Phil Gragiola 80 of Abilene passed away at a local hospital on Monday July 12 2010. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at Elmwood Memorial Park with Father Robert Bush officiating under the direction of North's Funeral Home 242 Orange Street. Phil was born March 31 1930 in Abilene to Anastacio and Simona Gragiola. He was a drum major and brass section leader in the US Army Band in Germany and Korea. In 1955 he attended Hollywood Academy of Beauty in New York City his favorite place in the world. He was a struggling musician in New York before he came back to Abilene in the 1950's to make his home. He was a well-known jazz trumpeter in the surrounding Abilene area for over 50 years. He had his own jazz quartet and was a guest artist at the Abilene Philharmonic Pop Concert in 1974. He was often called the Herb Alpert of West Texas. He was a well-known cosmetologist and business owner of Phil's Salon for 36 years. He is survived by his wife Peggy Gragiola of Abilene; daughter Laura Gragiola; grandchildren Alexandra Alisha and Jakob; and great-grandson Bradley the loves of his life. Memorials or donations may be made to the local Salvation Army at 1726 Butternut Abilene Texas 79602. Online condolences can be made at www.northsfuneralhome.com