In Memoriam: Jeff Roe, (1972-2007), Nick Priore, (1961-2007)

The AWITP staff and extended family wish to send their condolences to the families of two great men who were called to God this week at far too young an age:  Jeff Roe, music manager and music producer of Flower Mound, TX and Nick Priore, Esq., of Utica, New York.

Jeff Roe, former manager of Grammy-nominated and Gold Record winning rock band Bowling For Soup died at the home of his mother-in-law early this week.  Joining the band’s organization during its infancy, “Ffroe” as he was known to friends, helped steward the group into rock history as one of the music industry’s funniest and hardest-working bands.  The group grew from local North Texas musicians into one of Jive Records’ premiere acts, touring the world and releasing nine successful albums to date.  The band received a Grammy nomination in 2003 for Best Vocal Performance for “Girl All The Bad Guys Want” and garnered Gold Records for the Jive albums “A Hangover You Don’t Deserve” and “Drunk Enough To Dance.”

Originally from Michigan, FFroe graduated from the prestigious music business program at North Texas State University.  A lover of all types of music and an excellent jazz musician in his own right as a trombone and piano player, Jeff’s sharp business acumen, feverish work ethic and affable personality made him well liked in the complex and competitive world of major label music.

Much more than an ordinary manager, Ffroe helped produce records for many acts and oversaw nationwide multi-band tours.  Ffroe was renowned for his honesty, his diligence and his efficiency. Several Jive Records bands feature imprints of his record label, an excellent incubator for young musicians.

Ffroe leaves behind his wife, Megan, and their two year-old daughter, Hudson, as well as his parents and myriad extended family.  Funeral services will be in Michigan and a memorial service will be slated for the Denton, Texas area after the New Year; details will be posted here at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to his daughter’s fund at www.hudsonroe.com.

Nick Priore, Esq., a former colleague of mine at the law firm of Getnick, Livingston, Atkinson, Gigliotti and Priore died of a brain aneurysm at age 46 this week.  Nick was a graduate of Thomas R. Proctor high school, the University of Rochester (B.A. 1983) and SUNY Buffalo School of Law. (J.D. 1986).  He was active in many state, county and local Bar Associations and served on the 5th judicial district nominating committee.

Not only was Nick loved by everyone in the legal industry -lawyers, judges and clients alike held him in the highest esteem for his honesty, intelligence and diligent work ethic -but Nick was also an excellent actor and singer, frequently starring in perfomances of musical theatre by the Players Company at the Stanley Theatre in Utica.  Nick sang and acted in such famous plays, musicals and operas as “The Music Man,” “South Pacific,” and “Gianni Schicchi.”  Nick even sang in U Rochester’s all-male a capella group, The Yellowjackets and the Mohawk Valley Opera society.

A true “lawyers’ lawyer,” and a widely-acclaimed expert in Bankruptcy and Commercial Transactions law, Nick’s ability as a lawyer was only surpassed by his pleasant, kind, humble and compassionate personality.  One lawyer fondly remembered, “he could clobber me in court, but never made feel feel angry or frustrated, he was a true gentlemen.”  Nick joined GLAGP in 1986 and became chair of their bankruptcy deprtment in 1993, the same year he bacame a partner in the firm.  Nick’s pro bono work, civic contributions and accomplishments as a lawyer and citizen were so extensive, the list comprised two whole columns in the local newspaper’s remembrance of him.

Nick richly deserved such a glowing tribute.  He always had a smile, found pleasure in the simple things in life, and was a devoted husband and father.  He was proud of his Italian heritage, and he found peace studying the music, choreography and text of great musicals.  Every client with whom he worked was proud to have him as their lawyer.  It came as no surprise that close to 800 people from all over the greater Syracuse and Utica areas came to tiny Mount Carmel church on a snowy December evening to say a tearful farewell to a man who inspred them all with his kind heart, sincerity, gentlemanly demeanor and friendliness.  He leaves behind his former-wife Mary, three children Ally, Nick Jr., and Andrew, his significant other Leann and many extended family.  Please contact the family in Utica for details on contributions or go to www.eannacefuneralhome.com.

This will be a difficult few weeks here at AWITP as two great lights have gone out.  Other than Christmas wishes and some garden variety news, we’ll observe a few days of silence in memory of our friends and colleagues.  To quote Jaret Reddick of Bowling For Soup, “hug everyone extra hard tonight and tell them you love them.”  “I luv ya, buddy was the last thing Jeff ever said to both Jaret and I (seperately, by coincidence), and it was something Nick never forgot to say to his friends as well.  Tonight God has two new, excellent angels on hand.  For some reason, I feel certain that they’ll meet up there and Jeff will be directing Nicky performing, perhaps in “H.M.S. Pinafore” or “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and that, together, they’ll bring the house down in Heaven just like they both did here.  Great music, virtuouso performances, grace and class – that’s Nicky and Ffroe.  Via con Dios, amigos.  May perpetual light shine upon you.