Frank Laico

Frank Laico

December 19, 1918 ~ April 19, 2013

Frank D. Laico, 94, of Edmonds, WA passed away peacefully on April 19, 2013.

As a recording engineer for Columbia Records from 1946-1982, Frank was responsible for some of the most celebrated artists of his time including Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, Mitch Miller, Johnny Mathis, Percy Faith Orchestra, Dave Brubeck Quartet, Andy Williams, Barbra Streisand, Rosemary Clooney, and Louis Armstrong. The Audio Engineering Society honored Frank with the prestigious AES Honorary Member award in 2011.

While in the Army, Frank worked on a top secret communications operation run by Bell Labs and earned a Purple Heart. After the Army, he joined Columbia Records and entered the world of recording. He spent countless hours in the studio with some of the greatest musicians of our time, and continued to have a passion for music throughout his life.

Gardening became a passion in his retirement. You name it, Frank grew it and he collected numerous awards over the years to prove it! He also took up bicycling and was thrilled he could outride his two grandchildren.

Frank married Colette in 1943; they recently celebrated 69 yrs together. NY natives, they spent time in NYC and New Jersey before settling in White Plains, NY where they raised their two children. They later moved to Somers, NY to be closer to friends, and made a final move to Edmonds, WA in 2006 to be closer to their daughter. Frank enjoyed the quaint town and could often be found walking along the "main drag" and the waterfront.

He is survived by his wife Colette, his children, Frank (Joan) Laico and Annette Laico and two grandchildren, Stephen Laico and Jennifer (Theran) Colwell.

The family would like to acknowledge Dan Mortensen and the Pacific Northwest Region of the Audio Engineering Society, and Dave Simons whose book "Studio Stories" beautifully captures Frank's remarkable career.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to PAWS at www.paws.org. A celebration of his life event will be held Thursday, 4/25 at 7:00 pm at Cristwood Nursing Center, Ray Smith Room., 19303 Fremont Ave. N, Shoreline 98133.

Sign Frank's on-line Guest Book

at www.Legacy.com.