It is very
sad when the old giants leave us. And I loved Nick's arrangement
of "The Father Of Girls," in which he completely captured its
spirit - so much so that Johnny Mercer wrote me a note that said:
"I'm listening to Perry Como sing 'The Father Of Girls.' Marvelous
song." High praise from The Master.
Ervin Drake
With deep sadness I
learn that the great Nick Perito has left us. It is good to hear
that he didn't suffer and that he passed in peace. As with Perry
Como we can trust in his recorded legacy that will continue to amaze
people and get them happy in every corner of the world. Now and for
future generations. Because the music and style is eternal.
All my blessings to
the Perito family.
Opera singer
Bengt Krantz,
Sweden.
Veuillez transmettre
mes sincères condoléances à la
I will always remember his taking time to speak to me after one
of the Christmas shows at Hershey Arena….. He was busy and
smiling as he carried arrangements and other items on several
trips from the stage to the bus. He stopped to talk…about Perry
and all the traveling.
Doug Bell
Charlotte, North Carolina
I am sorry to hear such sad news. I associate names like Nick
Perito, Perry Como, and Mitchell Ayres not only with excellent
music, but as the influences of my youth. Perry’s recordings
are some of the first that I can remember, and I have a “warm
spot” for all of those associated with him who helped create
his art. Our generation is losing our roll models. I do hope
a definitive set of Como CD’s can be released at some point.
There is a new generation hungry for quality… and there may
never be another Nick, Perry or Mitchell.
Gil Nelson
Denison, Texas
The loss of Nick is very shocking. I am forwarding the email
Nick sent to me Friday the 29th. The email is a
wonderful example of his outlook on life and the fight and
love in this mans heart.
Ron Rosa
Denver, Colorado
My heart goes out
to Nick's family. I am EXTREMELY saddened by this news. God
bless Nick. As Greg rightly put it: 'Perry and Nick are once
again making beautiful music together' Thank goodness I had the
chance to make good conversation with Nick through his book and
he sent me a video of some memorable bits, along with me
scanning a picture of him and Perry for him! He certainly
accomplished a lot! GOD BLESS HIM!
Matthew Long ( a 15
year-old fan )
England
. . .
what sad news indeed. What a shock for the family, seeing as
he was "on the mend". My heart and prayers go out to his
family in this time of sorrow. But, like Greg says, Perry and
Nick are once again, together, making wonderful music!
Linda Maxom
Manitoba, Canada
Unfortunately, I didn't even have to read the message to find
out what the sad news was........as soon as I saw the heading, I
knew what it was....I'd been afraid I was going to hear about
Nick........
Charlene
Blassingham
Florida
As time goes by….the taller
the tree…..the greater the void when is falls. It is an
appointment all of us must keep. One can only be happy to have
known and heard their music…. The sadness will always be
with the family and many others. In some way …we adjust and
keep on keeping on. Much music has been composed….songs have
been written…..because of the loss of a friend or a loved
one….or a family member. I don’t remember growing older ….when
did they? For the Perito family…..you were the little boy at
play…. you were the little girl he carried. How fortunate.
He lives on in you and his music. For Mrs. Perito…..you were his
Roselle. He knew you and you knew him as no other. Parting is
such sweet sorrow. However, he will be waiting for you….just
as Perry and many others have been waiting to renew their
spirits together. Sunrise….sunset….quickly go the days. Make
the most of the rest of your lives….and that would be all he
would ask. When Mr. C. died…the internet had so little about
him. There is much to find about Nick and Perry on the
internet and at this website. I have come to believe that is the
reason for such a good man to live….almost his destiny….to
preserve the music and songs…..and all who worked to make the
recordings of such quality. Perry Como chose his friends.
He chose Nick Perito…. There have been and are many he called
“friend”. He did not just happen to be there….I call it another
Devine appointment. I bet I can read your mind.
Doug Bell
Charlotte, North Carolina
I
just received the e-mail that Nick Perito passed away this
morning. How fortunate we are to have he and Perry together
on so many songs and will have them as long as we are here.
It is so hard to know that he's gone, too, and I was so sorry
when I read my mail.
Patsy Summer
I
was very saddened to hear of Nick Perito's passing . . . He
was very gracious to me after I sent you and Nick the "Cole
Porter in Paris" TV soundtrack dub...and so well-traveled,
musically speaking . . . what a shame . . .
Charlie Honold Croonerville/Oh Frenzy!
My deepest sympathy to the Nick Perito family. As a fan and not personally
knowing Mr. Perito or much about his life, I could only admire his talent
which was so wonderful, and his association with Perry Como produced such
beautiful music, the like of which seems never to grace our world again. The
dignity with which they lived their lives is also unmatched. True role models
in the entertainment world, which it is sorely lacking today. They are making
beautiful music together again. May your wonderful memories uplift you in the
days ahead.
Nancy Lacey
So sad . . .
Somehow I can't help feeling it's all fading away. But so
much pleasure they gave us! But it's still there, and those
wonderful people still keeps us happy. It's a nice epitaph -
keeping us happy as long as we live,
Willy Wettegren Sweden
Nick and Perry made
some very magical sounds together and created some of the
most beautiful music ever heard!
Sylvia Arnone
Rejoice in the respect so many people had for your dear
father —
I am quite sure that all of you do just that. I am sure he
must have felt blessed by having spent so many years with
Perry Como, and I am sure Perry come must have felt the
same. Bless you all and your sweet memories.
Paul Austin, London W12 What a sad loss of a wonderful, special human being. Those of us who did not have the pleasure of knowing Nick Perito personally are united with his good friends in recognizing his tremendous legacy of beautiful music that will live on, including his special affiliation with Perry Como. His must have truly been a life well lived! Sue Casillas California What heartfelt sentiments from his family. It's truly touching. I include him in my nightly prayers along with Perry and countless others. It does touch the heart to know that perfect strangers can offer their sympathies and that they are lovingly accepted. Linda Maxom Manitoba, Canada
Our
most sincere sympathy is extended to Nick Perito's
family at this time of sadness and loss. But we rejoice
in the confidence that his spirit lives forever in the
presence of the Risen Lord.
Sincerely,
MAH
and family
I first connected with Nick Perito through my
good friend and colleague, Len Triola in New York.
From the moment I spoke to him on cell phone from a
restaurant in Chelsea about our mutual love of all
things Perry, Italian, music and family, I knew I
had made a "friend for life!" Little did I know just
how short a short relationship it would be and that
I would never get to actually meet him! We e-mailed
each other right up to the end and he actually
instructed his son to send me some of his
treasured arrangements for songs he felt I should
possibly record! I am so honored to have them in my
possession!
He provided so much beautiful music to his
generation and we may never see his "authentic"
likes again!
An enormous fan,
Lynn DiMenna
I watched with admiration Perry Como’s last
Christmas performance. Mr. C was singing,
“Wind beneath my Wings”. Mr. C seemingly (to
me) missed a line during the performance.
Even so, he covered for it by continuing the
song without that line. Nick
Perito watched
and listened as the entire orchestra caught
up and subtly applauded the team of
professionals. It was nice recognition of a
“job well done”… while making certain that
the performer in the spotlight remained
unscathed.
Harvey Cohen
One of the best ways I know to honor
the memory of Nick Perito and Perry
Como is to purchase the music they
worked so diligently to produce for
all of us to hear. Their kind of
talent comes along once in a
lifetime. I'm glad to have been
around to appreciate it.
Larry Posner
Nick Perito was a gentleman and a
talented musician, a fine human
being who I was proud to call a
friend. Nick will be missed by
all of us.
Johnny Knox
If Nick has to be
away from us...I'm happy to
know that he'll be waiting
for us all! In the
meantime...and may it be a
while...all of us must do
whatever necessary to keep
his masterful work alive AND
in front of new people.
A lot has been
expressed about Perry &
Nick....and other
vocalists. But let's never
forget his instrumental
work! Nick recorded his OWN
albums in the early
60's....Blazing Latin Brass,
Latin Brass Goes To Italy
and a host of singles
including my favorite...The
Green Leaves Of Summer.
These recordings are locked
away in Capitol's
vaults...only to someday be
rediscovered. Perhaps my
favorite arrangement of
Nick's was written for
his...at one time teachers
at Julliard...Ferrante &
Teicher! The arrangement
was "Fly Me To The Moon" and
it swinged like no other!!
Of course Nick wrote some 50
arrangements for F & T...not
to mention Producing 12 of
their albums...5 of which
went gold. All four Top 10
F & T singles were conducted
by Nick!! In addition...I'd
venture to say that Nick
Conducted more recordings
for Ferrante & Teicher than
anyone else! According to
my records...Nick conducted
an astonishing 889 songs for
Ferrante & Teicher and their
orchestra!! The only time
Nick didn't conduct was
because of his full
schedule. Art & Lou were
the best in the business and
that's why they brought Nick
in to conduct every chance
they could. The magic
created by Nick, Don Costa
and F & T will NEVER be
created by any other team!
Nick...you are loved by all
of us, never forgotten and
always highly revered. We
were blessed to have you on
our side!
Scott W. Smith Personal Manager, Ferrante & Teicher I didn't know the man (Nick), I didn't know Perry either. But both men touched my heart and I will be forever grateful. Thank the dear Lord for cassettes, LP's and CD's. Both will live forever every time I play their music! Best always Linda Maxom Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada It was 1979 when I first listened Nick's hearful and passionate music with Perry Como's sweet voice. I never can forget the night, because it was great shock!!!! How wonderful sound it was!!. I have never been experienced such a kind of shock, and found out that the sound was Nick, Nick's personality and his character, hearful, passionated and sweet !!!. Now I have much harder shock to have lost great artist Nick Perito, but I know his music and sound shall never die."Nick and Judy were just like my parents in the United States. They always had been welcomed my friends, my family and myself whenever we have opportunities to visit L.A. Many thanks and God bless his Soul!"
Love,
Hiromi Yaguchi
Tokyo, Japan
I was very sad to hear
that Mr. Perito passed
away but now he is with
good company. Can't you
just see Perry on the
stool singing and Nick
on the piano. Boy what a
sight.
May you rest in Peace
Nick
John Gildea (A Fan)
Much to my regret, I
feel the world will
never again know what
these two wonderful men
accomplished. They gave
to us some of the most
beautiful sounds that
could only come from two
'masters' of their art.
Perry Como and Nick
Perito were a match made
in heaven and they loved
and shared what they did
best. I will be
eternally grateful to
both of these beautiful
men for all the joy I
have received listening
to their music.
Sincerely,
Patsy Summer
Passionate is the word that first comes to mind when I think of Nick. We met at the home of another great Italian musician, Harry Warren. From our first introduction I was crazy about Nick because of his kindness, his knowledge, and his ability to "tell it like it is". Shortly thereafter, we worked together on a demo of Harry's songs and had a ball doing it, but I was understandably nervous. What a thrill it was to work with the man who had worked with Perry Como and so many others! The last time I saw Nick was when he conducted for Regis Philbin in Las Vegas only a few months ago. He was not happy with his performance because the sound was not to his satisfaction and he had trouble hearing on stage. My reaction was to express how wonderful I thought the band sounded and how he, on his worst day, could still out do anyone else on a podium. Nick's reaction was to give me one of his big broad smiles, one that I will remember every time I think of him. Michael Feinstein I have something very nice to say about Nick and Perry. It was the last weekend of July '71. I flew to Vegas to see Perry and then the Int'l hotel. I saw the show Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. It was the weekend of Perry’s 38th wedding anniversary. Saturday night I sat at one of the front tables as I had on Thursday. But this night was the anniversary date if I remember correctly. That evening while Perry was in the middle of his monolog I asked the other viewers to pass along an anniversary. card. Timing was wrong, a stage hand walked on to pick up Perry’s stool. However some four hours later I met Nick in the lobby. He stops to speak with me. Actually he asked, where were you last night, Perry was waiting for you. That was quite a surprise, but then again Perry is that kind of a guy. Nick said after the Sunday show, my third opportunity to see Perry, come to my dressing room but should I be stopped tell them you're my nephew. I did so want to meet Perry, I had so many memories of things that happened, one of which I entered the same elevator as Perry and Mitch Ayres but was to dumb founded to say anything... well I did meet with Nick in his dressing room. He took me next door to Perry’s room where at I met his only girl in his world. I couldn't have expected more. Her first words to me were "you're such a fan". Then Perry entered at the rear of me and I could feel him eyeing me and then he came around and we spoke for 20 minutes. This was because of Nick that I have such a lasting memory of him. He had also mentioned if and when he and Perry were in NY he would have me present at the recording session. As you can tell by my rattling on that Perry has been a fixture in my life and another opportunity to meet another gentle man. He and Perry were like twins with the same personality and spirit. God Bless them. Tom Abbate His presence livened any room. His attitude toward life and living enlightened our spirits and his music will provide a lasting embrace of our hearts Ward Grant Another Denver boy I serve as the Chaplain at the Motion Picture and Television Fund where Nick Perito spent his last days. I visited with him several times and his family was often present. It is common to share with people, the words of the Lord's Prayer. Knowing that Nick was into music, I suggested that we might sing the Mallott version of the prayer and he agreed. And so we did, with some of his family joining in. It was a "first" and a very moving moment that I will never forget! Nick and I exchanged books that we had written, with him giving me a copy of "I Just Happened to Be There" He signed it: "To My Favorite Chaplain. I'm forever grateful for the many things and concepts you have already taught me. You're the best! Love and gratitude forever! Nick Perito It is one of my cherished possessions. Thank you. David Grant Chaplain MPTF
No matter how
much others miss
Nick Perito….his
family….surely
misses him more.
How fortunate to
have been in the
Nick Perito
family… Our
love and
admiration for
that household
…and family.
Nick Perito
lives
on…..because of
who and what he
was….and what he
did. To the
family….and his
associates …and
fans…. He is
with God.
That is what
life is all
about.
Doug Bell
North Carolina
I just want to
say, I play
piano but I have
never heard
anyone play as
tastefully as
Nick did. If you
listen to how he
played behind
Perry Como on:
"And I Love You
So”....
Live in Ireland
1993, Great!
David
Valentino age 49
West Chester, PA
Nick will stay with us forever in our hearts and minds. We will bear this deep sorrow as a part of his love and happiness he gave us with his so beautiful music. Thank you Nick. Violet and Yoshi Japan
We
were
very
happy
and
honored
to
be
present
at
the
statue
dedication
of
Perry
Como
in
his
hometown
of
Canonsburg,
PA
on
May
15,
1999.
Unfortunately,
Perry
was
not
feeling
well
enough
to
attend
which
was
a
great
disappointment
to
all
of
his
fans.
However,
we
were
all
absolutely
delighted
that
Nick
Perito
was
there
for
all
of
the
ceremonies,
celebrations
and festivities
of
the
entire
day
and
his
presence
was
so uplifting
and
comforting
to
all
of
us!!!
I
wish
we
could
have
had
a
recording
of
all
of
the
wonderful
things
that
Nick
had
to
say
about
Perry
and
his
many memorable
years
of
working
with
him
and
being
his
personal
and
very
close
friend!
He
related
many
amusing
stories
about
Perry and
it
was
easy
to
see
what
a
great
time
these
two
wonderful
guys
had
together
and
what
great
love
and
respect
they
had
for
one
another!!
That
evening
at
the
dinner
reception,
we
were
very
fortunate
to
hear
Nick
again
and
to
be
entertained
by
him
and
his
wonderful
musicians---and
several
of
the
Como
family
members
also
sang---we
were
very
fortunate
to
have
a
table
right
next
to
the
stage
and
were
delighted
to
be
so
close
to
watch
him perform
his
magic
once
again---
his
smile,
his enthusiasm,
and
his
energy
filled
the
room
with
a
bunch
of
very
happy
and
delighted
people----once
again
we
were
entertained
with
some
of
the
greatest
music
ever
heard---he
truly
was
a
master!!
I
really
believe
that
he
did
not
"just
happen
to
be
there"---this
was
all
Divine
Intervention---the
Greatest
Master
of
us
all
had
a
very
special
plan
for
these
two
special
souls
(Perry
and
Nick) to
meet,
to
work
together
and
to
touch
the
world
in a
very
special
way
with
the
magic
of
the
music
they
created
together----what
a
blessing
for
the
whole
world
to
be
able
to
enjoy
this
music
forever!
We
thank
the
Lord
for
blessing
us
with
the
wonderful
talents
of
these
two
very special
men!
May
He
grant
them
eternal
peace
and
happiness!
Sylvia
and
Tony
Arnone
. . . with condolences to The Perito family Judy, Terry, Jennie, Danny & Shelia |
(902)
701-2442
