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1947 - 2017
1947 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
1947
2017
302 Entries
Kevin Cielec
October 8, 2024
Seen Sonny preform live at Parmatown rib burn off back in the day. Always enjoyed his music and still hear his songs played on the radio. I am older now but when I hear his songs being played I crank up the volume.
Rest in peace.
Michael Spurio
October 4, 2024
You used to stop at my Dads Gas station at Harvard/Lee Pure in your 1954 Green Ford for a few bucks of gas on your way to meet your girlfriend. We had some cool conversations for that time in the 60´s...Rest In Peace Sonny
CL Miller III
June 15, 2024
Born in the 70's, grew up in the 80's nd 90's. My dad used to play all the ballads from 70's bc he used to be a DJ. I catch myself hearing these songs all over the place. Today, I was with my lil'man in the grocery store and 'Precious & Few' came on and I just caught myself singing the song without hesitation. My son asked me how I knew this song and I told him my dad used to have all kinds of music playing when I was kid. My brothers and I knew what the mood was depending on the volume of the music after school. All that to say that I never even knew who sang more than half the songs growing up. Regardless, its the jam of the week right now and I appreciate the memory this song (along with a ton others) give me. Like it was yesterday. Where does the time go? Blink and the next thing you know you're old. I just turned 50, now about to be 51...I have a greater appreciation for the song and the lyrics at my age, bc there will be a time when I can't hold my wife (Michelle) in my arms. And it's not going to be fair. But right now, precious and few are the moments we 2 can share..
Natalie Dominguez
June 10, 2024
" Precious And Few " Was A Big Part Of My Childhood I Was Only 11 Yrs Old When That Song Came Out. I'm So Glad To Know That Sonny Got Married & Had Kids. What A Life I'm Sure He Had. R.I.P. Sonny
Pam Grant Montgomery
May 13, 2024
One of the Best songs there ever was! Loved his music ( Sonny's)! So sorry for your loss even though it's been along time! I know the feeling all too well!! RIP Sonny! You will be missed by all!!
William warnock
April 3, 2024
I remember seeing the Outsiders at our local teen club in Saginaw Michigan and watching him perform time won't let me it was a great show and I remember he was wearing a pair of white shoes pretty cool
Nancy Carroll
April 2, 2024
Wonderful singer Loved Precious and Few & Time Won´t Let Me. A huge loss R.I.P.
Kevin Cielec
March 10, 2024
I saw Sonny preforming live at Parmatown Rib burn off back in the day. Always loved his songs and to this day still listen to his music. He is missed by many.
Nick Stefano
February 11, 2024
This is very sad. A great performer. RIP
Natalie D.
January 23, 2024
I grew up listening to Sonny sing " Precious and Few " 72' It was a GREAT Era ! Sonny was an AMAZING part of my life. He will be truly missed & loved forever . The 70's were " The Best Times " R.I.P. Sonny
Carla Dinsmore
December 16, 2023
I saw Sonny perform in 2008 at a Christmas charity show in Bethlehem, PA. He was phenomenal, and I really enjoyed his performance. I was so sad to find out that he'd passed away. His music and precious memories will live on!
Anthony Maresca, M.D.
November 25, 2023
My wife and I saw Donny at Festa Italians in Milwaukee about 20 years ago and he brought back some wonderful memories from our youth. Of course , the " Climax," was when he sang "Precious and Few." I was just playing the song on my piano today accompanied by the music. I was devastated to learn that he had passed. May he Rest In Peace.
Anthony Maresca, M.D.
Brookfield, WI
John Schunn
October 26, 2023
I still have Sonny´s 2 songs that I love on my Cell (Time won´t let me & Precious and Few).. Thank you Cuzzz RIP John Schunn
A Friend
October 25, 2023
Beautiful Voice!
Shirley Naso
April 28, 2023
The last time I saw Sonny perform was on the PBS special. I couldn`t believe after so many years how great he looked and still sounded. I`ve always recognized him as a great but underrated singer. I just finished reading Chrissie Hyndes` book where he was briefly mentioned which brought up memories of him. What a great singer, showman and surprisingly, dancer. Passed much too soon. I feel he still had great future potential.
Neill P Flate
February 2, 2023
I just saw this and it made me sad. I was in the Navy during the mid 60's and got home to Cleveland about one weekend a month. I loved to watch Upbeat on Channel 5. It seems like the Outsiders were featured every time I watched. I would brag to my Navy pals that they were from Cleveland. I am 76 and live in Denver now. I still get excited when I hear Sonny on the radio. When the song starts I do the intro "And now from Cleveland, Ohio, the one and only Outsiders"
RIP Sonny. You remind me of happier and simpler times.
JOHN CHARLES SCHUNN
January 4, 2023
Miss you Cuzz and your Great music...John Schunn (Ann Gaglione's grandson, Rose (Babe's son)
Ron Patton
January 3, 2023
Lost a legend. Lived in Cleveland growing up with his group was so exciting. Lived in the same neighborhood.
Tony Bodura
October 2, 2022
Lowed listening to you sing in the clubs of Cleveland.
Thanks Tony Bodura
Catherine Punjani
June 29, 2022
R.I.P - Mr. Geraci
: ( From A Longtime Fan
Susan M Benson [Hrachiar]
May 28, 2022
I remember him from high school. Thank you for great songs. Rip dear Rebel.
DonnaMarie!
December 8, 2021
Always loved Precious & Few of my all time favorites. Also Time won't let me wait song. Thank you for the gift of song/music you left this world with. Saw Sonny on PBS special repeat a few weeks ago singing that song. It gave me goose bumps! RIP dear friend!
ROBERT SCHOFIELD
February 24, 2021
ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS OF ALL TIME " TIME WON'T LET ME" AND STILL TO THIS DAY ONE OF MY PERSONAL IN MY TOP TEN. SONNY MY FRIEND...THANK YOU FOR YOUR WORK IN PUTTING TOGETHER THIS SONG.YOU ARE MISSED BY SO MANY ADORING FANS. Fr
Gary Elkhorn
November 15, 2020
Thanks for your music!
SISTER Goldenhair
May 22, 2020
Rest in peace, remember seeing him back in days.
Loved, loved Precious and Few.
Marilyn Hahn
March 12, 2020
Hi Sonny. Just wanted you to know that Your music still lives on in our hearts. We were watching You Tube and your Timeless song Time Wont Let Me came on. It reminded me of what a huge part of the Music from the 1960s scene & that you played in my heart & the heart of so very many. I am saddened that you have passed on. I know you are at peace now. I have passed my appreciation of your music to my children & grandchildren. Thank you for your legendary contribution to the history of Music❣❤
Vic
August 24, 2019
Thank you for the beautiful music and for being you. You were so special. Missing you everyday. God Bless you and your family.
Fireman DK
March 4, 2019
Just found this clip ! I had never seen this before ...RIP Sonny !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVRGPAvjyo0
Irene Murchie
February 28, 2019
Thanks for the memories. Precious And Few, that was you.
Beverly Carlo
October 13, 2018
I love his music. I was sad when I found out that he died. Such a wonderful musician. I play his music all the time. You are greatly missed.
September 28, 2018
Sonny was my Second Cousin. I joined the Navy in 1965 from Cleveland and I think is was in 1966 while stationed on QUAM, when my mother sent me a small Reel to Reel tape of Sonny's /OUTSIDERS, "TIME WON'T LET ME". It was a BIG HIT with all my fellow Sailors, along with the rest of the World. I always brag about him to my fellow Seniors, who surprisingly remember not only Time wont let me, but also Precious and Few/Climax;another Great Song. He will always be remembered and Missed. Keep him in your Heart and we'll see you again...John Schunn Jr. (Rose (Lloyd) Gaglione's Son, Anne Gaglione's Grandson).
lookin' good rockin' the 'Do Sonny! We all wish we could have had your talent and looks....RIP..Not a month goes by without hearing your songs....
Fireman DK
September 27, 2018
Judy Ayala
September 26, 2018
Camille I'm so sorry for your loss
Rosemarie Scott
August 19, 2018
Thank you for the beautiful musical memories.
Kathleen Keegan
August 12, 2018
R.I.P. SONNY
John Smyrniotis
August 3, 2018
anyone who was a young teen in the sixties remembers The Outsiders and Sonny's voice. Further up the road when we heard Precious and Few. God bless him and his family. May he rest in peace. He will be forever in our hearts and memories. A Chicago fan.
Joe Scap
July 31, 2018
Still listening to all your great hits.R.I.P.
July 24, 2018
R I p Sonny what a wonderful talent and singer gone too soon!!!
Vincent
July 20, 2018
A great man with so much talent.gone way to soon.r.i p Sonny.
July 20, 2018
R.i.p Sonny
July 13, 2018
One of my favorite people on stage. I wish I could have been a personal friend. He had the most beautiful voice and soulful eyes. Still love listening to him.
June 26, 2018
Im 64 years young and still loving my 45 records of Time wont let me and Precious and Few. So sad to hear of Sonnys passing and aneurysm he suffered through. I have loved this songs for many years. Being from Cleveland, we were blessed to have had his talent amongst us. Prayers to all Sonnys family and loved ones as a year has gone by.
Stacy Mickelson
May 9, 2018
"Precious and Few" is the song my Raymond propose to married him. He took the first line of the song for me to say"YES"!!! This is my Ray favorite love song of all time!!! God bless you Sonny for our moments we two care share,amen.
May 8, 2018
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
May 8, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Raymond Arenas
May 8, 2018
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Fireman DK
April 29, 2018
First song I ever sang at Karaoke...Time won't let me !...RIP Sonny !!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tRY6iJqt_Dg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaj1wVNvSqk
Monette Szarzynski
April 27, 2018
I heard "Precious and Few" on the radio earlier this week. Not the first time I heard the song, but for some reason the song kept playing in my head for days. And also for some reason, this song would turn into a medley in my head along with "Cherish" by The Association. So today, I looked up the group behind the song, Climax, and found that the lead singer, who also sang "Time Won't Let Me" by The Outsiders (another good song I hear frequently on MeTV FM 87.7), had died over a year ago. Which leads me here today. I just want to say that it takes some talent and pixie dust to continue to inspire this much emotion and appreciation in people 40+ years after you created something (I watched a video of "Precious and Few" from 1972 on YouTube; I was born that year), and to leave a precious legacy after you've passed. I do agree that Sonny Geraci and Climax should have been a bigger act than they were. But nevertheless, I hope he achieved some measure of fulfillment in his life. I think remembering the best about someone speaks to the degree of success that person achieved in life. Rest in peace, Mr Geraci.
Dwight Milas
April 26, 2018
Whenever Sonny made an appearance in the Chicago area I made sure I was there. He always delivered the goods,went home with a smile every time. Time Won't Let Me and Girl in Love my favorites. I consider Girl in Love to be one of the great ballads. I am 73 years old and have very limited mobility but if through some miracle Sonny was appearing I would be there. Thank god he was part of my life.....Dwight
Vicki
March 10, 2018
Thank you for your music. R.I.P Sonny. God bless you.
Tom Providenti
February 21, 2018
Of all the great Cleveland singers of yesteryear , Bocky,Jeff Gould,Tony Leotta,Joey Porello,Buddy Maver,etc..,all great singers with great bands,Sonny was the best,and a class act all the way around.We we're blessed to be surrounded by such talent.R.I.P.
February 12, 2018
Loved his music. RIP, Sonny.
Dan Knoll
February 9, 2018
Great music, great person ! RIP!
Carol Flannick (Goan)
February 6, 2018
Dear Michael and the entire Geraci family, as you approach the anniversary of Sonny's passing, please know that we still and will always remember him and the music that he created........and the memories, oh, the memories.
Carol Goan
Rastus fan and Mike Geraci friend
Natalie Hawaii
February 4, 2018
GONE NEVER EVER FORGOTTEN.
Steve Dill
November 13, 2017
I played guitar in a Kettering, OH band in the late 60s called The Vondells. We opened at the Kettering Skating Rink for The Outsiders, and I had the pleasure to meet Sonny and Tom King backstage. He was a true gentleman!
As a note of nostalgia, Tom had trouble with his amplifier that night, and ended up playing through my Super Reverb amp! I still have that 1965 amp to this day! How time flies! May both Sonny and Tom RIP.
Brian Patrick Clarke
August 30, 2017
Not sure what this, Sonny Geraci's death, had escaped my notice, but even belatedly I want to say to his family that I am incredibly saddened. As a Clevelander who moved to the city in January of 1968 when I was a sophomore in high school, I took great pride in having become a resident of the city from which The Outsiders hailed. His voice was unforgettable, and his imprint on so many of us will remain intact. RIP, Sonny, and thank you for the wonderful memories
Larry Willis
August 29, 2017
I met Sonny at a concert in Jackson, Tennessee in 2005. He was super nice and signed an autograph for me. He was kind enough to take a picture of my friend Johnny Tillotson and I. Sonny put on a great show and I will never forget his great voice and his kindness. I wish his family the best! God Bless! Larry Willis
Michael H
August 13, 2017
My wife and I went to Festa Italiana in Milwaukee around 15 years ago intending to see Frankie Avalon. Sonny was opening that night and he was just phenomenal. We never missed him after that whenever he came back. Just a wonderful performer and marvelous talent. He holds a special place in our hearts because of the great memories he provided us. May he rest in peace.
Jean Zell Garfield
July 29, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the family. I knew Sonny from the neighborhood in Cleveland and drag raced him in his 54 blue Ford down Harvard Ave while I was flying in my mother's 60 Dodge 383. He won! We were all so proud of him, because he "MADE IT." Time Won't Let Me was as awesome then as it still is now! Thanks for the music that still touch us. Jean Zell Garfield
Stephen Griffin
July 3, 2017
I just want to send my sincere best wishes and commiserations to his family. I am sure he brought joy to many with his voice and performance during his too short life. May Sonny rest in peace.
June 19, 2017
Loved his music remember buying live album they played Gloria was great as was the album remember it well 1967 I had just entered the army,memories thank you sonny Andy from Montana.
June 13, 2017
Being from Cleveland, I met you once,followed your career and saw you perform many times. One of my favorite songs "Time Won't Let Me" both in 1967 and today.
You were tremendously talented and you will be missed my friend.
RIP Soni!
Gary Marella
Phoenix Arizona
Sonny Yakup
June 9, 2017
What more is there to be said, thank you
Pete Gates
June 9, 2017
So sad to hear of Sonny's passing. I have fond memories of an afternoon interview in 1975 at WCLW 105-3, where I as the afternoon DJ, at Mansfield, Ohio. We had a great time talking of music and his adventures on the road. I'll always remember the frustrations of our office gals saying the switchboard was "ablaze" with all his fans calling in to talk to Sonny.
RIP
D Garber
May 22, 2017
So sorry to hear of Sonny's passing. I just heard of it. I remember seeing him when I was a teen, they had came to SC to perform at "The Hangar". Loved his music. Prayers for the family.
Gary Saber
May 5, 2017
I remember you performing 'Precious and Few, at the Panda Buffet, at Golden Gate Center (Mayfield Road.) I was sitting at a table about three feet in front of you.. I'll never forget it.. Your wonderful talent will be with us always
March 20, 2017
A true legend of Rockand Roll. The last of the great ones!
My condolences to your family.
RIP Sonny
Dan Knoll
March 18, 2017
Rest in peace Sir.....
Dan Knoll
March 18, 2017
Deeply saddened to read of Sonny's passing , had tried to follow on his condition since his aneurysm in 2012, and was always surprised that there wasn't a lot of information... Time won't let me was the first song I ever sang at karaoke, I always liked his voice and songs..I had not seen that he had passed, and was listening to "The Outsiders" on Youtube when I thought I would try to find out how he was doing . Rest in Peace.....
Nazarene Mckinney
March 17, 2017
P
Jack Ware
March 13, 2017
Time Won't Let Me is one of those 60's songs that appealed to all kids in the sixties. I never turned the radio while this song played as it was one of those songs you never got tired of hearing. That says something! Thanks for sharing your voice and song with us Sonny.
John Butera
March 8, 2017
Sonny
You were one of the greats! Enjoyed seeing you
with the grass roots! Precious and Few will always
be one of my all time favorites ! Enjoy singing with
the Angels my man!
Louis Busacca
March 3, 2017
Condolences to the Geraci family. In our thoughts and Prayers.
March 2, 2017
Sorry to hear of his passing. RIP. If time will let you!
Mike Geraci(Fan)
February 28, 2017
Sonny, We went back together all the way from the "Cats Meow" in downtown Cleveland. You will be missed...say high to Tom...
John "Supersport" Scavo
February 26, 2017
Thank You Sonny for your contribution in the music industry. Precious and Few & Time Won't Let Me, you gave us two songs forever. RIP
Roger Melin
February 23, 2017
May I say, as a pure fan of Sonny since his beginnings in music, that I have never seen a performer with the class and stage presence which could match that of Sonny Geraci. May he be free from pain now, and live on in Rock 'n Roll Heaven forever. My heartfelt condolences to all Sonny's family and friends.
February 22, 2017
To the family of Sonny Geraci;
My husband was from the old school of music. He was a collector of old music especially from his time period growing up. He was several years older then me so - needless to say I had no other choice but to get acquainted with the type of music he would like to listen and the type of concerts he would like to see. The Outsiders were among the many groups from the 60's that he would listen too. It is so sad when we lose a great musician such as Sonny Geraci, he will be missed.
May the God of all comfort and tender mercy grant peace to the Geraci family.
Respectfully Yours,
EDO, Illinois
Larry Herman
February 16, 2017
To Mary Lou and Kids, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish I could have made it back to Cleveland for services for Sonny to pay my respects. I was so honored to have been the trumpet player in the Sonny's band over the past several years. I will always smile when I remember the times we shared on stage as well as the those before and after the shows. And I am grateful for having had a front row seat to see the love the world had for Sonny Geraci!
Vince Randazzo
February 15, 2017
Thank you Sonny's for all the great music and for all your inspiring, upbeat personality. You will be greatly missed.
Vince Randazzo
February 15, 2017
I'm so very saddened to hear of Sonny's passing. I enjoyed his music and he seemed like a great and down to earth person. I was fortunate enough to have seen him in person a couple of years ago. His upbeat and warm personality was very inspiring. I will forever be playing Time Won't Let Me and remembering Sonny.
Nicholas Lombardo
February 14, 2017
We're childhood friends played together fought each other and loved each other as friends. He will forever be missed
BETTY ANN SUTTLEMYER
February 14, 2017
My prayers go out to the Geraci family, I was very sad to hear of Sonnys death, Sonny will be missed by so many people I have many memories of him,his brother Mike,the Outsiders,Climax, Tom King and my brother in law Bocky. They all made Cleveland great, time passes so quickly but our memories are with us forever Betty Suttlemyer Fort Lauderdale,Florida
Mister Peanuts
February 13, 2017
Even though we traveled in the same music circles for years, never met Sonny until about 10 years ago when he was bringing his son & daughter out to Butch Armstrong's jam nights, so the younger Geracis could get some experience with live singing.
Nice guy.
May God go with him...................
Sherri C
February 13, 2017
I am so heartbroken to hear this.
One of my all time favorite singers...
R.I.P.
Chuck Cruise
February 13, 2017
I'll never forget the amazing voice. I'm sad I never got to see Sonny live but glad I have his music on CD to help keep his legacy going, Thanks for sharing your art Sonny!
Trish Johnston
February 12, 2017
I was very sad and sorry to hear of Mr. Geraci's death. My condolences to his wife, children, family and friends.
I enjoyed his songs. Especially Precious and Few. May he rest in peace. Godspeed Sonny Geraci.
Mary Day
February 12, 2017
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
Sonny, Rae and Dennis Yost
Pamela Morgan
February 11, 2017
Pamela Morgan
February 11, 2017
Bless the family and friends for their great loss. He was a wonderful man and will never be forgotten.
Barb Jacofsky (Braun)
February 11, 2017
I met Emmett when we used to go to Gracemount canteen dances. He was going to John Adams, I went to Shaker heights. Used to hang around Lee Harvard area. No matter where he hung around he was always singing, and knew someday he would make a great songs, and he did. Now he's singing for all who are with him in heaven. Especially our Lord. God Bless his family.
Jim Barbarotta
February 11, 2017
May God bless the Geraci Family & friends, at this trying time of your life. Sonny was always so full of life, loved life, loved his family, and loved his career. He excelled at all of it ! Please accept our condolences, Mary lou, Camille, Justin, Brianne, Matt, Mark, and family. Miss you all! Love Jim & Tami Barbarotta
Dave & Lori Coates
February 11, 2017
Dear Geraci Family, We are deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Sonny. We were fortunate enough to get to know Sonny during our time with the Chagrin Falls Tigers Traveling Baseball Team. Some of our fondest memories were sitting & talking to Sonny watching our boys play baseball. He was a special talent & a gem of a guy. He will be truly missed by everyone he touched. Our thoughts & prayers go out to all of his family during this sad time.
Our deepest sympathy, Dave, Lori & David Coates
February 11, 2017
I send my sincere condolences during this very difficult time. May you all find comfort from the encouraging words found at 1 Thessalonians 4:14.
Peggy Hoffman
February 11, 2017
Mary Lou and family:
My most sincere condolences on your loss. Thank you for sharing him with the world. It's a far better place because of him. I remember at one performance someone mentioned it was my birthday. Michael gave me a copy of his new CD and Sonny disappeared. A bit later he came back with a sweatshirt that had the Italian pronunciation of Forget About It! Still have it. Loved that man like a brother. God's blessings.
Peggy (Saviola) Hoffman
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