Anne Cerami Malatia
December 31, 2008
The passing of singing legend Toni Rami occurred on December 31, 2008. Toni was born Anne Cerami on November 4, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois and has called Phoenix her home since l963. Toni became a professional singer at the age of 14, singing with the Universal Opera Company in Chicago. She soon embraced jazz and popular song as her true passion, singing with combos and big bands, and traveling the country with the Camel Caravan Show during the l940′s. By the late 1940′s and early l950′s, she had become a well-known Chicago radio and stage performer, working on staff at NBC Radio and appearing at the Chicago Theater. Her stunning looks and grace in performance brought her to television in it’s infancy. She was chosen to be the featured female singer on the weekly nationally broadcast George Gobel Show in the l950′s. She regularly performed with such stars as Red Skelton, Jimmy Durante, Peter Nero, Tony Bennett, Rosemary Clooney, Ruby Keeler, and Nat King Cole. In the l960′s, she performed on hit television programs such as The Hollywood Palace and the Ed Sullivan Show. After her move to Phoenix, Toni appeared at the Executive House in Scottsdale as a popular regular with her jazz combo. She also toured internationally, entertaining thousands of people with her warmth and incredible voice and performed several USO tours during the Vietnam War. By 1969, her run-away success in Scottsdale led to her securing a multi-year contract as the star, singer, and conductor of a twelve-piece big band at the Phoenix’s Caliente Club. She broke all records as a mainstay attraction, continuously performing there for more than 13 years. She also had a local TV show briefly during this period. In l967, she established Phoenix’s Tor/Ann Talent Agency which became an early major booking agency for Arizona’s emerging film industry. By l970, the agency was headquartered at the Fred Graham Studios in Carefree, and booked new and established Arizona actors in countless television and film productions originated there and in Old Tucson. She also booked stage talent, bringing in performers to headline at Sun City’s Sun Bowl and area nightclubs and stages. Although she had recorded many singles since l946, in the mid-seventies she culminated her successful singing career with a hit album of big band vocals and standards called The Toni Touch, still a popular seller in it’s CD issue. One of the highlights of her life was performing all over the world with her late husband, comedian Bob G. Anthony, whom she was married to for nearly 56 years. A great friend and caring woman, Toni will be remembered as a consummate entertainer who endeared herself to her fans both professionally and personally. Her songs, love, and laughter will be missed by all who knew her. She was always proud of her family and thankful for her friends and fans. Visitation will be from 5:00-8:00pm, Thursday, January 8, 2009, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be at 10:30am, Friday, January 9, 2009 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E. Campbell Avenue, Phoenix. Interment will follow at 1:30pm, at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 North Cave Creek Road, Phoenix. This vibrant performer, friend, loving mother and grandmother leaves behind son Torey Malatia and his wife Elizabeth and daughter Anne Malatia Glass, grandson William Glass III, brother Joseph Cerami, nephews Mark Cerami and his wife Jenean of Santa Barbara, and Tony Cerami of Chicago as well as many other nieces and nephews.
Schuyler King
December 31, 2008
No Obituary submitted
Hortencia A Verdugo
December 31, 2008
Hortencia Aguayo Verdugo 90, beloved mother, grandmother, and sister of Phoenix, AZ, passed away on December 31, 2008. She was born in Ray-Sonora, AZ. She was preceded in death by her parents Angela and Alejandro Aguayo, son, Harold and the father of her children, Robert G. Verdugo. Hortencia is survived by her daughter, Linda V. Ramirez Carlos, 5 sons, Robert Mary Lou, Arnold, Jaime, Larry Connie, and Rudy Mary, 26 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. She has two surviving brothers, Daniel Aguayo Katie, and Richard Aguayo. Visitation will be from 9:00-10:00am, with a Rosary at 10:00am and Funeral Mass immediately following at 10:30am, Monday, January 5, 2009 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 North 24th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations in her name to Hospice of the Valley 1510 E. Flower St., Phoenix, AZ 85016 or St. Agnes Church.
Mildred G Miller
December 30, 2008
Mildred “Nellie” Miller was 90 years old when she passed away on December 30, 2008. Nellie is survived by her very dear friends and her two loving daughters. She will be greatly missed. No services are planned.
Michael Richard Hunsicker
December 27, 2008
No Obituary Submitted
Dolores Margaret Caretto
December 27, 2008
Dolores M. Caretto, 93, of Phoenix, AZ. died peacefully December 27, 2008, surrounded by her family. Loving Mother of Richard Barbara, John, Gregory Lee, Robert, Mark Gail, Thomas, and Tony Caretto and daughters Paula Caretto Wayne Schaffnit, and Mary Rod McMinn. Dolores dearly loved her twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They gave her great joy and she was proud of each of them. She was admired by many for her ability to raise 9 children after the untimely death of her husband in 1963. Everyone enjoyed her subtle sense of humor. Dolores was a devout Catholic and worked for Catholic Charities and later for the State of Arizona. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00pm, with Rosary at 7:00pm, Tuesday, December 30 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am, Wednesday, December 31, at St. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix. Interment will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
Margaret B Morales
December 27, 2008
Margaret B. Morales, 84, of Phoenix, died December 27, 2008. She was a native of Phoenix and was born April 21, 1924. Margaret was a homemaker and mother. She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel Morales and sons Tony Burgos and Armando Perez. Margaret is survived by her son Larry “Lorenzo” Solomon of Phoenix, daughters, Norma Burgos and Lillian Rivera also of Phoenix, her sister Connie Paul of Sun City, AZ, 14 Grandchildren, 20 great- grandchildren and 4 great great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00pm, with Rosary at 7:00pm, Monday, January 5, 2009 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road, Phoenix. Funeral Mass will be at 10:00am, Tuesday, January 6 at SS. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Avenue with interment to follow at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery. “May God receive you with open arms; your job is done here. Not without wonderful memories. God Bless you through your journey. We all love you.”
Joy B Mitchell
December 27, 2008
Dolores M Caretto
December 27, 2008
Dolores M. Caretto, 93, of Phoenix, AZ. died peacefully December 27, 2008, surrounded by her family. Loving Mother of Richard Barbara, John, Gregory Lee, Robert, Mark Gail, Thomas, and Tony Caretto and daughters Paula Caretto Wayne Schaffnit, and Mary Rod McMinn. Dolores dearly loved her twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. They gave her great joy and she was proud of each of them. She was admired by many for her ability to raise 9 children after the untimely death of her husband in 1963. Everyone enjoyed her subtle sense of humor. Dolores was a devout Catholic and worked for Catholic Charities and later for the State of Arizona. Visitation will be 5:00-8:00pm, with Rosary at 7:00pm, Tuesday, December 30 at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 East Indian School Road. Funeral Mass will be 10:00am, Wednesday, December 31, at St. Simon and Jude Cathedral, 6351 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix. Interment will be at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery.
James M Krampf
December 25, 2008