partner David Weincek, parents Rose and Ed Bocchino of Wesley Chapel, Florida, brothers Edward and David, loving nieces and nephews and many bereft friends and music fans around the world.

 A celebration of his life is planned for Spring 2014.