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GH's Rick Pessagno has died

By Kambra Clifford
Modified May 22, 2018 11:28 ET
In loving memory of Rick Pessagno | General Hospital
GH's Rick Pessagno has died

General Hospital's Rick Pessagno, beloved choreographer responsible for many impressive Nurses Ball dance numbers, has passed away.

Popular Broadway performer Rick Pessagno, who helped choreograph some of General Hospital's most entertaining Nurses Ball dance numbers, has died. He was 61.

The ABC soap opera aired a tribute to the New Jersey native at the end of the episode that aired on Monday, May 21. The clip honored his contribution to the unforgettable musical numbers that have aired during Port Charles's annual event the past six years.

"I just heard of the untimely passing of our beloved choreographer and beautiful person Rick Pessagno," tweeted Kathleen Gati (Dr. Leisl Obrecht) after the choreographer's passing earlier this year. "I'm heartbroken! He was such a joy to work with as he choreographed me and GH performers in all our Nurses Ball numbers. You will be missed and fondly remembered! RIP."

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Risa Dorken (Amy Driscoll) also shared a remembrance of the performer as well as a rehearsal pic. "Can't believe we lost a member of our family, Rick Pessagno," she wrote. "His spirit is such a ray of light and warmth. This earth will miss his talents, his energy, his hugs, and laughter. He was an absolute angel on this earth. Blessed to have known you, friend. Rest peacefully."

Pessagno first appeared on Broadway back in 1976 in the musical Hellzapoppin alongside Jerry Lewis and Lynn Redgrave. His other Broadway credits include 42nd Street and Sophisticated Ladies.

According to his obituary in the South Jersey News, Pessagno is survived by his daughters, Katie and Hannah; his brother, Dave; his sister, Mickie; his mother, Rosann; his granddaughter, Lyla; and his loving companion, Terra MacLeod.

Which musical numbers from the past six years of GH's Nurses Ball have been your favorites? We want to hear from you -- so drop your comments in the Comments section below, tweet about it on Twitter, share it on Facebook, or chat about it on our Message Boards.

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