Frank "Bobby" Lafaro Corbi

Frank "Bobby" Lafaro Corbi obituary, Norwood, PA

Frank "Bobby" Lafaro Corbi

Frank Lafaro Corbi Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 19, 2022.
CORBI "The Music Man" Frank Lafaro Corbi (Bobby), age 76 on March 19, 2022 of Norwood, PA. Survived by his wife Elizabeth "Betsy" (nee Morgan), his daughter Christin (nee Corbi) Buss (Johnny), grandaughter Kaylee Corbi, Aunt Olga Digiovanni, step-daughter Desireah Osborne (nee Morgan) Anna Jensky, step-grandchildren Jamison Osborne and Tristan Osborne, Step-great-grandchildren Oliva Osborne and Logan Osborne, and his beloved Tom Cat. (Parents Erma (nee Digiovanni) Corbi & Michael Corbi) Frank was a devoted family man. His pride and joy was his granddaughter, Kaylee. Frank and Kaylee spent a lot of time visiting one another or talking on the phone. In addition to doting on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he also devoted much of his time to his Aunt Olga, whom he loved dearly. Frank achieved one of his greatest dreams in marrying Betsy. He made her incredibly happy and she did the same for him. He is greatly missed. Frank graduated from Saint Thomas More High School, West Philadelphia, and was quickly drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Ft. Jackson South Carolina, Ft. Lee and Camphill, Virgina. He served his country during the Vietnam War, stationed at Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Frank will be forever in the hearts of friends and family. Growing up in the neighborhood of 49th street, Little Italy, West Philly, Frank made a name for himself in the recording business as a singer/song writer beginning in 1963. He was a predominate member of the Philadelphia music scene for most of his life. Friends and fans agree that Frank was a genius musical/vocal arranger who received many awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2018, Charlie and Pam Horner presented Frank with the Classic Urban Harmony honors for 55+ years of Outstanding Vocal Harmony. Frank wrote over 100 songs and created 25 CDs over his lifetime. Friends remember Frank for his corner Doo Wop performances with Frankie and the Fashions and Dino and the Dukes. Although Frank spent most his musical career as the lead singer of Frankie and the Fashions, he sang with many groups over the years, including Billy and the Essentials for five years during the 90's. He could play just about every instrument including piano, guitar, violin, and trumpet. Frank often mentored children in the area of music. In addition to Philadelphia, Frank loved performing in New Jersey, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh. Frank's work was inspired by Frank Sinatra, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and Elvis Presley, and many more... Philadelphia Radio Host, Harvey Holiday, dubbed Frank the "Frank Sinatra of Doo Wop." Frank's biggest hit was "What Do I Have To Do?". His musical legacy has left a large footprint. In addition to focusing on music, Frank was also an actor in the movie, "A Sicilian Tale." Frank contributed his musical talents as a gift from God. He was known to often correct his musical counterparts, many of whom believe he is currently conducting and correcting the choir of angels in Heaven. Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation, Saturday Afternoon April 2nd, 1:00-4:00 p.m. followed by his Funeral Service in the Main Chapel 4:00 p.m. at The D'Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, 19008. Inurnment Private, Washington Crossing Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to Interboro Music Boosters c/o Melanie Leahan, 150 N. MacDade Blvd., Glenolden, PA, 19036.

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Sign Frank Lafaro Corbi's Guest Book

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June 27, 2025

Jack Donadio posted to the memorial.

November 1, 2022

Jack Donadio posted to the memorial.

November 1, 2022

Jack Donadio posted to the memorial.

Jack Donadio

June 27, 2025

Some memory photos from friend, Jack Donadio

Jack Donadio

November 1, 2022

Jack Donadio

November 1, 2022

I originally met Frankie as a member of the Dino and the Dukes group in 1963. I sang 2nd tenor in the foursome consisting of Ronnie Ditro (baritone), Bobby Croce (1st tenor) and Frankie as lead. We kept in touch from time to time after his service in the US Army. I continue to listen to his CD's in my vehicle on a daily basis which reminds me of our friendship. My condolences to his family and especially his wife Betsy and granddaughter Kaylee whom I followed on Frankie's Facebook's page. Rest in peace my friend.

Ron Ferri

April 3, 2022

I first met Frankie in the mid-nineties; and, being a Doo Wop Groupie, I was surprised with the perfect harmony as his group performed. His lead voice was superb; their singing was heard as a single unit/balanced. I remember traveling distances, listening to them with 'Benny' & having thumbs-up with each song. It was a fun time!

It was very special to know Frankie & the members of his group. I always said Doo Wop/Acapella singing for me offered "Happy Music"; they were tremendous!

It's sad to see all of us born in the 1940's are starting to pass. He was a good-guy & will surely be missed.

Ron Ferri

Cindie (Nice) Burdon

April 2, 2022

Amongst the BEST childhood memories are of Bobby at the piano entertaining the family.

Frank (Bobby) Very few people can be looked upon as someone that no one has ever said a bad word about but truly Bobby is one them. Always a smile and a kind word and of course a song :-) We are all so happy that you and Betsy were finally togethe

Allen & Lori Morgan

April 2, 2022

Frank (Bobby)

Very few people can be looked upon as someone that no one has ever said a bad word about but truly Bobby is one them. Always a smile and a kind word and of course a song :-)

We are all so happy that you and Betsy were finally together albeit a bit short it was beautiful to see the harmony of your love.

Rest in Peace and God Bless!

Pam Nardella

March 29, 2022

Rest in Harmony
Pam Nardella
DreamgirlDJ

alex&mary diagosta

March 29, 2022

Frank(Bobby) and Betsy and Family,we have been friends since I was a little kid and you were a young teenager.My Mom and your Mom and Aunt Olga were best friends and are loved by our whole family.Your talent and loving personality is unsurpassed by anyone I know.You loved Jesus and his Mother Mary and it showed in whom you are to your love for everyone you met.Thank you for your music that we can listen to the rest of our lives.Betsy and family you are in our prayers,he loved you very much.49th St.,forever.

FRANK DiSantis

March 28, 2022

Frankie/Bobby, you were a musical inspiration to all of us, especially me. I ca remember listening to you singing on the corners, what a treat. I thank you for all your candidness, guidance, and especially for our friendship throughout the years my fellow 49er'. May you rest in peace.
When it's my turn to join you, let's start a doo-wop group and croon for all the saints. Love and miss you

Desireah Osborne

March 28, 2022

Frank thank you for bringing so much love to our family. You are greatly missed.

Bishop John John

March 28, 2022

Frank has been a strong influence in my musical path. I always loved and respected him. Betsy made Frank glow, with love and pride,
Our hearts and prayers go out to her.❤
Rest in Peace, Music Man ❤❤

Brian & Ann Marie Sieracki

March 27, 2022

Frank (Bobby) you are loved by every person you crossed pathed in life.

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D'Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall

2811 West Chester Pike, Broomall, PA 19008

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June 27, 2025

Jack Donadio posted to the memorial.

November 1, 2022

Jack Donadio posted to the memorial.

November 1, 2022

Jack Donadio posted to the memorial.