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Fred Milano Obituary
Milano died Sunday, three weeks after his lung cancer was diagnosed, said Warren Gradus, who joined the Belmonts in 1963. Milano lived in Massapequa, on Long Island, and died in a hospital, Gradus said.
Dion DiMucci, the lead singer who left the Belmonts in 1960, said on his Facebook page Tuesday, "May he rest in peace and rock on in heaven."
Milano and three friends from the Bronx formed the Belmonts in the mid-1950s, borrowing their name from the borough's Belmont Avenue. They became Dion and the Belmonts after DiMucci joined in 1958.
Milano sang tenor on hits like "A Teenager in Love" and "Where or When."
The Belmonts continued to perform and to record with different lineups after Di Mucci left for a solo career. Gradus said Milano was performing with the Belmonts at casinos and other venues just weeks ago.
There was strife between DiMucci and Belmonts members, who were not pleased when DiMucci was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame without them in 1989.
In his Facebook posting, DiMucci said Milano "was very savvy with harmonies" and added, "We had our ups and downs through the years but that's how things go in families, even rock-and-roll families."
Milano went back school in middle age and joined the Department of Correction in 2003.
In his position as a legal coordinator at the Rikers Island jail complex, he helped inmates research their cases and taught a legal research class, said Karen Powell, director of law libraries for the department.
Powell said Milano had more energy than colleagues two decades younger and "was a person who really loved life."
"We'd know it was him coming through the door because w e'd hear him singing and skipping up the stairs," Powell said.
Milano is survived by his wife, Lynn, two children and 10 grandchildren.
KAREN MATTHEWS/Associated Press
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Fred Milano
112 Entries
James Schiller
June 7, 2024
been a fan since 59 doo wopp forever
Theresa (Carroll) Sherman
June 6, 2024
Freddie I'm glad I got to meet you at Kiko's house. I can't believe you remembered my 2 sister's Pat and Maureen who grew up with you. May you rest in peace and thank you for the memory. Theresa (carroll) Sherman.
Zyon
January 19, 2024
David S
January 23, 2023
a LEGEND to music!! Dion and the belmonts is my favorite vocal group! You did great things man!
Jim schiller
August 21, 2022
Doowop forever
Mel Friedman
May 11, 2021
I always enjoyed listening to all the Belmonts' songs. I'm 76 years young and I'll always remember fondly my post teenage years listening to this fabulous group's songs. Today's youngsters will never experience the joy that I and many of my generation enjoyed listening and dancing the sounds of Fred, Angelo, Dion, and Carla. May Fred rest in peace.
Ruthann Tavernia Brafford
August 24, 2018
RIP May the candle burn bright for you in heaven. You always had a wonderful smile, when I saw you perform with the Belmonts.
Nazarene Mckinney
May 4, 2017
Doo Wop warms the heart and caresses the mind. Thank you for such lovely music.
Harry Simpson
January 2, 2017
Godspeed, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Susan Johnson
October 10, 2015
I became an assistant designer, and worked with his mom Betty in the late 70s, and the way she talked about her son was awesome! She loved, admired, and talked so lovingly of him. I told her I'd always admired the Belmonts and knew their music, although only 21. She painted a wonderful portrait of her son, one I'll never forget.
Nicky Gionta
March 3, 2015
Freddy. Sorry so late. I (We) met you in the late 1970's. Me and my cousins had a group called "The Belairs" (we were all around 15/16 years old at the time) and you along with the BELMONTS of that time were doing gigs around The Bronx and Westchester County NY. Upon meeting you, you were kind and patient and answered all our questions about Do-Wopp and Rock & Roll music of the 50's and we also harmonized and sang together on several occasions. In the early 80's we became friends and you invited us to a couple of big shows you were doing and gave us passes to get backstage in which we met The Drifters, The Teenagers, and many other great groups of the 1950's...and it was exciting and a lot of fun thanks to you, not to mention your recording studio in NYC. I personally never forgot you and your kindness and was very saddened by your passing. From one Bronx Italian to another...I want to thank you for the memories, your kindness, and to the wonderful legacy of music you left us. My condolences to your family. May God Rest Your Soul.
Barb
February 25, 2015
I lived across the hall from Freddy on Belmont Ave until we moved to the other side of the Bronx when I was in the third grade in 1952. My most vivid memory is of him coming over to play with my 3 year old brother with this little plastic chicken that would lay a little plastic egg and make him laugh and laugh. I never saw Freddy again after we moved but he was nice as a young boy too. So sorry for your loss.
American bandstand
Makaylah McDonald
June 10, 2014
Teenager In Love
Makaylah McDonald
June 10, 2014
Dion, Angelo, Carlo, and Freddie
Makaylah McDonald
June 10, 2014
June 10, 2014
Dion, Carlo, and Freddie
May 8, 2014
Makaylah McDonald
January 20, 2014
R.I.P Freddie. Dion, Carlo, and Angelo must miss you dearly.
January 20, 2014
Michele Paternoster
December 27, 2013
Our dear Fred is a privilege member of our family who honors us with his infinite goodness, and for his artistic abilities. Although his death has left a huge void in the lives of the people dearest to him, for us is always present and will remain a myth. We remember his unmatched style and immense passion devoted to everything. The music for him was his soul and his voice was the means to reach his heart. Thanks Fred for helping to dreams entire generations and for helping to inspire the best singers of the twentieth century. You will remain forever in our hearts and in our minds.
Brian Best
September 17, 2013
To Lynn,
I'm so sorry for your loss Fred was my friend.I looked up to him.I found an old copy of I wonder why for him to autograph.When i asked him to sign it the first thing he said was Brian"How is your daughter doing?"To me that was fred and thats the way I'll always remember him.I have live concert footage of shows I did with him.If you want then let me know I will send them.God bless you Fred Milano.
July 10, 2013
RIP Freddie...your music and oice will always be part of my life ....
Carlo, Freddie, Angelo (Palisades Park)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Freddie, Carlo, Angelo (1962)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Carlo, Dion, Freddie, Angelo (Navy)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Dion, Angelo (Navy)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Carlo, Dion, Fred, Angelo ("Where Or When" American Bandstand)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Freddie, Angelo, Carlo (1961)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Fred, Angelo (birthday), Dion, Carlo
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Carlo, Angelo, Freddie, Dion (1959 American Bandstand)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Dion, Carlo, Angelo, Freddie (1966)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Angelo, Dion (1958)
Edward Caiazzo
June 18, 2013
Carlo, Dion, Freddie (Angelo in Navy)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Dion, Angelo, Freddie (1966)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Dion, Angelo (1957)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Dion, Carlo, Freddie, Angelo (1958)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Angelo, Freddie, Carlo (1961)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Dion, Freddie (Angelo in Navy)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Freddie, Dick Clark, Carlo, Dion (American Bandstand)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Freddie, Carlo, Dion (1959)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Freddie, Dion, Carlo, Angelo (1958)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Dion & the Belmonts (1959 American Bandstand)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Freddie, Dion, Carlo (1959)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Dion, Freddie (1959)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Dion (1959)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Angelo, Dion (1958)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Angelo, Carlo, Freddie (1961)
Edward Caiazzo
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Dion, Angelo (1957)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Dion, Freddie, Carlo, Angelo (1966)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Dion & Freddie (April 3, 1959)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Angelo, Freddie, Carlo, Dion (1966)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Freddie, Carlo, Angelo, Dion (1957)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Angelo (Palisades Park)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Carlo, Freddie, Dion, Angelo (1958)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Belmonts-Hall of Fame (Carlo, Angelo, Freddie)
Edward Caiazzo - Staten Island
June 17, 2013
Rose Beach
June 14, 2013
No one could harmonize like the Belmonts! May Freddie rest in God's arms forever.
Dion & The Belmonts
Makaylah McDonald
May 26, 2013
SALVATORE PRANZO
May 23, 2013
Freddie, Dion could have never done it without your initial input. You were great and second to none. RIP. Sal Pranzo Howard Beach, New York.
May 21, 2013
Makaylah McDonald
May 21, 2013
I'm so sorry to hear about Freddie. He must've been a great man. He will be in my prayers.
philip ryan
January 20, 2013
rip in piece uncle freddie you will be missed i'll always cherish the memories we had together.. with all my love cookie's son philip. p.s. your up there with alan now so enjoy yourselves.love ya uncle freddie.again with my love from my family to yours philip ryan,margaret and our kids.
Lynn Milano
October 22, 2012
This was the first chance I had to look at all these beautiful words of comfort. Thank you everyone. Freddie was the love of my life.
Freddie,Carlo & Angelo performing in Staten island.Me on Danelectro bass and Billy Mosiello on drums. Since Angelo is front and center it is "That's M
August 18, 2012
Happy memories of Freddie whom I remember as a gentleman. I boarded with the Mastrangelo's from 63-65 and toured with Carlo
Michael Kaiser
August 17, 2012
Had I known of the existence of this guest book I would have written sooner. I was a loyal fan of Dion and the Belmonts from the very begining back in 1958 when I was an infant in second grade. I still have many of their records on vinyl. They sound twenty times better now in 2012 than in 1958. Fred Milano was an important part of the group. While I was never fortunate enough to know him personally I actually did in a certain sense. Occasionally I too, go back to the Bronx where I was originally from and stop at Arthur Avenue where I feast in those great Italian restaurants and pastry shops. I then stand on the corner of Belmont Avenue and East 188th Street currently known as Dion DiMucci Way. That brings back memories to no end. We will miss Fred with all his talents. However he in no doubt in a better place doing what he always did best HARMONIZING AND DOO WOPPING!!!! Right on Fred and some day all of us writing in this guest book will join you.
Leo Breeden
March 6, 2012
I have an autographed picture of the Belmonts thanks to Angelo Sophenus who was a marine in my outfit in Viet Nam. I will always remember the kind looks on the whole gang. Their music is a must from the time they came into being until now. I will go so far as to say Mr. Milano is singing with God's angels now. May God please have mercy on his family and comfort them.
Mike Ciriello
February 21, 2012
To Freddy,the Belmonts were the best!There are too many great memories flooding my mind to be specific but the harmony you, Angelo and Carlo created made me and my friends both envious and awed of your abilities.We tried to sound like you guys but we weren't even close.I wish I could have known you personally but in a way I did, thru the music you created.
Edward Caiazzo
February 7, 2012
As Freddie well knew, Dion & The Belmonts and The Belmonts were always, and still are, my all time favorite group. I'm naturally very sad to hear of his passing. I'll always remember and treasure the 1960's & 70's gigs on Staten Island at clubs like Crocitto's, The Mardi Gras, recording the shows for the group. Likewise, hanging out with Freddie and the Everly Bros. at the NYU concert in '69, and most importantly, being one of the very few invited by him to be backstage for both Dion & The Belmonts reunion concerts at Madison Square Garden (1972) and the Nassau Coliseum in 1973. Also, will remember the silly rock 'n roll quizes we used to give each other, and how well he surprisingly knew the National Football League.
Freddie, you will be missed!
Your loyal fan...
Ed Caiazzo
Staten Island
Heather
February 6, 2012
Uncle Freddie I will miss you! I will always remember your gentle caring kind. I remember looking at a scrap book of Dion and The Belmonts put together by Grandma Betty I can imagine a mother so proud to have you as her son. Aunt Lynn,Tara,Cal, Families and Friends my love is with you all at this time!
January 15, 2012
I am one of the girls who hung out at Tony's Candy Store in the Bronx where we would all go after walking home from Roosevelt High School. Freddie was intelligent, funny and told some of the raunchiest jokes! Last time I saw him was at a concert in Ocean Grove NJ. We shared some old memories before the show. I tried to get in touch with him last year to join with someof our old friends at my "Snooks Turns Seventy" birthday party. It didnt work out. Always thought someday we would have time to reminice. Sorry it didnt happen. I will always remember Freddie and smile. Snooks from the Bronx
David Frede
January 12, 2012
Fred, your music touched me and helped me through the rough places in my life. I will always be grateful for that. To his wife and family, my great condolences. May God bless you as you go on in life and anything you do for Fred's legacy. This was a truly great, gifted, and generous man.
Mark Wilson
January 10, 2012
Thank you, Mr. Milano for the tremendous contribution to so many of us out here in listenerland. While your family is certainly grieving your loss as we all are, I hope they take comfort in the millions of lives you touched so positively for so many decades. Not a lot of people can match that. God Bless.
Mark Blickley
January 9, 2012
I grew up across the street from the Milanos at 2018 Belmont Ave. As upset as I was to learn about Freddie's death, I'm even more upset to learn that his sister Rosa, my first puppylove girlfriend, also passed.
Burn slowly the candle of life.
Mabel Casagrand
January 6, 2012
Rest in peace Fred. My prayers go out to your family. I met Fred many years ago when I was a fan club president for The Belmonts. He was gracious and funny and will be missed. Heaven has gained a new singer in the choir of angels.
Camille DiTrani
January 5, 2012
As a professional singer also from Massapequa, my condolences go out to the Milano Family. Freds legacy with the Belmonts will live on in all our hearts. What a great musical era he was able to make a lasting impression in. I'm sorry for your loss.
Yvette watts
January 5, 2012
Im so sorry to hear of the lost of Mr. Milano. He was a very nice man. I worked with Mr. Milano and I always hear him Humming songs. I never knew he was that great singer. I will definitely miss working with him in Bellevue Hospital Prison Ward. God Bless
Yvette Watts
Artie Schwartz
January 5, 2012
Debbie and I loved Fred. He will be sorely missed. We feel fortunate to have known him as a personal friend and one of the "good guys." He was always warm, funny and gracious. Our condolences and sympathy go out to his wife Lynn and the rest of the Milano family at this difficult time.
John Fevoli
January 5, 2012
So sorry to hear of the passing of Freddie. My family and I use to live at 2015 Belmont Ave. in the Bronx back in the 50's and 60's. Rocco, Betty, Freddie and Rosa were all good friends of the family. I didn't know that Betty and Rosa passed away. I'm so sorry to hear that. We all use to have some great times back in the Bronx that's for sure. We use to go to the different concerts and get back stage to see Freddie. He also use to announce that friends of his from his old neighborhood,Belmont Ave was in the Audience and he would have us stand up to an applause. Out in front of our stoop we would sit on beach chairs, wooden milk boxes and the stoop and listen to them sing. Those were the good old days that's for sure. Freddie will surely be missed. May he RIP in Heaven with the rest of his family. May God Bless... We still love their MUSIC. Love from the 2015 Belmont Ave. Family. : > ) xoxoxo
Rosey McD
January 5, 2012
So sorry for your loss. My heart felt condolences to Lynn, Tara, Cal and all the kids. Freddie was a good guy, alot of fun--he will be missed. RIP Freddie
January 4, 2012
Fred will always be missed. Met and worked with Fred on many show's in the NBew England area. Fred was always the same guy, each time. Always a smile and or a joke. Always a gentleman . Fred may you always be at peace . We will miss you for sure. Jt & Marianne
January 4, 2012
Deepest sympathies to the family.
____
We will have the gift of your beautiful music with us forever.
Cleftonefan
Ken Tomaso
January 4, 2012
My wife and I send our prayers out to Fred's family. I first met him and the group in 1959 at a concert in Springfield, Mass. I happened to be with Angelo D'Aleo, another member of the Belmonts who I was serving in the Navy with. Over the past few years I have been fortunate to see Fred and the Belmonts perform in New Hampshire and in Connecticut. Their music will always be with us and he will surely be missed.
Henry Sorrentino
January 4, 2012
Rest in Peace Freddie, I will always remember Our performance in 1983. God has called one of His angels home.
January 4, 2012
May You Rest In Peace. I met you in the early 1960's and the Belmonts and my friend and I went out after a concert. Things were different back then. We had a very nice time and I have always rememberd this. An ardent fan Sandra Julius Slater, Louisville Ky --we are close in age. I will be 70 on the 7th of Jan. I want to tell your family that their father, grandfather and husband could sing so beautiful...He is now singing with the Angels in Heaven and doing a concert for the Lord. May he Rest in Peace.
Maria
January 4, 2012
The Belmonts great music will live on and you will be remembered.
Howard Solomon
January 4, 2012
Freddie may you find Peace and Solace in Heaven. You and Dion brought Joy to many may you be a blessing to those who await you in Heaven
Chris S.
January 4, 2012
My favorite music by one of my favorite groups. My condolences to Fred Milano's family and friends.
Carole K.
January 4, 2012
Rest in peace, Freddie...what a thrill to see you this past summer in West Haven, CT, and to know you when I was growing up in the Bronx. The music will never die. Love, your cousin, Carole.
Kerri Lyons
January 4, 2012
My deepest sympathies are with the Milano family. I remember Fred and Lynn from when I worked at the law office at 200 Old Country Road. He would sing as he walked down the hallway towards the back of the office where I sat. Fred you used all your god given talents to bring happiness to others..you will be missed by many.
charles gravino
January 4, 2012
As a fan of Dion and the Belmont's i would like to say this as ayoung man and hearing the Belmont's inspired groups to form in every neighbor hood in the city of new haven ct. all wanting to look and sound like them i will never forget the memories they gave me in my life threw do wop fan Charles gravino branford ct
ELLEN KAYE
January 4, 2012
Oh, how I loved Dion & The Belmonts. Growing up at the same time when they were popular was wonderful. Rest in Peace in Rock n Roll Heaven!
Scott Chamberland
January 4, 2012
Rest in Peace
Connie Henry
January 4, 2012
My husband and I had the pleasure of seeing the Belmonts at Tioga Downs Race Track back in the late 90s. They were the most down to earth bunch of guys you'd ever want to meet. We "partied with the band" after the concert and danced and sang and doo wopped the night away with them - I'll never forget it if I live to be 100. Rest In Peace, Fred - thank you for the joy you shared with the world.
DEBBIE GANDOLFO
January 4, 2012
my condolences to the Milano family Fred will be miss.I have great memories of him growing up to all his music an a lot of good times with him an Lynn.GOD BLESS YOU AN THE FAMILY
carole chitty
January 4, 2012
what great memories listening to dion and the belmonts. one of my favorite groups from "back when". wonderful harmony. rest in peace fred.
January 4, 2012
R.I.P.
Vita
January 4, 2012
My condolences to the Milano family and to all of Fred's friends. My most favorite LP is the Belmonts A Capella. I have both versions - with and without the cough. My brothers and I know it by heart although we don't sing it as well. No one compares. May he rest in peace.
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