Local 802 member Al Regni (1936-2026)

Legendary musician Al Regni died peacefully at his home in Manakin Sabot, Virginia, on Oct. 10, 2026, at the age of 90. He was under the extraordinary care of hospice and surrounded by his adoring family. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and treasured friend to so many. Al was also an incredible performer, artist, mentor, teacher, and inspiration to musicians and non-musicians alike. His impact knew no bounds.

Born in Johnson City, New York, Al had two great passions: baseball and music. He began playing the clarinet and saxophone at an early age. When it became apparent that a career in baseball wasn’t in the cards—a less than ideal tryout at the Brooklyn Dodgers training camp sealed that deal—he decided that a music career was the only remaining course of action.

Al earned his Bachelor of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music (1958) and his Master of Music degree from the Manhattan School of Music (1961). From 1958 to 1961 he was a member of the U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”). In 1961 he moved from Washington, DC, to New York City and joined Local 802 to pursue his dream of making music in the Big Apple. He took the city by storm and went on to have an immense career for over six decades. As a woodwind doubler (flute, clarinet, and saxophone), he possessed boundless versatility. From TV, radio, movies, and Broadway to symphonic music, opera, ballet, chamber music, and solo repertoire, Al displayed his virtuosity and musicality in every realm. His saxophone solos in Berg’s “Lulu” and Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition” are every bit as iconic as his playing on the TV series “Twin Peaks.” (His “Dance of the Dream Man,” which he improvised in the studio, is a fan favorite to this day.) He collaborated with Bette Midler and Liza Minnelli, John Williams and Leonard Bernstein, the New York Philharmonic and Benny Goodman. Simply put, there was nothing Al Regni couldn’t do. And yet, his humility was as unparalleled as his artistry.

In addition to being a phenomenal performer, Al had a great passion for teaching and passing on his knowledge. He taught at numerous colleges, including the University of Texas, The College of New Jersey (Trenton), the University of Maryland, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Eastman School of Music. In 2019 Eastman presented him with its Distinguished Alumni Award. Al also had a prolific private studio. He impressed on his students the importance of discipline, respect for the art form, the pursuit of excellence, and the awareness that your failures will only make you stronger.

In 2022 Al published his memoir “Saxophone Troubadour: Musings on a Musical Journey.”

Music was a huge part of Al’s heart and soul, but his greatest joy was his family. He cherished his life with his beloved wife Rosy and often said his best accomplishment was his daughter, Marissa, along with her husband, Henry, and their daughter, Sofie. Al is also survived by his sister, Mary Ann Thompson (Alan); brother, Fred (Toni); brothers-in-law Rick (Donna), Rob (Diana), and Ron Jackson; and several nieces and nephews. His memory will also live on in all of the friends’ lives he touched so deeply. In his final days he talked a lot about the power of friendship: support, trust, care, honesty, and loyalty.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Al’s memory to the George Marge Scholarship Fund, Eastman School of Music: advancement@esm.rochester.edu or (585) 274-1040.

Al Regni touched so much of humanity with his beautiful music, as well as his humor, compassion, kindness, and love. He will always be missed but never forgotten.

Obituary submitted by Al’s daughter Marissa.