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Cyril Benjamin Tinker
Cyril Benjamin Tinker of Flanders died on Monday, August 20, at Stony Brook University Hospital after suffering renal failure. He was 69.
Mr. Tinker was born in the Bahamas on January 4, 1943. He moved to Miami, Florida, as a young man. He made his entertainment debut with “The Fish Ray Show” in 1960 and later joined the “Joe Donato Group” and helped make them one of the most popular ensembles in the Miami area in the 1970s. His own band, “Good Bread Alley” brought him from Florida to the Hamptons in the early 1990s, when, with some added musicians, the band became “The Starfish Band.” They continued to perform in establishments from Bellport to Montauk.
With his various bands, he played guitar, sang and wrote many original compositions, recording some on CD. “He was such a strong and loving man,’’ said Dr. Cheeko, a musical companion for more than 40 years.
According to Joe Donato, “His strum and musical energy was most powerful and he sure could ‘put the pots on.’”
John Ewing, one of the early Starfish band members, remembers him as “a big influence” on his own music and said “his covers of Barry White songs brought the house down.”
“His Caribbean songs sparked happy vacation memories for many of his fans,” said fellow band mate Stan Wright.
Through his music, he was able to travel and tour Central and South America and was always wildly appreciated by his audiences wherever he went. His easy manner and infectious smile endeared him to everyone, survivors said.
Mr. Tinker is survived by his companion of 16 years, Jean Belgrave of Flanders; a daughter, Cyrille Tinker, and a son, Cyril B. Tinker III, both of New York City; a son, Adam Goode of Miami, Florida, three stepdaughters Charlene Seymore and Monique Proctor of Southampton, and Jessica Williams of Flanders; and three grandchildren, Zi’aisha Tinker, Aliza Proctor and Kyleigh Williams.
Condolences may be sent to Jean Belgrave, 34 Flanders Blvd., Flanders, NY 11901 or Cyrille Tinker, 528 W. 145 Street, Apt. 3D, New York, NY 10033.
Mr. Tinker will be eulogized at Carey-Royal-Ram’n Mortuary, 5235 NW 7th Ave., Miami, Florida 33127 on September 8 at 1 p.m. Following the service, many of his friends will join together to play music and celebrate his life at Shantel’s Lounge, 5422 NW 7th Ave., Miami, FL 33127.
Plans for a celebration locally will be announced at a later date.
on Sep 3, 2012