FRANK LaMARCA

We miss you, Frank

I still think about you everyday. Your sense of humor, loving heart, musical gifts, and willingness to share these with me and everybody. You were the father I never had, my best friend, mentor, and the man who showed me trust. I love you forever <3<3<3

Oh Frank ! Beloved friend.....Fellow alumni of the big S.....Endless laugh partner.......I will never forget you.
Rhoda

You were my favorite person on this planet, Frank. I loved you from the moment I saw you and I will always continue to love you. You taught me more than any other human-being and for that, I am eternally grateful.
- Khari LaMarca

Dad,
I just cannot believe you have been gone a year. I still miss you every day. Especially living here in San Diego. It is just not the same for me here. I love you and you were always so gentle and a great human being. Even the way you passed over was so beautiful. Just the way you lived life and treated the world. I love you and I hope you are having a great time and staying out of trouble. I know you have some great gigs going on. Julie

Frank Lamarca made a deep and lasting impact on how I approached music and continue to approach history. Playing behind and listening to his solos over the course of any night allowed me to imbibe the spirit, legacy, and humanity within the notes and phrases of sax players of his generation. I will always cherish our time between sets at the Blue Parrot and other venues, where we would talk about those legacies and how they were interwoven with the broader history of the past century. My kids and I also fondly recall his generosity and kindness to them whenever we stopped by his house. Even though they are now both in their thirties, they still have the Archie comics that Frank gave them! He was a sincere source of moral and musical support during my struggles to fit work, music and education around my number one job of being a single Dad.
Frank's influence on my perception and conceptualization of history, teaching and learning continues some 25 years after we last played together. My only regret is that, in changing career gears so radically and rapidly, I lost out on those special times with Frank. I am comforted that the song I wrote for him-- “Frankly Speaking”—still has Frank swinging on the internet!
My deepest sympathies....we truly miss him!
Dr. Barry Joyce...Professor of History...University of Delaware

Although I saw videos and pictures I never actually met Frank in person. Julie, you always talked about your Dad so lovingly. And when he needed you most, you and Bob willingly moved your lives across the country … no small sacrifice. But the extra memories and the help you gave were surely all worth the effort. I celebrate Frank's life as Julie's Dad and as someone whose music touched people's hearts. Frank is surely in good company, and I'll adapt the lyrics to that ‘60s song a little: “If you believe in forever, then life is just a one night stand/ If there's a [jazz] Heaven then you know they've got a helluva band!” And that band just got even better. Play on, Frank.

Julie and Bob, I never met Frank, but he sounds like a cool guy!!! He had to be to have such a great Daughter!!!He will always be with you 2! They never leave, they just change forms!!! Look for white feathers an pennies from Heaven!!! They are all signs from Moms and Dads!!! Get some much needed rest you guys!!!! Many Blessings!!!! Christine and Bruce Senchesen Las Vegas NV

Dear Jule, I left you a message on FB I am so sorry for your loss. It is really hard to lose a dad......they are so special to daughters. I know how much you loved each other = he was so grateful to have you as his daughter. Please accept my condolences and I also wanted to comment on your husband;s note to you.
How beautiful, not only his tribute to you and dad but it is such a beautiful tribute to him to express his love for you.Very touching, I am so glad you have such a good husband.
Take care of yourself, you are in my thoughts and prayers Jule,
Love,
Donna Negri

I never met Frank La Marca, and only got to know him slightly through his playing on a live recorded CD (given to me by brother-in-law Bob and Frank's Julie). It was from The Rhythm Cafe. We listened again tonight to his woodwind claims that he "Ain't Misbehavin'", his expressive tone and fluid phrasing. To this independent musician, he's already taught me a lot, and there's much more to learn. His experience, talent, and musicianship make him a hero to aspiring players. And certainly, Julie and Bob, you are our heroes, too.

We first met Frank when our son, Aric, a budding alto sax player was about 9 years old. Now, 30, Aric--and our whole family have wonderful and life-long memories of Frank. He was truly a wonderful mentor, and taught us things beyond music...His kindness was sincere and intrinsic to his very being. He was a true and talented artist who understood what was important in life--family, generosity and music. He is loved and missed.

Frank was my mentor, surrogate father, and best friend. When I was starting out, he took me to mant gigs and jam sessions, as well as provided me with my first clarinet and flute, and worked on all my horns for free. Even though he was 45 years older than me, people called us Mr. and Mrs. LaMarca because we were always together. He will always have a huge part of my heart. Frank was one of the best men on this earth and I'll always love him. Deborah Horner (Clark)

Julie, In our recent conversation, I told you what a good daughter you had been.You told me that your dad had told you the same, and by Bob's description,you did a wonderful job.You did what you set out to do and now it is "your time." We are sorry for your loss and offer sympathy to you and Bob .We love you and know you are in our thoughts and prayers.

Julia, you are loved by many, and I am so sorry for the loss of your father. I am so happy that you were there with and for him. I never had the opportunity to meet him but am very happy to know you. Know his soul is at peace now and he is living still his dreams. I love you. KLW

Frank was my first friend in my neighborhood. I moved in six years ago, and he was the first to welcome me. He lived next door to me. At first he apologized for interrupting the stillness by playing his horns while he warmed up before his Charger game performances. I miss hearing my private concerts during football season. Frank and I had compatible political views and discussed the politics of the day. Frank was more informed than most people I know. It is a tribute to him that he was very concerned about our city, our county, and our country's future. Most of all, my dog Bailey will miss him more than anyone could know. We love you, Frank,

Karen and Bailey

Frank was a great musician who walked to his own beat. I remember going with him as he played at the Charger's games. He was so comfortable playing in front of people. He was very nice to me when I first went to San Diego. He'll definitely be in Frank Sinatra's band.

sorry for your loss or should I say our loss,you have my deepest sympathy.

Rest In Peace, Frank. You will be truly missed. Love, Richard and Olivia James

Julie, Our hearts go out to you at this most difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to you and Bob! Our love and prayers are with you!

Uncle Frank was one of the best and coolest Uncle's anyone could ever have. He loved to tell stories and make you laugh and believe me he did have some doozies. Some of the most important things in his life were his family, his music and good food. The thing I will miss the most is the Big family dinners we had on Sunday. After dinner we all got together and my father Louie La Rocca would play piano. Frank would play one of his horns; I will miss this the most. Uncle Frank we love you.

Julie, Hope you remember me. I go back a long time with Frank. He was such a colorful guy, brite, witty, and one of the best " jazz " musicians I've had the pleasure of working with. Quick story: We were "jamming" on a very sophisticated tune with tricky harmonies and I said to Frank " Do you know the chords to this tune? He said "No" . "What do you do, I asked ? He said: "I just listen to you and play". He had an amazing ear and could improvise with the best of them .Love to all Joe

Julie
You have my deepest condolences
Ray Wohlfarth

Uncle Frankie thank you for so many wonderful memories. Your love and warm hugs will be greatly missed. Please say hello to Aunt Jay and your mother Aunt Katie. Muuuuhha!

Saw him play once in Pittsburgh, very cool guy, lots of fun & very talented.

Julie, Diane and I send our thoughts and prayers for your father''s rest and for comfort for you and the rest of his family.

Please accept my condolences.
Frank will be missed.

I love you Jules.. love and wishes from Big D!!!! May Frank find peace!!!!! Love you!!!!

Frank played with my band many times in the 80's when we were doing "casuals" (one nighters)...He was a fantastic horn man..One of the best!...I loved hearing Franks stories...Such a cool guy!....Sorry to hear he is gone....Rest in peace old friend....

My dearest Julie. It was my honor to live with your Dad this last year and a half, AND to witness the love and dedication with which you made his remaining time as long, comfortable, fun, and (fittingly) cool, as possible. I saw first-hand how much he loved and appreciated you, and how proud he always was that you were his daughter. Way-to-go honey. You did a great job. Love, Bobby (husband)

Our sincerest condolences to you Julie. I always thought Frank was so cool and he lived life on his terms. His originality and creativity will be missed.

Bob and Darla and family

I would like to offer my condolences and prayers for your father, Julie. I am sorry I never was able to meet him in person, but the way you spoke about him, I have always respected and thought he was very cool. I can't wait to see you soon.
Love, Ryan

I would like to mention here that we will be receiving friends at the funeral home from 4pm to 8 pm. On Thursday! Why that is not mentioned here I am not sure. There will also be some music and lots of laughter so please join us if you can. Love to my Father, Always! Julie