He’s been called a “true gentleman” and the “local Lawrence Welk,” who overcame tragic beginnings to preside for eight decades as one of Oswego County’s and central New York’s most respected and prolific band leaders. Now, Nicolino Sterio, 97, has been called home.

“Nick” Sterio — impresario, musician, airman, alderman, carpenter, haberdasher, father, brother, husband and son — passed away peacefully May 18, just two days shy of his 98th birthday, at the East Bridge Street homestead where he spent nearly his entire remarkable life.