Band’s gig to benefit slain man’s family

Local teenage band Fromfranklin, of Franklin Square, will dedicate a performance on March 22 to the family of Christopher DeCrescito, who was killed in a three-car accident by an alleged drunken driver on Feb. 27. DeCrescito, 46, left behind his wife, Denise, daughters Amanda and Sabrina, and son Nick.

Fromfranklin is now planning to do its part to help the local family rocked by tragedy. The band will donate the proceeds of raffles to the DeCrescitos, also of Franklin Square, and will be playing with Washington Street Elementary School band teacher Paul Tuthill. Tuthill is well known in the community, and parents of Washington Street plan to nominate him for the Music Teacher of the Year award discussed on this year’s Grammys. He has taught band at Washington Street since 1981.

Fromfranklin consists of five teenagers who grew up together and began displaying their love for music at an early age. Chris Cucinotta, guitar and vocals, Hugh Flynn, guitar, Bryan Mrakovic, drums, Brad Spicher, bass, and Christian Viti, keyboard, all attend H. Frank Carey High School and are in grades 7 through 9.

Fromfranklin’s performance, which will take place at Plattdeutsche restaurant in Franklin Square, has recently been moved to its Grand Ballroom to accommodate 250 to 300 guests.