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Gia Prima Obituary
Gia (a/k/a JoAnn) Maione Prima died on September 23, 2013 in Florida at the age of 72. She was an American singer and widow of singer Louis Prima.
Gia was born May 20, 1941 in Roebling, New Jersey. From the early age of 3, her sole interest was music. At age 4 began 17 years of piano and extensive vocal training under Alma Steedman, Choir Director at Westminster Choir College at Princeton University.
Upon graduation in June 1959 from Toms River High School (now known as Toms River High School South) in New Jersey, she received the National Arion Society Award in Music. With intent to attend Julliard School of Music in New York City, Gia worked at the local Howard Johnsons Restaurant, to begin saving money for the tuition and to continue her vocal and piano instruction.
In late 1961 it came to Gia's attention that Louis Prima was conducting a nationwide search for a new vocalist. His tour brought him to the Latin Casino in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, where Gia auditioned on Mother's Day 1962 and Louis immediately selected her. The next 12 years were a whirlwind of live regular performances, TV shows and recordings. Las Vegas: Sahara Hotel, Sands Hotel, Tropicana Hotel; New York: Copacabana, Basin Street East, Ben Maksiks Town and Country; Philadelphia: Palumbo's; Chicago: Palmer House. TV Shows: Ed Sullivan, Johnny Carson, Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin, Steve Lawrence, Art Linkletter. Recordings: 14 albums and numerous 45's for Capitol Records, Disney Records, DeLite Label, Brunswick Records and Prima label.
Louis and Gia married February 12, 1963. Their union produced two children Lena and Louis Jr.
Professionally, Gia volunteered for many benefit charities and telethons and sponsored many golf tournaments to benefit charities. She was inducted in the Toms River Regional Schools Hall of Fame in 2004. She created the Louis Prima ASCAP Foundation Award and operated Prima Music, LLC, which releases previously unavailable Prima titles. The company also operates www.louisprima.com and LGL Music Publishing Co.
Gia Maione Prima is predeceased by husband Louis Prima. She is survived by her two children Lena Prima Fahey, Louis Prima Jr., 2 grandchildren Anthony Jordan Prima and Jacob Prima, sister June Maione Kassel and long time companion Frank Savannah. There will be a private service at Lakelawn Metairie Cemetery, New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gia Prima
Debbie Tucker
September 19, 2014
Lena and Louis (I remember you as "brother"),
I am late to this...I hope you get this. I have held Gia in my heart for 45 years. I met her in '66, when she was performing with your father. She was a lovely lady then, and we spent some nice times together. She would come over to my grandparent's house between sets (Sands) to visit, and we would go get pizza or grocery shop in the middle of the night! She took me "under her wing" since I was closer to her age than my grandmother! I am heartbroken to know she is no longer with us...I last contacted her 5 years ago, and she has been on my mind again lately. I pray for you now, since it has been a year. I know this is a tough anniversary time. That pic above is how I remember her...I even remember the dress! I am so sorry to know she is gone.
Janet & Fred Swearingen
December 27, 2013
Dear Frankie & Family:
Believe...GIA is with you in SPIRIT.
Everyday dawns a new day. Gia loved
her music. in you tube enter Southern Cross Jimmy Buffet Live.
click on the Pirates Flag and turn up
your volume. Gia is right here in Spirit among all of you. God Bless
October 24, 2013
Colleen and Jeff Silver
12 Ocean Bend
island Heights
October 24, 2013
To Gia's Family. My husband and I had the pleasure of speaking to Gia a few times. We purchased her home in Island Heights back in 2006. She was kind and excited for us. She told us that every night when we went to sleep we were sleeping with the angels. I thought about her alot at night remembering what she told us. She sounded like she really loved our home and sent us a beautiful card and letter after we closed. We are truly sorry for your loss and now we have another angel. RIP Gia
Kathy Vickery
October 4, 2013
Dear dear Lena, Louie ,Jr. and Tim,
I just today heard about your Mother. My heart and prayers are with you. You and Louie have done a wonderful job of keeping your dad's memory alive. I know Mia was so proud of you for that. Thanks for keeping ,those days alive for us old folks as well. We'll never enjoy the entertainment of that era again. But as Bob Hope said, " Thanks for the memories" R.I.P. sweet Mia and make music in Heaven, once again with Louis.
MARCY FERRI
October 4, 2013
Lena, my sympathies to you and all the
Prima family at this time of loss. I knew your mother from when I lived in the Trenton, New Jersey area before moving to Las Vegas, Nevada. With much love always. MARCY FERRI.
p
Melodie Jo Ebner-Joerges
October 2, 2013
To the entire family my deepest sorrow for the loss of a great lady who was simply to young to leave this earth. She meant so much to many and will be sorely missed. My thoughts are with you Lena and Louis Jr., your mom always signed her letters; With Love Always and Forever! And so will I, Your cousin, Melodie Jo
John Herrera
October 1, 2013
We love you so much and will miss you terribly. God bless you and the family.
June
September 30, 2013
You will be sorely missed my little sister. Rest in peace and pain free in the arms of your maker. Your big sister, June
September 29, 2013
Your unfailing support of SOCKS No-Kill cat shelter was so greatfully appreciated. You will be missed but remembered by your many friends at SOCKS. Sara DeMonbrun, Founder
Karaoke Kathy Champagne-Rushing
September 28, 2013
Very sorry for your loss, our prayers for you and your family.
Diane Jacobs
September 28, 2013
My condolences to your family.
Ron Elton
September 27, 2013
My deepest sympathies on your loss.
September 27, 2013
I was looking forward to seeing you and your son perform at the Italian American Festival in West Windsor NJ this weekend. My condolences to a fine performer and a fine family.
Michael & Tracy Gerbino
September 27, 2013
Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed and very dear.
Rest In Peace, Gia.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our condolences....
Love,M&T
Molly Mustin Stillinger
September 26, 2013
I met my dear friend, Gia, when she lived in her condo on the river in Mandeville. I did not know her as the legend she was, but as Gia. She was so thoughtful & so much fun. We had some great times at a local night club. One night she and Bobby put a wonderful show in memory of Louis. She enjoyed managing the golf course. When it was sold she came by to say goodbye & tell me she would miss me. I still miss her friendship. She loved her children and was a great lady. I am happy to have had her for a friend.
September 26, 2013
JUNE MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOURS ON THE LOSS OF YOUR DEAR SISTER GIA. REMEMBER THE GOOD TIMES IN THE 60S. LOVE UNCLE JOE CALVANELLI
John Primerano
September 25, 2013
To the family of Gia Prima: I would like to extend my deepest, heartfelt condolences on your recent loss. I had the good fortune of knowing her and considering a her a friend. She was a great supporter of me and my work, especially my song, SALOON SONG, which she went out of her way to promote to Jack Jones and Tony Bennett.I shall always remember our conversations, emails and her belief in my work. Now, once again, she and Louis Prima can make great music together in Heaven. I will miss her greatly.
John Primerano
Keith Celia
September 25, 2013
So so sorry. I had the opportunity to speak to her a few times..what a wonderful lady..so giving and open to her fans. She will certainly be missed. My deepest sympathies to the Prima family
Joni Stevens
September 25, 2013
The little gal with the great big voice - my condolences to your family, Lena and Louis.
Mike Peralta
September 25, 2013
Lena and Louis Jr:
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. "Miss" Gia was a wonderful person!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
Mike, Brenda, Drew and Mollye Peralta
Patti McCrory
September 25, 2013
I was working at the Sahara during the early 60's. Everyone stopped to listen when Gia & Louis started singing. She was a beautiful little girl w/a great big, beautiful voice! All of you are in my prayers! RIP Gia
Nick Achille
September 25, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with your Family.
Job Martinez
September 25, 2013
Louis my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. I remember meeting your mother once when we were in high school and she was a very lovely women. I know she will be truly missed not only by her family and friends but also by anyone who ever had the privilege to hear her perform.
Cathy Bagnell
September 25, 2013
Louis and the Prima family.. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda & Glenn Caldarera
September 25, 2013
Our hearts are so sad with the loss of Gia. We would like to send our Deepest Sympathy to the family. Our prayers are with Gia and the family at this time of sorrow and we know God will give you all the strength to carry on. What wonderful memories she leaves behind to all. May she rest in peace.
Jason Kipp
September 24, 2013
Louis Jr, Lena: our condolences and prayers go out to you and your families. May she rest in peace!
Mary Beth Magee
September 24, 2013
Prayers going out for the family. Lena, LPJ, you are not alone.
Annette Auteri
September 24, 2013
My Dad, Orlando Auteri, knew Louie and Sam during their hay day in Las Vegas. I lost my Dad 13 years ago and Louie's music reminds me of him and the love we all shared for his music. We grew up listening to The Wildest and many other amazing songs. I'm so sorry to hear of Gia's passing at such a young age. I continue to listen to Louie's music and share it with my 2, 100% Italian American boys, Billy and Rocco. My God be with Gia's family during this sad time.
Serrochia Richardson
September 24, 2013
My condolences to the Prima family. Louie you know I love you! May your family forever be in my prayers. Heaven has gained another angel.....
Kitty Simon
September 24, 2013
Not long ago, I saw a biography of Louie Prima and I was blown away by your talent. My sympathy goes out to your family and friends. Rest in peace.
Greg Grant
September 24, 2013
Please accept the prayers and condolences of the entire Grant family. Memory eternal!
Sarah Spiegel
September 24, 2013
My deepest condolences...
Cynthia Drucker
September 24, 2013
Dear Aunt Gia,
You and your family have been a great part of American Italian history with great joy filled music. Your legacy will live on with your children. We will miss you and always remember the good times. May you rest in peace.?
Anthony "Tony D" Daddona
September 24, 2013
The lord be with you Gia.
Cydney Nodier
September 24, 2013
A great love story and a life well lived. I never had the pleasure of meeting you, but what a beautiful obituary! My condolences go out to your family and friends and to all those close to you! You will surely be missed but never forgotten!
Kathie Thomas
September 24, 2013
God Bless her. Prayers for the family
Vicki Parker
September 24, 2013
My heart breaks for you all in the passing of such a wonderful woman. I know that the gifts she gave to everyone through music will always be remembered but the truly precious gifts will continue to live on in your memory and in your hearts. My prayers for you all.
louis valeriano
September 24, 2013
RIP YOUNG LADY.
September 24, 2013
Sam and Linda Avlakeotes want to extend our deepest sympathies to the Prima family. We were long time fans of Gia and Louis since the early 60.s
Michelle (Flanders) Wigfall
September 24, 2013
So sorry to hear about your mom. God bless and keep you and yours.
September 24, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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