ALHAMBRA : Thomas Pedrini Jr., Local Musician, Dies

Funeral services were held earlier this month for a veteran Alhambra musician whose family business helped foster the talents of thousands of Southern California entertainers.

Thomas Domenick Pedrini Jr. took over the family’s music business in 1968 from his father, the late Thomas Domenick Pedrini Sr., who opened the first Pedrini Music store in Alhambra in 1938. Family members now own and operate six stores in Alhambra, Glendale, Orange County, San Bernardino County and in Laughlin, Nev.

Thomas Pedrini Jr. died Aug. 30, on the eve of his 71st birthday, of complications related to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly called Lou Gehrig’s disease, said his daughter Michele Monique Pedrini of Alhambra.

Pedrini Jr. and his wife of 52 years, Geraldine, were regular performers during the 1970s and 1980s at Woody & Eddy’s, a San Marino nightclub, and at country clubs in Irvine. He also had roles as an accordion and piano player in several movies, including “An Affair to Remember” (1957).

Born in Los Angeles on Aug. 31, 1923, Pedrini grew up in Lincoln Heights and attended Lincoln High School and UCLA, where he played football. He was a lieutenant with the U.S. Navy during World War II and served as a navigational instructor.

In addition to his daughter Michele, survivors include his wife, son Thomas D. Pedrini III, two other daughters, Vicki Lynne Pedrini of Laguna Beach and Leslie Lee Pedrini of Alhambra, two sisters, a brother and two grandchildren.

Services were held at Church of Our Savior in San Gabriel followed by burial at San Gabriel Cemetery. Family members request that any remembrances be made in Pedrini’s memory to Forbes North ALS Research Center, California Pacific Medical Building, 3698 California St., fifth floor, San Francisco, 94118.