Dick Wells collapses during big band concert at Railroad Green

WARWICK - Dick Wells, professional singer and popular local radio personality, was still in intensive care at St. Anthony Community Hospital on Wednesday, September 12, three days after he collapsed while performing during a concert at Railroad Green in Warwick. On Sunday, Sept. 3, Wells was singing with “The Fun Bunch,” a traditional “Big Band.” Although it was unseasonably warm that day, the two-and-a-half hour concert drew draw a large crowd and the atmosphere was that of a huge block party with friends and neighbors all in a festive mood, coming together to enjoy the music. Although Wells keeps his age a professional secret, it is common knowledge that he’s been performing for well over 50 years. He sang with the world famous Harry James Band in Las Vegas and performed on stage with legendary entertainers like Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Wells also sang with the Sammy Kaye orchestra and he once appeared on the Johnny Carson Tonight Show. On Sunday, Wells had been looking forward to this concert, the last in a free summer series sponsored by the Village of Warwick. The Fun Bunch big band would pay special tribute to Count Basie, a leading figure of the swing era in jazz, and Wells would sing 15 songs. Although Wells had confided to friends that he wasn’t feeling well that morning, his voice was strong and judging by the applause, everyone was enjoying the performance. At about 5 p.m., Wells began singing his last song of the day, “Tangerine,” when he suddenly stopped and said, “Oh no!’ and fell to the ground striking his head. Professional first responders who were in the audience realized that he was not breathing and began administering CPR. Warwick Police soon arrived and fortunately, were equipped with a defibrillator. After two shocks they felt a weak pulse and Wells was immediately rushed by ambulance to St. Anthony’s Community Hospital. At press time, Wells still was on a respirator but showing signs of improvement, according to his wife Diane and several close friends and colleagues. The cause of the collapse is believed to be heart related. If Wells continues to improve he will be taken off the respirator and transported to the cardiac unit at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern. “I was very worried,” said Leo Kaytes, a longtime friend. “He’s still critical but stable and there seems to be improvement each day.” Among many other close friends, Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton has been visiting Wells and his family at the hospital each day. “Dick is an integral part of this community and we ask everyone to pray for his speedy recovery.” That support and those prayers are important to his wife, Diane. “The outpouring of love and affection for Richard has been remarkable. Everyone is praying for him and you have no idea how much that means to us.”