KORG USA (KUSA) shared the news of the passing of a true legend, Tom Imparato, KUSA’s national service and facilities manager. With more than 40 years of service to KUSA, Tom was a pioneer and innovator in our industry establishing a network of more than 600 service centers. He was a visionary and the driving force behind creating an online bill of materials and parts list, helping to make service centers around the country more efficient.
Quality customer service was of top priority to Tom and making sure the service center technicians were provided with all they needed to be successful was always front of mind for him. After visiting one of the first Home Depot locations while in California for a NAMM Show back in the 1990’s, Tom was inspired by and embraced the ‘self-help’ philosophy. Instead of having to delay the repair by calling into a service department for assistance Tom’s innovative system elevated the repair experience.
“I cannot put into words what a tragedy this loss was for Tom’s family, friends and our company. Part of the KUSA family for over forty years, Tom was a beloved, kind, thoughtful and warmhearted person who loved helping others. All you had to do was ask,” said Joe Castronovo, President of Korg USA. “We lost a wonderful soul and we will never be the same without Tom in our lives. We can only hope to keep his memory alive and always strive for excellence like Tom.”
Tom was a natural educator. Utilizing his vast knowledge of circuit design and tube amplification, Tom established service seminars for techs around the country. In addition, he created a mentoring program at KUSA where aspiring engineers from the Island Drafting and Technical Institute in Amityville, NY could learn hands on, side-by-side with KUSA’s service and repair team. Under Tom’s supervision, the next generation of technicians were able to learn about vacuum tube theory, different classes of keyboards and amplifiers, the importance of biasing, and more. The program was split into two parts: general theory and hands on training.
“Tom enjoyed teaching young, talented Electronics students from our school and mentoring them in bygone technologies that still are used today within the music industry,” shared Ralph Ceraso, director of career services for Island Drafting and Technical Institute. “His selfless giving back his knowledge and passion for the industry through the KUSA/IDTI mentoring program certainly made a difference to those who spent time learning with Tom and other individuals employed at Korg.”
A master woodworker, Tom used his carpentry skills to bring joy to those around him, especially during the holiday season. Tom loved Christmas and decorating his Hicksville, NY home and front yard. His front yard was filled with handcrafted animated figurines, toy soldiers, and toy trains, all synchronized to music and handcrafted by him. Families from all over Long Island would travel to see his awe-inspiring annual creations, something he and his late wife Lucretia enjoyed together until her passing in 2017.
Tom is survived by his daughter Danielle, son Tom Jr., five grandchildren, and five siblings. Tom is also survived by his colleagues who were forever influenced by his compassion, integrity, sense of humor and willingness to lend a hand.
Tom passed away at the age of 73 on March 22, due to complications with COVID-19.