Obituary for
Frank Como
Frank Como
Dec. 19, 1921 – Dec. 18, 2017
Frank passed away peacefully with Judi, his niece, by his side. His wife Roberta preceded him in death. Frank is survived by many nieces and nephews in California and Pennsylvania. He was born in Minnesota but grew up in Arnold, a suburb of Pittsburg.
He was a professional musician, composer, and arranger for over 75 years. Starting in high school Frank played with Johnny Costa, the Buddy Lee Orchestra, and Chuck Foster. After his days serving as conductor of an army swing band he moved to New York to attend the Conservatory of Modern Music. Here he met Roberta while playing in jazz clubs. After getting married they toured with a quintet all over the U.S. By 1955 they had grown tired of life on the road and settled back in New York where Frank worked on Broadway shows, and wrote jingles for radio and television. He also worked with the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra and Mormon Tabernacle Choir. After meeting Lionel Hampton on Long Island he become his arranger and collaborated with him for over 20 years. He also wrote arrangements for Neil Sedaka, Frankie Avalon, Nat King Cole, Leonard Bernstein, the Boston Pops and many more.
In 1988 they retired to Walnut Creek to be close to their niece.
Over the last 19 years Frank has continued to play his guitar in the Bay Area Big Band. He also wrote music for them and the Big Band of Rossmoor, a diverse group comprised of musicians from middle school to 93 years old. Frank loved every minute of this, especially being a mentor to the students. He lived a wonderful happy full life filled with music. We will miss him, but he will live on in our hearts and in his music.
A Celebration of His Life will be held on Saturday, January 27, at Hillcrest Congregational Church, 404 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill at 2:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Frank’s memory to the Generations In Jazz Foundation (a non-profit public benefit corporation dedicated to supporting community music activities including the Big Band of Rossmoor, one of Frank’s favorite projects), Caesar Parales-CPA 3650 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Suite 250, Lafayette, CA, 94549, East Bay Hospice, or Hillcrest Congregational Church.
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