Frank Sinatra fans celebrate 109 years since the iconic crooner was born at party in Grasmere dining spot | Inside Out

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — He was known as the “Chairman of the Board,” the “Sultan of Swoon” and later as “‘Ol Blue Eyes,” among other endearing monikers and cutesy name tags.

The legendary Frank Sinatra was an iconic figure in the world of entertainment whose vocal prowess and undeniable charm was larger than life.

He was the idol of “bobby soxers” often causing mass hysteria among screaming, adoring fans who followed the teen idol from Hoboken, N.J. — from place to place.

And couples delighted in swaying to his romantic tunes when he sang with popular big bands like the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras — among others.

He was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century who garnered awards for his highly successful film and TV career, received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and was recognized by the Kennedy Center.

STATEN ISLANDERS SPECIAL AFFECTION FOR THE LEGENDARY CROONER

To prove all of the above to be true, a group of gentlemen who comprise the “Frank Sinatra Club” and adore the “King of Crooners,” meet on the first Thursday of the month in Bocelli Ristorante to converse about their lives, their loves and yes — the Frank Sinatra.

They revel in his musical repertoire and even see fit to surround themselves with Frank Sinatra memorabilia.

Joe Rinaldo who heads up the entourage, and Stefano Sena, executive chef at the Grasmere dining spot, coordinate the evening’s fare.

Rinaldo explains that throughout the years all his family ever did was listen to the music of Sinatra. “So tonight is very special,” he said. “It was a great time to celebrate Sinatra on what would have been his 109th birthday.”

FRANK SINATRA’S BIRTHDAY

So as a way to commemorate Sinatra’s birthday on Thursday, Dec. 12, Rinaldo thought it fitting to host a “Frank Sinatra Night,” in Bocelli Ristorante with everything Sinatra — and where tables were adorned with vintage photos and Frank Sinatra memorabilia.

Sinatra was born on Dec. 12, 1915 and died on May 14, 1998.

The evening would serve as a way to mix, mingle and dance the night away and at the same time pay homage to the iconic entertainer.

Rinaldo even brought along a jacket that once belonged to Sinatra — and even bears his insignia.

In speaking of Sinatra, Rinaldo — who is in possession of a number of Sinatra’s keepsakes, showcased a jacket that was gifted to him by a lady friend of Sinatra whose name is Pat Sessa.

Patt and her husband, “Smiley,” were personal friends of Sinatra and lived close by when they were all residents of Palm Springs, Calif.

During our conversation with Patt, she confided that the orange Houston, Astros jacket was given to Sinatra by baseball’s Leo Durocher — the late player, manager and coach who was friendly with Sinatra back in the day.

She confided that she and her husband became friends with Sinatra after crossing paths with the crooner in Jilly’s, the popular Manhattan piano bar lounge frequented by Sinatra.

“Frank and I were pals during the mid 1970′s,” she recounted. “We became friends in Jilly’s in Manhattan one night and Frank Sinatra asked me for a dance. Frank loved the color orange and always wore an orange pocket handkerchief when he performed. And one time he even gave me singing lessons and bought me car. Living near Frank in Palm Springs was so much fun. He was dating Barbara (Marx) at the time.”

THE EVENING’S ENTERTAINMENT

Virtuoso pianist, vocalist and actor Alex Leonard provided musical entertainment on keyboard with tunes from the Great American Songbook made famous by Frank Sinatra.

Leonard was accompanied by Sena on trumpet, who played familiar favorites.

In speaking of Sinatra, Leonard noted: “The 20th century ended on New Year’s Eve in December 1999. It could be said however that in spirit the century actually ended earlier in 1998, the day that Frank Sinatra passed. As an artist and personality Sinatra defined the 20th century. We can certainly point to other great singers of that time period yet most all of them would agree that it was Sinatra who stood out as THE interpreter of American popular music, an artist “top of the heap” among his peers. Sinatra is an enigma, a series of contradictions, a musical genius found not only in his recordings but in his ability to conduct and interact with the musicians in the orchestra, all seasoned professionals who held him in highest esteem. This evening we visit the music of the crooner of the 40′s, the smooth balladeer of the 50′s, the Las Vegas swinger of the 60′s and the reflective artist of the 70′s and 80′s…”

Also on the entertainment roster was Sal LoCascio, a song stylist who performs standard favorites made famous not only by Sinatra, but by Tony Bennett, Dean Martin, Tom Jones and other greats in the world of entertainment — also performed to perfection.

And Russ Martone, a Sinatra tribute artist who also performs some of the great standards by Dean Martin, Paul Anka, Barry Manilow, Neil Diamond, Elvis Presley and Michael Buble to name a few, also dazzled the crowd when he took center stage during the exceptional evening.

CELEBRATIONS – DEC. 22 TO DEC. 28

DEC. 22

Happy birthday Sunday to Augie Martiniello, Kevin Collins, Rogan Patrick McSwiggan who turns 15, Inez Goins, Vanessa Kraker, who turns 22, Denise Tyson, Margaret Nemeth and twins Ian and Jenna McDaniel.

A double celebration for twins Christopher and Stephanie Castaldo will take place on Sunday.

DEC. 23

Monday is birthday time for Julie Ierardi, Dan McGarry, Christopher Norton, Judy Cardona, Christina Salerno, Lillian Kuell and Michael Noto.

DEC. 24

Happy Christmas Eve birthday to Ava Christina Guarcello who turns 18, Michael D’Aquila, Christine Haber, Debra Schwall, Erica Kobayashi, Andrea Loughery, Jimmy Parisi Jr. and Samantha Doyle.

DEC. 25

Happy Christmas Day birthday to Ina Vazquez, Lauren McIsaac O’Hare, John Allocco, Petra Andersen and Susan Jellicks.

DEC. 26

Birthday greetings on Thursday to Michael Tambini, Jack Madonia, Marie Stockman, Victoria Masucci and Eddie Carbonaro.

DEC. 27

Happy birthday Friday to attorney, Chris Caputo, Tony Whalen, Robert Werneken, twins Daniel and James Loughery, Lisa Bernstein, Jen McGarry, Dale Greenwaldt, Nicholas Klein, Erik Lorentzen who turns 52, Emma Jane Carr, Lou Parisi Jr., and Melissa Anelli.

Happy wedding anniversary Friday to Christina and Richard Verardi.

DEC. 28

Birthday best on Saturday to Andy Andersen, Noelle Sarno, Kevin Patrick Tobuck and twins Marie Cataldo and Elizabeth McDermott.