Add a Memory
Make a Donation
Fred Travalena Obituary
Publicist Roger Neal says Travalena died Sunday at his home in the Encino area after a recurrence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which had first surfaced in 2002.
Travalena was his large number of celebrity impressions, leading to the nicknames "The Man of a Thousand Voices" and "Mr. Everybody."
His act included presidents from Kennedy to Obama, musicians from Frank Sinatra to Bruce Springsteen and actors from Marlon Brando to Tom Cruise.
Travalena started his career in Las Vegas in 1971, and for years was an opening act, supporting such stars as Wayne Newton, Shirley Maclaine, Johnny Mathis, Don Rickles and Julie Andrews.
Finally, he gained headliner status in 2001 at the Stardust Resort and Casino, and joked that he was "an overnight sensation after 30 years in the business."
A 1987 TV special, "The Many Faces of Fred Travalena," was nominated for an ACE award for best cable comedy special.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press
146 Entries
Mondamin Wilkins
October 9, 2023
Hi travelna, family, met Fred on the cruise sovereign of the seas, we had a great time together, he made me and my wife laugh so hard , took a picture with him, I will cherish it always, sorry about your loss our cruise was in September of 1993, rest in peace my friend Tony Wilkins from new port Richey Florida, 312=550=4413
janice exum
August 4, 2020
he was one of the greatest acts around and gave me many laughs. you are missed Fred.
Harry Simpson
June 29, 2018
Rest Fred, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Karen Franklin
June 25, 2018
It was such a pleasure to know you. I truly miss you dearly. Thank you so much for being such a kind,good hearted,special " one of a kind"person. Thank you for all the wonderful times that were spent with you and your family. I'll treasure them forever. Rest in peace!
How you can show support
Candito Family
September 26, 2017
Fondly remembered. Rest in peace.
Harry Simpson
June 28, 2016
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us. Godspeed.
N A
June 28, 2016
My condolences to Fred Travalena family May God who comforts the broken heart comfort your family at this disfficult time
Ronald Williams
June 12, 2015
Fred Travelena was delightful to watch and hear doing his impressions of many people. But we have memories of Fred Trevalena to watch on YouTube.
Thank you Fred Travalena for bringing us all joy and happiness through you're great talent
rich and dot soffel
September 24, 2013
we sawfred entertain in the villages in fla in 2004.he was as always great.i knew his sister cathy and tried to contact her when I heard of freds passing but couldn,t reach her.i double dated with cathy when I was 22.knew her husband jack Connelly who died many years ago .if travelena family ever reads this please contact me via e mail
[email protected] thanks
James Guillen
May 11, 2013
I loved watching you . Thank you.
Nicky LiPetri
October 18, 2012
Although I only met you twice through you Father with whom I worked with for many years, I followed your fascinating career for ever & I still cherished the photo you so graciously sent to my wife & I many years ago... You were living proof that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree....
Your Dad, Fred Sr. was the funniest man I had ever had the pleasure of knowing & always had the greatest of stories to tell......God rest both your beautiful souls...
You friend from Brooklyn
Nicky Ferrara (Li Petri)[email protected]
May 26, 2012
Joe Travelena
Larry Hogan
May 26, 2012
Fred was great. We saw him and he seemed like a regular guy with a great talent.
Laura Pimentel
January 27, 2011
i met him once or twice through his sister cathy. i wanted to be an actress. he took the time to talk to me about it. i remember him as funny and a bubbly personality. may he rest in peace. Laura Pimentel
January 14, 2010
For Fred...
I miss you ol friend.
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
November 27, 2009
To the Travalena Family,
am deeply sorry for your loss.
[email protected] /Joe Fazio
October 5, 2009
For Fred...
WEEP NOT FOR ME
Do not weep for me when I no longer dwell among the wonders of the earth; for my larger self is free, and my soul rejoices on the other side of pain...on the other side of darkness.
Do not weep for me, for I am a ray of sunshine that touches your skin, a tropical breeze upon your face, the hush of joy within your heart and the innocence of babes in mothers arms.
I am the hope in a darkened night. And, in your hour of need, I will be there to comfort you. I will share your tears, your joys, your fears, your disappointments and your triumphs.
Do not weep for me, for I am cradled
in the arms of God. I walk with the angels, and hear the music beyond the stars.
Do not weep for me, for I am within you;
I am peace, love, I am a soft wind that caresses the flowers. I am the calm that follows a raging storm. I am an autumns leaf that floats among the garden of God, and I am pure white snow that softly falls upon your hand.
Do not weep for me, for I shall never die, as long as you remember me...
with a smile and a sigh.
© Joe Fazio
DEBORAH BEATTT
September 26, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
The Heneries of
August 19, 2009
To Fred Travalena's Family
So sorry for your loss.
I enjoy hearing his voice when I watch
"Everybody Loves Raymond."
Keep the Faith that he is not suffering in pain any longer.
Soon, there will come a time when no one will say “I am sick.”
Isaiah 33:24
July 27, 2009
i saw him on tv very funny man . he will be miss. . my he rest in peace,my his family be safe. and to enjoy . the happy times they had with him. from fla
July 26, 2009
When I first saw Fred Travalena,while he was performing,I was blown away,and now that I hear another talented has been called home,by the Lord,It's just makes want to tell the rest of the Travalena family,that God's Holy Spirit will give you comfort,just lean on him(Jesus),and he'll give you that extra source of strength,to carry on. Well,all Loved him around here,and Papa Smurf will be someone who'll be missed around here.Love Johnny Harjo,Clarksville,Tennessee
Richard Hutchinson
July 26, 2009
I never met him, but remember him fondly. God bless his family and friends and give rest to his soul...
terri
July 25, 2009
I loved him. He was great.
July 25, 2009
A truly great impressionist ... he will be sadly missed by all his fans. Marlene I., Pittsburgh, PA
Sue
July 25, 2009
Our prayers are with the Travalena Family,God promise he will wipe out every tear from our eyes,and death will be no more,neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.The former things have passed away.
July 24, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers to the Travelina family- Fred was so good to us!
we will miss him terribly
Sue and Gina
Al
July 24, 2009
A great talent. The entertainment world has lost a STAR!
Andrea McIntyre
July 23, 2009
He was great!!!!!!!!!!!! And the different impressions just flowed from him like water. My condolences to all. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him and watched him over the years...........
Terrie Nisk
July 23, 2009
My prayers are with all his loved ones...thanks for sharing him with us the public...he was truly a talent unmatched. He will be missed and what a wonderful career...what a wonderful life to make others laugh...laughter truly is good medicine.. Blessing from up above to all
Sue
July 22, 2009
I always looked forward to watching you on TV. I'm only sorry I was never able to meet you. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Schooner J. McClonovitch
July 22, 2009
I felt great sadness when I read of Mr. Travalina's death. He had a wonderful talent and made so many people laugh. God Bless each family member and friend who are experiencing the depth of this loss. His gift will be greatly missed and those he brought the pleasure of laughter will miss him as well. Rest in peace Mr. Travalina.
B. Doremus
July 21, 2009
You had a very special gift - you made people laugh! To the family of Fred Travalena - my thoughts & prayers are with you!
Michelle
July 21, 2009
You were amazing and will be sadly missed by all who you brought laughter to.
July 21, 2009
to the travalena family fred will be missed and loved by the whole world i know he is up there with ed and johnny sharing a good laugh and catching up on old times to the travalena family may god blees you and keep you and protect you and give you strength through this tough time toddraven york sc
Donna Carrier
July 21, 2009
I remember when I saw you at teh Tampa Fl airport you were so funny & friendly. Make the angels laugh now Fred!
Planet Green Team
July 20, 2009
Visit www.planetgreen.weebly.com
Portia Duckworth
July 19, 2009
your with Jesus now...
kenneth galloway
July 19, 2009
you always made me laugh. Heaven will be a better palce keep them laughing
Suzanne Byrne
July 18, 2009
Very very talented! May he rest in peace.
Dave Mills
July 17, 2009
You were the BEST, Fred! I never met you, but I am looking at your photo in my brother's book, The Laugh Makers (a tribute to Bob Hope's gag writers) when you did a skit with Mr. Hope. You will be missed............RIP.
Julie Fort
July 17, 2009
I always loved watching his act on TV... RIP
C. N.
July 17, 2009
A message of comfort to the family,
Fred Travalena was a wonderful entertainer and a great impressionist. He will truly be missed by all. My heart goes out to you at this time of great sorrow. May Our Heavenly Father comfort you and grant you peace to help you to cope during these difficult days. I offer my sincere condolences to you all. Psalms 34:18.
Shirley Rosenfeld
July 16, 2009
There will never be another Fred Travalena. He was a wonderful person. I will never forget him!
Rosa Ramos
July 16, 2009
I saw Fred about 30 years ago when he opened for Johnny Mathis in New York and he was great. I had seen him many times on TV and always thought he was very funny, one of the best entertainers of our time. May he rest in peace.
steve hancock
July 15, 2009
So sorry to hear of your loss. Fred was one of my favorite entertainers,hysterically funny but always a clean act. May the Lord Jesus bless him and comfort his family and thank you for sharing him with us.
Jay Brooks
July 15, 2009
I worked with Fred in the 80's and was very fond of him even more so for the wonderful person he was than the talented entertainer he became.
Jodie Edwards-Lea
July 15, 2009
I have watched Fred on TV and he was great. He could make anyone laugh. Later when I met him at the wedding, he was just a normal guy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this very sad time. Remember the wonderful life and love he had with you. Trust me it helps.
SHARON MOORE
July 14, 2009
VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS-HE WAS AN AWSOME ENTERTAINER
Bill Harbin
July 14, 2009
Fred was truly one of the best ever! I never saw him in person, but always loved seeing him on TV - I think one of his last performances on Tv was Late Night with David Lettermen during "Impressionist Week" if not mistaken. What a truly gifted entertainer, one that KNOWS his talent and USES it to the best of his ability. God Bless the family and friends.
Jon Lowder
July 13, 2009
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Gene Pietragallo
July 13, 2009
To the Travalena Family: I'm very sorry for your loss. I have nothing but fond memories of spending time in your home with Fred when I was a kid. I was always in awe of his talent but more importantly in what a great and genuine man he was.
Joan Tyner
July 13, 2009
The world has lost a great entertainer...my sympathy to the family.
Liz Hardy
July 11, 2009
I remember how funny he was, may he rest in peace!
S Johnson
July 10, 2009
Fred seemed like the kind of guy you could hang out with and have a lot of fun. I was always impressed with his spot-on impressions of the latest celebrities. There is a lot of laughing in heaven now.
Kim Pierce
July 10, 2009
To the Travalena Family: We are so sorry for your loss. Your family are in our thoughts at this time of sorrow.
Mr Travalena was a very out going and very funny man. Fred Travalena will be missed very much.
Clarice Barron
July 10, 2009
We have lost such a great impressionist and entertainer as well as a kind person. I will miss him. My prayers go to this family and friends.
PAT ROBINSON
July 10, 2009
YOULL BE SADLY MISSED THE GRATEST COMIC EVER,WILL MISS YOU,PATRICK E MAIL [email protected]
F. Cariano
July 10, 2009
We had great times on the cruise ships! Fred was an outstanding entertainer and will be greatly missed. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
kathy varre
July 9, 2009
he was a great impersonater better than he was given credit for. he will be missed
deborah dreher
July 9, 2009
Truly a funny and gifted man! He will be missed! Prayers to the family!
July 8, 2009
fred u were the best!!! Bruce Statton here n cebu city Philippines
Denise MC
July 8, 2009
What a great loss to the entertainment world...Fred was SO talented and I enjoyed watching him tremendously. I am so sorry to read this sad news, I will keep his family in my prayers.
Denise MC (NJ)
Eric Rizzo
July 7, 2009
Brilliant Talent, he had the same cancer as my father,and kept it in remission about as long or even longer than my father was able to.his family should be proud that he was a fighter to the very end.
cindy
July 7, 2009
my thoughts and prayers are with the family, he was a joy to watch
Denise Eaton
July 7, 2009
I am sorry to hear about his passing. He made myself and many other people laugh. That is what the world needs more of.
paul colosi
July 7, 2009
i love impressionists and you were on top mof the list (paul colosi-syracuse
Meg Martin
July 7, 2009
Thanks for all the laughter when I was a teenager-you were brilliant! "Good Night, Sweet Prince, and flights of angels sing thee to thy rest." Thoughts and prayers with the family.
Pat Ford
July 7, 2009
Enjoyed you act for years. Pat...
walter Rosel
July 6, 2009
i recall seeing fred in vegas and on t.v. a number of time. always enjoyed his shows. good guy.
bob powers
July 6, 2009
i'm sure he'll give st peter agood show at the pearly gates god bless you fred my sympathy to his family
hjelmi hazelton
July 5, 2009
i grew up with fred on tv especially when he did match game sorry for your loss a fan hjelmi
Beverly Snyder
July 4, 2009
Fred was truely one of a kind. He brought smiles and laughter to many people. May God comfort you knowing he doesn't have to deal with the disease anymore. He's been healed forever. My prayers are with you all.
john lawton
July 4, 2009
fred will never be gone as long as we remember him.
Elsie Morgan
July 4, 2009
Fred takes back to heaven the gift of laughter that was sent to him here on earth. His comedy was delightful, and very unique. Not many people can imitate the voice of others so exactly. He shall be missed and also remembered by those of us who appreciated his many talents. May his spirit find it's way safely home.
phyllis albani
July 4, 2009
give em one hell of a show up there in heavan fred ! you were my first tv crush, you will be missed phyllis albani wakefield ma
Linda
July 4, 2009
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 1998-2009
THERESE GUCCIONE
July 4, 2009
MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF FRED TRAVALENA. I REMEMBER HIM WELL. AS A TEENAGER AND HE BROUGHT LAUGHTER TO HOMES EVERYWHERE. WE LOST A GREAT ENTERTAINER. HIS TALENT WILL BE REMEMBERED.
MY LOVE, THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS LOVED ONES. REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES AND WILL KEEP HIM CLOSE TO YOUR HEART. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Gwen Perkins
July 4, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of Fred's death. I always enjoyed him and he made me laugh. I lost a cousin 2 weeks ago to the same horrible disease. I pray for the family and I pray for a cure to cancer.
David
July 4, 2009
What a gift to bring so much laughter and joy to the world. . .! Good work!
Rest in peace. . .!
D Parham
July 4, 2009
A great man whose talent brightend the world a little spot at a time. My prayers to the family and many friends he left behind.
Patsy
July 3, 2009
I LOVED FRED TRAVALENA. Although I haven't seen him for several years, I think he was one of the funniest guy's in show business. He will be missed by many. Bless him and his family.
BARBARA RIDDLE
July 3, 2009
A FUNNY FUNNY MAN. I THOUGHT HE DID THR BEST GEORGE BUSH AND JOHN MADDON EVER. HE WILL BE SORELY MISSED
BARBARA
REDDING ,CA.
Jay Darling
July 3, 2009
It was with great sadness that I heard about Freddys passing. My wife and I had seen him on one of our cruises, and I had seen him many times in Las Vegas. He was an extremely talented man. He will be missed.
vicki
July 3, 2009
May God give you peace at this time..in the passing of your loved one.....
July 3, 2009
Mr. Travalena always brought a smile to my face no matter how bad things got. The world has lost his special form of bringing smiles to needy faces. I pray the family stays strong. L. Hoover, Meridian, MS
Nancy Pethe
July 3, 2009
Dear Lois and Family,
We were so sad to hear about Fred. He had a God given talent and will be missed so much by so many. When I look at the picture that hangs on the wall in my dining room that he so graciously signed, it makes me smile. He and his friend Dom are now together.
July 2, 2009
I was sorry to hear of the passing of
Fred Travalena.
Brenda Stephens
Steve Ray
July 2, 2009
What A Great Talent. You Will Be Missed
July 2, 2009
God rest your soul!
Gail Siegel
July 2, 2009
I was saddened to learn of your passing. I enjoyed your shows. You truly were Mr. Everybody.
Rest In Peace, Fred. You've got lots of good company to share your journey to Heaven.
Wayne Dupre
July 2, 2009
There is no way to tell how great Fred was. He was a delight and a wonder to watch. I know that for many years to come he will be guiding light to young up and coming entertainers. Fred will truely be missed. God bless him
Deborah Nouzovsky
July 1, 2009
Dear Lois and Family,
Please accept my deepest sympathy in the loss of Fred. God look over you and your family at this time. Your cousin.
July 1, 2009
God be with your family at this time. Lean hard on God.Prayerfully, Gwen Brown-Gaiters
Karen Miller
July 1, 2009
My condolences to the family of Fred Travalena. I always enjoyed him on late night TV and thought he was a brilliant comedian.
Blessings.
Terry
July 1, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was so talented,funny,always made people laugh and smile. He was really gifted and I will miss him so much. May the Lord bless you in many new and unexpected ways during this most difficult time.
Myrna Uditsky
July 1, 2009
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Fred had such a great talent and will be missed by all of his fans. I first saw him with Johnny Mathis in the early 70's and I was a fan from that moment to the present. I will miss seeing him on TV as well. This has been a tough week with all the talented people dying at once. I just wanted you to know that I will miss him too. God bless you and comfort you.
KIM KEREK
July 1, 2009
I HAD TO GO AWAY
I had to go away.
I'm sorry you couldn't come with me.
But on earth is where you shall stay.
Please do not be sad.
Instead laugh and be glad.
I'm in a beautiful place, such a beautiful place.
I know you wont see me for a while.
But you will hear from me.
I will be the wind that will chill you on a hot summer day.
I will be the sun that will warm you when it's cold.
Listen to the birds sing, I will be saying, "I love you" in their song.
I know you can't touch me.
But you will feel me.
Because I will be inside of you giving you life on the days you feel like you can't go on anymore.
Please I beg of you, go on, live your life as I lived mine.
Always remember we will be together again.
I will be patiently waiting for you on that day.
When you will join me in this beautiful place.
Until then may God bless you with his almighty grace.
Written By: Kimberly Ann Kerek
July 1, 2009
the mad man mancuso who played buddy holly's that'll be the day a thousand times in the buddy holly story will be missed.
Showing 1 - 100 of 146 results
Make a Donation
in Fred Travalena's name
How to support Fred's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Fred Travalena's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read moreMore ways to support the family
Visit the Sympathy Shop
Sponsored