Old Friends

Lou "Mr. Lou" DeMartino
Musician (Stone Caravan), Friend & LOD Soldier

Mr. Lou was a part of LOD Canada from the very first show. His smile, his showmanship were unmatched. He gave everything on and off the stage and made everyone around him feel special. That was his gift, he made you feel like you were the rock star, and he never acted like one. He was a member of our LOD Canada family and he made so many friends here in Canada that will forever associate LOD Canada with Mr. Lou! His signature LLU (Lou Loves You) said it all. WLL and WML (we miss Lou)! 

Betty Sargeson
LOD Volunteer, Friend & LOD Soldier

An amazing mother, wife and friend, Betty atttended every show in Niagara, initially to support her cousin, Dave, but eventually embracing the cause. As well, Betty made her way to New Jersey several times with her LOD friends and her husband for the LOD Festival in Asbury Park. She volunteered at the Niagara shows and her spirit and smile were infectious to anyone she encountered! She will forever be tied to Light of Day Niagara and beyond. In 2014 LOD Niagara honored Betty's support by creating the Betty Sargeson Supporter Award, given to an individual who has volunteered their time or suppported LOD Niagara by attending shows and/or volunteering their time.

Dave Rotella Sr.
LOD Top Supporter, Friend & Father

Dave Sr. supported the cause from the son told him he was holding his first concert for Parkinson's at their old high-school auditorium, NFCVI. In a snow storm, Dave and his wife made it to the show and quickly became friends with a man who would become of his favorites, Joe D'Urso. A paesano! He never missed a Light of Day show in Niagara and was so proud when his grandson, Evan Rotella, played at Light of Day 10. Dave donated and supported right up until the year he passed, 2018. That year Southside Johnny headlined the show and his grandson, once again, performed 2 songs making him so proud.

A highlight for Dave Sr., was when he got to meet and have dinner with one of his rock and roll heroes, Gary US Bonds. He is and will forever be missed.

Robin Morse
LOD Committee Member, Friend & Supporter

Robin was a selfless, giving person who donated his time and his talents from the very beginning of Light of Day Niagara. He made sure everything ran well, provided print materials, print design and was a great stage manager. His commitment to the cause was unwavering and very much appreciated. 

Robin never missed a show and was a great friend to all of us at Light of Day Canada. He passed suddenly in 2021 and he will be greatly missed as we move forward and plan new events. 

Buon viaggio mio fratello!

Frank Spadafore
LOD Award Winner, Friend & Top Supporter

Franky was a friend to everyone at Light of Day Canada and Light of Day Winterfest. He travelled to Asbury Park many times for Light of Day and never missed a Light of Day Canada or Light of Day Toronto show. In fact, he made it to London and Kinston, as well. He befriended all of the artists and was always the first at the merc table.

He was the winner of the Paul Pasmore Award for top Light of Day supporter back in 2015. 

In 2019 after being diagnosed with Cancer Frank went to Asbury Park with Dave and Evan Rotella, and thanks to Danny Gochnour and Joe Grushecky he got to meet Bruce Springsteen. Frank passed in January of 2021.

Don Robaillard
LOD Supporter, Friend & LOD Soldier

Don popped into the DANIMA office after LOD Niagara's first show to thank LOD for supporting Parkinson's. He had just been diagnosed with Parkinson's. From that day forward you would see Don at all the summer shows at Yanks Old Niagara and every LOD Niagara show until he passed away. Just before he passed he was able to watch LOD 8 on video in his hosptial bed. Don was a friend, but more importantly he was the reason why we do this. We'll miss his wit and his smile but his spirit gives us purpose...we miss him!

Roddy "Rowdy" Piper
LOD Master of Ceremonies, Friend & LOD Soldier

In 2013 LOD Canada was lucky to have the legendary WWE wrestler, Roddy Piper, MC the Niagara and Toronto shows. He quickly became an advocate of the cause and became a friend of the LOD team. Roddy had plans to return to Niagara but unfortunately it didn't happen. He brought a smile to the faces in the audience, specifically the children. He was a man with a big personality and an even bigger heart.

Paul Pasmore
Parkinson's Canada, Friend & LOD Soldier

Paul, along with Karen Dowell from Parkinson's Canada, was a strong supporter of LOD Canada in the early years. In fact, at LOD Niagara II Paul spoke briefly about having Parkinson's getting a few laughs from the crowd with his dry wit! After his passing LOD Niagara established the Paul Pasmore Contribution Award which goes to a business or business person who contributed to LOD Niagara.

Peter Spiegel
LOD Supporter, Friend & LOD Soldier

Peter became a big fan of the Niagara Falls LOD shows many years ago. He was immediately drawn to the sounds of Willy Nile, Joe Grushecky, and Joe D'urso. He soon expanded his road trips to Asbury Park, where LOD provided him with some unexpected and powerful live musical moments, including watching a sound check of the Boss, his all time favorite artist. He became one of the biggest supporters of LOD Kingston and would rally the Gananoque crew to join him in sharing his passion for live music. Lovable, affable, and always welcoming to all that met him, his bigger than life persona will continue to resonate with those that were fortunate enough to have spent time in his company.

Edward "Eddie Mac" McIntosh
LOD Supporter, Musician, Friend & LOD Soldier

Eddie Mac was a phenomenal Jersey bar band leader, father, husband, role-model, and was also a passionate supporter of Light of Day in both Canada and the US. Ed was the epitome of the Rock ’n' Roll spirit, and on-and-off the stage he was huge presence with an even bigger heart. He was always there to lend a helping hand, whether it was by singing a song, or putting guitars away after a show, or by just being a kind and endlessly supportive face in the crowd, and we miss him dearly.