Tony Bennett fought in the final stages of World War II as a U.S. Army infantryman. At the war's conclusion he was involved in the liberation of the Kaufering concentration camp, a subcamp of Dachau, near Landsberg, where some American prisoners of war from the 63rd Division had also been held. He later wrote in his autobiography that "I saw things no human being should ever have to see."

Born in Queens, NY - not far from where I live in Brooklyn - like many of us from that generation - he was a New Yorker in his heart and soul. Tony may have left his heart in San Francisco - but his soul belonged to New York City where he lived until the end.

Over the generations - many grew up listening to his music. Many in my mixed Jewish-Italian community - had fun imitating his style while singing the lyrics to his songs. The world has lost another legend from a generation that performed from the heart and soul - helping and guiding those they met along the way.