Dear Readers,
May, we said, keeps on having many Italian connections, but for those of us who were fans, this is the month we had to say goodbye toFrank Sinatra:learning he had died, on the 14th of May 1998, was like a family member had passed.Sinatrawas proud of his own “Italian connections” and gave much of his time to efforts benefitting them. Back in 1979,L’Italo-Americano Newspaperwas owned and operated by the priests from the Order of theScalabrini Fathersand they were working hard to get the Villa Scalabrini for seniors completed. Many Italian-Americans in the entertainment business, like Jimmy Durante, dug deep, and Frank Sinatra – who had already contributed $ 250,000 with a “Tribute to Dolly” in Las Vegas – added another $ 50,000 with proceeds from his special concert at the Amphitheater that same evening.
After being awarded theGrand’Ufficialeof the Order of the Republic of Italy, at the residence of Consul General Dr. Amedeo Cerchione, Sinatra made a heartfelt “thank you” address:
“Mr. Minister, representatives and friends of the Italian Government … Ladies and Gentlemen: I am humbled. I am proud. I am American. And I am Italian, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the honor you do to my family today. My father, God bless him, would have burst his buttons to know his kid received the highest honor given to a civilian by the Italian Government; and my blessed mother would have gone door to door to tell the neighbors the good news. For both of them, I also thank you.
I accept your award not as its rightful or deserving owner, I accept rather on behalf of the countless Americans proud of their Italian heritage who deserve it much more … much, much more than I do.
I’m talking about all those fine decent people out there, all over America, who get out of bed every morning to do their share and more to reflect honor on their parents’ country by contributing to this country.
I see them wherever I travel in America. They are the proud ones – proud of Italy, proud of America – proud of themselves for having two of the world’s greatest cultures in their lives.
The joy of life they experience can only be known by those to whom Italy is a mother and America is a father.
Every night of my life I thank God for my ancestry and for the secure knowledge the blood of the Eternal City flows in my veins. And I thank God I have been favored by good people like you all here today. I will never forget this day, this moment, or any of you.
Thank you, molte grazie. Arrivederci, but not for too long.”
***
Memorial Day Observance(May 29, 2023). Memorial Day is confused with Veterans Day by many people. Memorial Day is a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. While those who died are also remembered,Veterans Dayis the day set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, in wartime, or in peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.
The wearing of red poppies in honor of America’s war dead is traditionally done onMemorial Day. Memorial Day reminds me that during World War II, when many Italian-Ameircans were interned and forced to move inland to work and operate their business (remember “La Storia Segreta”?), their children were serving our country.
In 2012, the US Postal Service issued the Medal of Honor Stamp. The Medal of Honor, the nation’s highest award for valor in combat, is presented “for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of life, above and beyond the call of duty.” More than 16 million people served with the American Armed Forces during World War II, but only 464 were singled out to receive the Medal of Honor. Among them, more than a dozen were Italian-Americans:grazieJohn Basilone, Gino Merli, Vito Bertaldo, Anthony Casamento, Joseph Cicchetti, Ralph Cheli, Mike Colalillo, Peter Dalessandro, Anthony Damato, Arthur DeFranzo.You made us proud, but this is, also astoria segreta.
Cari lettori,
Maggio, dicevamo, continua ad avere molte “Italian connections”, ma per noi fan questo è il mese in cui dobbiamo omaggiare Frank Sinatra: sapere che era morto, il 14 maggio 1998, è stato come se fosse scomparsa una persona di famiglia. Sinatra era orgoglioso delle sue “connessioni italiane” e a beneficio di esse dedicò gran parte del suo tempo. Nel 1979, L’Italo-Americano era di proprietà ed era gestito dai sacerdoti dell’Ordine dei Padri Scalabriniani. Lavoravano duramente per completare Villa Scalabrini per gli anziani. Tanti italoamericani del mondo dello spettacolo, come Jimmy Durante, avevano contribuito molto, e Frank Sinatra – che aveva già contribuito con 250.000 dollari con un “Tribute to Dolly” a Las Vegas – aggiunse altri 50.000 dollari con i proventi del suo concerto speciale all’Anfiteatro quella stessa sera.
Dopo essere stato insignito dell’onorificenza di Grand’Ufficiale dell’Ordine della Repubblica Italiana, presso la residenza del Console Generale Amedeo Cerchione, Sinatra rivolse un sentito ringraziamento:
“Signor Presidente, rappresentanti e amici del Governo italiano… Signore e Signori: sono onorato. Sono orgoglioso. Sono americano. E sono italiano, e vi ringrazio di cuore per l’onore che fate alla mia famiglia oggi. Mio padre, che Dio lo benedica, sarebbe entusiasta al sapere che suo figlio riceve il più alto onore concesso a un civile dal governo italiano; e la mia benedetta madre sarebbe andata di porta in porta per dare ai vicini la buona notizia. Anche per loro, vi ringrazio.
Accetto il premio non come legittimo o meritevole proprietario, accetto piuttosto a nome degli innumerevoli americani orgogliosi della loro eredità italiana che lo meritano molto di più… molto, molto più di me.
Sto parlando di tutte quelle belle persone là fuori, in tutta l’America, che si alzano dal letto ogni mattina per fare la loro parte e molto altro ancora per riflettere onore sul Paese dei loro genitori contribuendo allo sviluppo di questo Paese.
Li vedo ovunque io vada in America. Sono quelli orgogliosi – orgogliosi dell’Italia, orgogliosi dell’America – orgogliosi di se stessi per avere due delle più grandi culture del mondo nelle loro vite.
La gioia della vita che provano può essere conosciuta solo da coloro per i quali l’Italia è una madre e l’America è un padre.
Ogni notte della mia vita ringrazio Dio per i miei antenati e per la certezza che nelle mie vene scorre il sangue della Città Eterna. E ringrazio Dio di essere stato scelto da brave persone come voi tutti qui oggi. Non dimenticherò mai questo giorno, questo momento o qualcuno di voi.
Grazie, grazie mille. Arrivederci, a presto”.
***
Memorial Day Observance(29 maggio 2023). Il Memorial Day è confuso con il Veterans Day da molte persone. Il Memorial Day è un giorno per ricordare e onorare il personale militare che è morto al servizio del proprio Paese, in particolare coloro che sono morti in battaglia o a causa delle ferite riportate in battaglia. Se pure vengono ricordati coloro che sono morti, il Veterans Day è il giorno che serve per ringraziare e onorare tutti coloro che hanno prestato servizio con onore nell’esercito, in tempo di guerra o di pace. In effetti, il Veterans Day ha principalmente lo scopo di ringraziare i veterani in vita per il loro servizio, riconoscere che i loro contributi alla nostra sicurezza nazionale sono apprezzati e sottolineare il fatto che tutti coloro che hanno prestato servizio – non solo quelli che sono morti – hanno servito e fatto il loro dovere.
L’uso di papaveri rossi in onore dei caduti in guerra d’America è tradizionalmente fatto nel Memorial Day. Il Memorial Day mi ricorda che durante la seconda guerra mondiale, quando molti italo-americani furono internati e costretti a trasferirsi nell’entroterra per lavorare e gestire la loro attività (vi ricordate “La Storia Segreta”?), i loro figli servivano il nostro Paese.
Nel 2012, il servizio postale degli Stati Uniti ha emesso il francobollo della Medaglia d’onore.
La Medaglia d’Onore, il più alto riconoscimento della nazione per il valore in combattimento, viene conferita “per azioni di grande coraggio e audacia a rischio della propria vita e oltre il senso del dovere”. Più di 16 milioni di persone hanno prestato servizio con le forze armate americane durante la seconda guerra mondiale, ma solo 464 sono state scelte per ricevere la Medaglia d’onore. Tra loro, più di una decina sono stati italo-americani: grazie John Basilone, Gino Merli, Vito Bertaldo, Anthony Casamento, Joseph Cicchetti, Ralph Cheli, Mike Colalillo, Peter Dalessandro, Anthony Damato, Arthur DeFranzo. Ci avete resi orgogliosi, ma anche questa è una storia segreta.
FAQs
Was Frank Sinatra a Catholic? ›
Though turned off by organized religion at times, however, Sinatra had a deep faith that became public when he turned to the Catholic Church for healing after his mother died in a plane crash late in his career. He died as a practicing Catholic and had a Catholic burial.
Who is Frank Sinatra's family? › Where and when was Frank Sinatra born? › Where did Sinatra grow up? ›Frank Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915 and spent almost his entire childhood in the waterfront city of Hoboken, New Jersey.
Is Godfather about Sinatra? ›In spite of Mario Puzo's denials and insistence that his novel is a work of fiction, it's generally accepted that The Godfather character Johnny Fontaine is based on Frank Sinatra. Fontaine is a popular singer who owes his career to Don Corleone and the mob.
Was Dolly Sinatra Italian? ›Dolly was from northern Italy, while her husband was from the south, and she leveraged her knowledge of Italian dialects and fluent English to translate for immigrants during court proceedings — especially in requests for citizenship.
Who is Frank Sinatra's best friend? ›Tony was only twenty-one when he first met and befriended Frank Sinatra. Tony later became the singer's best friend and road manager, a contributor to two of Sinatra's platinum albums, and a producer of the documentary To Be Frank: Sinatra at 100.
What was Frank Sinatra's last words? ›Reportedly, Frank Sinatra's last words ever were to his wife. He simply told her, “I'm losing.”
Who is the best Italian singer? ›- Luciano Pavarotti.
- Andrea Bocelli.
- Laura Pausini.
- Fedez.
- Eros Ramazzotti.
- Måneskin.
- Sfera Ebbasta.
- Domenico Modugno.
Frank Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey, to Italian immigrants Natalina Della (Garaventa), from Northern Italy, and Saverio Antonino Martino Sinatra, a Sicilian boxer, fireman, and bar owner.
What is Frank Sinatra's net worth? ›
Although like many celebrities, Frank Sinatra's net worth was known to fluctuate throughout his career, it is said that he was worth about $200 million at the time of his death. His estate reportedly included not only cash but also a collection of cars and other valuable items.
What was Frank Sinatra's cause of death? ›On May 14, 1998, the legendary singer, actor and show-business icon Frank Sinatra dies of a heart attack in Los Angeles, at the age of 82.
Did Elvis meet Frank Sinatra? ›Two of the world's biggest singing superstars caused a sensation when they filmed a TV special together. When Elvis Presley met Frank Sinatra in 1960, it resulted in The Frank Sinatra Timex Show: Welcome Home Elvis, which attracted 67.7% of the overall television audience on the night.
Who did Sinatra leave his money to? ›He left his sheet music to his son. Sinatra's will covered only a portion of his wealth, his attorneys have said. Much of his estate was left in a living trust. Sinatra also gave $1 million to a trust fund established in 1983 for his granddaughters, Angela Jenifer Lambert and Amanda Katherine Lambert.
Where in Italy is Frank Sinatra from? ›Sicilian baptismal and marriage records, United States immigration and census data, and interviews with surviving grandchildren establish that Francesco Sinatra was born in 1857 in the town of Lercara Friddi, in the hills of northwest Sicily.
Was Frank Sinatra a mobsters? ›Frank Sinatra consistently denied having any connections to the Mafia. Questions and rumors about the mob followed him throughout his entire career, but the singer always dismissed the allegations or responded angrily to them, except with one person: the comedian Don Rickles.
Who was Vito Corleone based off of? ›Fictional biography and early years. Vito Corleone is based on a composite of mid-20th century New York Mafia figures Carlo Gambino, Frank Costello, Joe Bonanno, and Joe Profaci. The character's story begins as Vito Andolini in Corleone, Sicily, in the Kingdom of Italy.
Which American actor is of Italian origin? ›Such director-actors include: Danny DeVito, John Turturro, Steve Buscemi, Vincent Gallo, Al Pacino, Stanley Tucci, Robert De Niro, Sylvester Stallone, Gary Sinise, Anne Bancroft, and Madonna.
What kind of Italian was Frank Sinatra? ›Sinatra's Italian family of origin
Frank Sinatra was born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey the only child of a Sicilian father Antonino Martino Sinatra and Ligurian mother, Natalina Garaventa.
Sinatra is an Italian surname that is prevalent in southeast Sicily, erived from a dialectical version of the Latin word "Senator," meaning "man of the senate" or "Old Man." The name was made famous by American singer/actor Frank Sinatra, and carried on by his children, singers Nancy Sinatra and Frank, Jr.
Who was Frank Sinatra's one true love? ›
And while Sinatra was a legendary lothario linked to the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Judy Garland, Tony reveals he had only one real love – first wife Nancy Barbato. Nancy Senior, as Tony affectionately refers to her, is now 98 and never remarried after her 12 year union to Sinatra ended in 1951.
Did Frank Sinatra like JFK? ›In 1952 and 1956, he also campaigned for Adlai Stevenson. Of all the U.S. Presidents he associated with during his career, he was closest to John F. Kennedy. Sinatra often invited Kennedy to Hollywood and Las Vegas, and the two would enjoy parties together.
Who was Frank Sinatra's favorite wife? ›"Nancy was probably the single longest friendship that he had in his life," said Oppedisano. "And there was a comfort there. But that didn't change the fact that Frank was very much in love with Barbara, his last wife, obviously. Their marriage lasted 22 years longer than any other marriage in his story.
What was Frank Sinatra's famous quote? ›1. “Dare to wear the foolish clown face.” 2. “Throughout my career, if I have done anything, I have paid attention to every note and every word I sing—if I respect the song.
What did Frank Sinatra say when Elvis died? ›Frank Sinatra On Elvis Death
He was also a big fan of Elvis Presley. So when Presley died in 1977, Sinatra was naturally saddened. He later said, “I loved him. I couldn't stand him.” Sinatra also praised Presley's musical talent, saying that he was “a great, great talent.”
I'll park in the shade of a wind-swept tree and watch the devotees, men and women, young and old, who pat the sun-scorched grass, present a tribute of a few dimes or maybe a bottle of Jack Daniel's, and lovingly run their fingers over the etched words on his weathered marker: The Best Is Yet To Come/Francis Albert ...
Who is considered the best singer of all time? ›Aretha Franklin
The Queen of Soul was unrivalled for decades when it came to having the best singing voice on the planet. Using her gospel background to her advantage, Aretha had such an incredibly powerful and passionate voice. Even 50 years after her debut, she brought audiences to tears with her performances.
Who Is Lady Gaga, And Where Did She Come From? Germanotta was born on March 28, 1986 into an Italian American family in New York City. She showed musical promise early on — she played piano from age 4 and went on to perform at open-mic nights.
What part of Sicily is Sinatra from? ›Sicilian baptismal and marriage records, United States immigration and census data, and interviews with surviving grandchildren establish that Francesco Sinatra was born in 1857 in the town of Lercara Friddi, in the hills of northwest Sicily.
Who is the Mexican equivalent to Frank Sinatra? ›
“Vicente Fernández is the (Frank) Sinatra of ranchera music. He's the supreme singer; the man who does things his way.” It was early fall 1991 when Vicente Fernández was in Houston, Texas, on another one of his U.S. tours.
Who owns Frank Sinatra's house? ›In 1995, the compound was purchased by multi-billionaire Jim Pattison, who owns the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! attractions, among other things. He has kept it largely the way Frank had it, including retaining his huge collection of toy trains, but tourists may not enter.
Why did Frank Sinatra's voice change? ›Years of singing as many as 100 songs per day had taken its toll, and he lost his voice completely for several months in 1950 because of vocal-chord hemorrhaging.
Did Sinatra have a temper? ›Frank Sinatra had a "filthy temper," a new biography has claimed. The 'My Way' hitmaker would become "out of control" if he was in a foul mood and stunned people with his behaviour when in a rage, author James Kaplan has detailed in 'Sinatra: The Chairman'.
Did Frank Sinatra have a Catholic funeral? ›Singer Jack Jones attends the Funeral Service for Frank Sinatra on May 20, 1998 at The Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Beverly Hills, California.
What were Frank Sinatra's last words? ›The singer looked at the company, and gave his final words. “He just looked up at the two of us and said curtly: 'I'm losing'”.
What church was Frank Sinatra's funeral? ›6 days after Frank Sinatra's death, on 20th of May, 1998, the Frank Sinatra's funeral took place at Church of the Good Shepherd in Beverly Hills.
Who was Frank Sinatra's true love? ›And while Sinatra was a legendary lothario linked to the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Bacall and Judy Garland, Tony reveals he had only one real love – first wife Nancy Barbato. Nancy Senior, as Tony affectionately refers to her, is now 98 and never remarried after her 12 year union to Sinatra ended in 1951.
What is on Frank Sinatra's grave stone? ›Now, it read simply, “Francis Albert Sinatra, 1915-1998,” and at the center: “Sleep Warm, Poppa.” Curious, as one would be, Lansing phoned the cemetery district manager to ask why the marker had been changed, and who changed it.
Did Frank Sinatra have a disease? ›After suffering a severe heart attack, Sinatra died at age 82 on May 14, 1998 by his wife's side at a hospital in Los Angeles. He lived his final years in poor health, afflicted by heart and breathing problems, high blood pressure, pneumonia, bladder cancer and dementia.
Why was Frank Sinatra buried with 10 dimes? ›
The kidnappers demanded that all communication be conducted by payphone. During these conversations, Frank Sr. became concerned that he would not have enough coins, which prompted him to carry 10 dimes with him at all times for the rest of his life; he was even buried with 10 dimes in his pocket.
What did Frank Sinatra say to Elvis death? ›Following Presley's death in 1977, Sinatra said, “There have been many accolades uttered about Elvis' talent and performances, all of which I agree with wholeheartedly. I shall miss him dearly as a friend.”
Who gave Frank Sinatra's eulogy? ›With the Archbishop of Los Angeles presiding as celebrant, Kirk Douglas and Gregory Peck delivering eulogies and Tony Bennett and Sidney Poitier acting as an honor guard, the service was in every way worthy of a show-business legend, but the guest list also included less-famous members of Sinatra's famously large ...
What songs were played at Frank Sinatra's funeral? ›In The Wee Small Hours, Moonlight In Vermont, Ave Maria and Put Your Dreams Away were played at the church and during the religious service during Frank Sinatra's funeral, along with some other songs probably.
What was the greatest love song ever written Frank Sinatra? ›But “Something” is somehow grander, more universal, than that. Sinatra famously labelled it “the greatest love song of the past 50 years”, and Harrison himself sensed that it would become a large part of his musical legacy.