Frank Modica Jr.

1929 - 2015

MODICA - Frank Jr. passed away peacefully Sunday morning at the age of 85 surrounded by family in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Frank was best known as the agent of musical greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Stan Getz, Chet Atkins, Harry James, and Dave Brubeck whom he represented for over forty years. Born in 1929 in Far Rockaway, New York to Frank Modica, Sr., a Sicilian immigrant, and Brooklyn born Jeanette Giglio Modica, Frank picked up the trumpet at age thirteen and formed his own band two years later, performing big band and jazz standards. After high school Frank studied trumpet at Juilliard and played night gigs in dance halls around New York City before enlisting in the Army where he played with the Third Army Band and the Sixteenth Army Field Band. Upon completing military service he entered Adelphi College where he earned a BBA in business and music. In 1956 Frank hit the road playing with and managing The Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra before landing at MCA where he represented Harry James, Charlie Barnet, and Johnny Mathis among others. When MCA dissolved Frank moved to General Artist Corporation where his clients included Stan Getz and Gerry Mulligan. In 1971 Frank formed the Sutton Artist Jazz Agency, which represented Getz, Brubeck, Atkins, and Gillespie along with Miles Davis and Sarah Vaughan. After Atkin's death in 2001 Frank focused on his professional relationship with Brubeck, working exclusively with the legendary pianist until 2011. In 2012 Frank retired after fifty-five years in the music business. Frank is survived by his beloved wife Chris Modica-Sandie of Long Beach, New York and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; his children Carol, William and Nanci Modica and Jesus Perera; his grandchildren Nicole Modica, Vittorio Baldassari and Frank Perera; his stepchildren Chris Zogas, Frank Sandie, Bill Sandie, Lynett McGrath, Leah Klein, their spouses and nine children. Frank's beloved younger brother Robert X. Modica passed away on March 14 in Manhasset, New York. Reposing Wednesday, 7-9pm & Thursday 2-4pm, 7-9pm at Vanella's Funeral Chapel, 2860 Long Beach Road, Oceanside, NY 11572. Mass of Christian Burial 10AM Friday at St. Ignatius Martyr RC Church, Long Beach. Burial at St. Charles Cemetery, Farmingdale.