George Triffon Trumpet Player George Triffon., 74, passed away on August 7th at Cabrini Hospice Care due to complications from a stroke. He was the only son of Penelope and George Triffon of Port Jefferson, NY. He graduated from Pt. Jefferson High School and in 1999 graduated “Cum Laude” with a B.A. degree from John Jay College of the City of NY. George was born in New York City on July 2, 1933. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the US Army in 1953, he moved to Miami Beach and began an illustrious career as the lead horn player for the Tito Puente’s band. While there he played with the touring Count Basie Orchestra. He returned to NYC and by 1955 had garnered a reputation as a lead player and soloist. Playing the lead chair for the Copacabana for three years gave him the opportunity to play for Peggy Lee, Paul Anka, Tony Bennett, Nat Cole and Pearl Bailey. He was also a regular on The Merv Griffin Show. In addition, to playing in many successful Broadway shows, George was on the jazz scene where he played with the Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman bands at Basin Street East. Eventually he joined Goodman’s band to tour in the summer of 1962 where he met his wife (singer) Sandy Stewart. He also toured with the bands of Les Brown and Lionel Hampton. He was quoted in a recent interview: playing lead horn for pianist Bill Evans was “one of the biggest thrills of my career”. He made several recordings with trombonist Bill Watrous’ big band as well. Aside from his musical career George was an accomplished athlete. He worked as a lifeguard at Riis Park and Delray Beach for 20 years. At the age of 54 he won 8 gold medals in swimming events in the senior master’s competition. He is survived by his wife Sandy Stewart, and 7 children: daughters Lori Elgazzar; Christine Triffon and George Triffon Jr. Stepchildren; Anne, Tom, Katherine and Bill Charlap and 6 grandchildren. A memorial service, to celebrate his life, will be held on August 22nd, 7: pm at St. Peter’s church @ 54th and Lexington Ave., NYC. Daddy, I love you Always and Forever, and miss you deeply. I am so glad we have the memories that we do. Your little girl, Crissy