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A
wonderful friend and supporter of the Wildlife
Waystation,
Fred created the "voice" of many of the Waystation
Animals.
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The
Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts Institute
at Ruth Eckerd Hall Announces FRED TRAVALENA
SCHOLARSHIP AND TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
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Send
donations to
Fred Travalena Scholarship and Tuition
Assistance Program
Ruth Eckerd Hall 1111
McMullen Booth Road
Clearwater, FL 33759
In Memory of Fred Travalena Checks
should be made out to: Ruth Eckerd
Hall Foundation, Inc.
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The
staff and patrons of Ruth Eckerd Hall were
fortunate to have Fred grace our stage and
entertain us with his expert impressions,
music and wit on many occasions. The joy
and laughter he brought to us will long
remain cherished memories. Fred was always
generous with his time and talent, assisting
our staff, attending Education and Main
Stage performances, speaking at Ruth Eckerd
Hall presenter functions and fundraising
events.
Ruth
Eckerd Hall and The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing
Arts Institute are proud to announce the
Fred Travalena Scholarship and Tuition Assistance
Program created in honor of this consummate
entertainer, actor, singer/songwriter/lyricist,
variety performer, recipient of a star on
the Hollywood Walk of Fame and USO entertainer
of our troops abroad. Fred has been honored
with the Congressman's Merit Award for his
support of the POW and MIA cause, was named
Best Singer by the All Army Entertainment
Award, and was recently asked to lay a wreath
at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington
National Cemetery on behalf of the USO.
Because of Fred's special relationship with
and commitment to our military, this new
Scholarship and Tuition Assistance Program
is being created to serve the families of
those serving in our armed forces. It will
provide opportunities for members of military
families to study music, drama and/or dance
at The Marcia P. Hoffman Performing Arts
Institute at Ruth Eckerd Hall. Donations
to help fund the Fred Travalena Scholarship
and Tuition Assistance Program will be gratefully
accepted.
It
is our hope that this new program in Fred
Travalena's honor will provide important
assistance to local military families and
will stand as a lasting memorial to one
of America's great entertainers.
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Providence Tarzana Foundation
18321 Clark Street
Tarzana, CA 91356
Tel: (818) 757-4384
Fax: (818) 757-4372
http://www.providence.org
Because
of the loving care of all the Nurses
and staff on the Oncology Ward at
Providence Tarzana Hospital, the
Travalena family would like to request
that any donations in Fred's name
go to this Ward.
Please
make sure that any donations made
say: "In Memory of Fred Travalena"
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In Memory
of Fred Travalena
October
6, 1942 - June 28, 2009
Lou
Raya Utica New York - You and Dad were the best
I first me Fred III at the Riviera Casino in 1978
along with his lovely and sweet wife Lois when
he was appearing with Shirley McLain. Fred\'s
father Fred II was like my second father and he
called on me and sold me priniting ink at the
Miller Brewing Company in Fulton NY in 1976. I
spend alot of time with Fred and his Dad in AC,
Vegas, Reno and he booked Fred in several venues
in Upstate NY. Fred and his dad were so close
and they made me feel like family. I was at Freds
rehearsals and he was an intense and talented
man who with the right breaks would have been
a Super Star in the entertainment world. In my
eyes he was the best and Fred and I and his dad
would talk for hours about his future and believe
me he was a special person who had inherited his
special gift to make people laugh from his dad
who was once a singing waiter with Frank Sinatra
at the Rusty Cabin in 1935 in Hoboken New Jersey.
I
remember Fred and I went to see Superman I in
Reno in 1981 and I really got to know Fred and
he opened up to me how he wanted to be the best
and make it to the top for the sake of his family
and his dad.
I
could go on and on about Fred and the time we
spent together. We were so close that his dad
moved to Upstate New York for 2 years since I
was like his third son. In 1984 I was supposed
to get married and I asked Fred to be my best
man and when the wedding was called off he and
Dad picked up my spirits and helped me through
a trying time.
God
gave us a special talent in Fred Travalena and
now he is in heaven with dad and wow they must
be tearing them up.
It
has been 19 years since I saw Fred and when we
last met we were at his Dad\'s funeral and we
cried and hugged each other and said goodbye for
the last time.
Lois
, and Fred IV and Corey... My deepest sympathy
and I am here in Utica with a heavy heart and
I can\'t tell you how much Fred and Dad meant
to me and so many people.. I am having a hard
time accepting this and I will have a mass said
for Fred at my catholic church in honor of his
life and legacy.
I
only wish I knew he was ill since I would have
flown to see him and tell him how much I loved
him and dad and to let him know that I would be
there for him during his difficult journey ..
Fred
God Bless You always and your family during these
difficult days..
Greg
Shay - Joy
I am a Christian and know that Fred had faith
in God. I feel badly that he is gone from here,
but joy in his entrance into heaven.
Brenda
Piccirillo All American Ms. 2009 - One of the
Family!!
Over 5 years ago I had the honor of meeting Fred
and Lois at an appearence we made together in
Florida. Fred and Lois always kept in touch with
me and always treated me as one of their own.
I am saddend to hear the news of a such great
man whos life was made to make us smile!
Terry
Como Adkinson - Lost Treasure
The world lost a very talented and loving man
that will be greatly missed. Bless him and his
family.
Maria
Hardy - My Thoughts and Prayers
AN AWESOME TALENT THAT WILL FOREVER SHINE IN OUR
HEARTS.
BARRY
LISTON - THE LOSS OF A CLASSMATE, FRIEND, AND
A GREAT PERFORMER
Fred and We were High School classmates and friends
back many years ago on Long Island. While he was
a Bronx native, he came to our high school in
his sophomore year and graduated with with all
of us in the Senior Class. The quote under his
graduation was \"travelin on\" and that he did.
You all know of his tremendous talent and and
great accomplishments over the years -- he was
a true friend and family man as well. The members
of the Class of 1960 will miss his quick wit and
friendly smile for all that he came in contact
with......Fred will always be in our hearts ,
especially next year when we celebrate our 50th
Year Class Reunion........our hearts and prayers
go out to Lois, his lovely wife and her family.
Ingvar
Estrada"The Golden Voice of Las Vegas" - Thanks
to Fred - I pursued my dream!
My father had started a production company in
in Florida and had been unfortunately sick for
some quite some time and fortunately my wonderful
mother had passed on Mr. Travalena's Press Kits
to inspire me.
After
dealing with many audio & video studios- I decided
to create a home, production studio & followed
Mr. Travalena's career online, talents & press
kit materials.
Fred
influenced me to change my life as I relocated
to Las Vegas and am on a mission to conquer my
dreams of becoming an internationally acclaimed
singer/Tenor. Thanks to Fred & his incredible
talents & inspiring career- I'm still climbing
to achieve my dreams.
If
it wasn't for Mr. Travalena - I would probably
be in Real Estate Sales in Boca Raton, Florida
as an unhappy artist. "THANK YOU FRED FOR YOUR
WONDERFUL TALENTS, WORLD CLASS ENTERTAINMENT &
ARTISTIC INSPIRATION!
My
Condolences & Love to the Travalena family!
FROM
VEGAS WITH LOVE. INGVAR ESTRADA
www.ingvarestrada.com
Your
Niece, Debbie - We miss you
How cool it was to be a kid and have a famous
uncle! I remember watching him the first time
he was on the Kopy Kats - we were all so excited
and we were all so proud, as we were with every
milestone in his career. No matter how famous
he got, he was always so down to earth and genuine.
As a family, we have all learned so much from
Uncle Fred about courage, faith, and love. Well
all miss him terribly and will keep him in our
hearts forever.
J.T.
Finn - Fred's Song, ONE LITTLE HAND
Dear Fred... We miss you more than words can say.
We miss your smile, your witt, your humor, your
passion for LIFE! Your zeal was super contagious!
God gave you tons of talent... Thank you for using
these gifts to uplift so many souls... Thank you,
Fred, for non-stop good, clean humor! Thank you,
also, for being so very courageous, diligent and
hard working for families and faith. Youre truly
an inspiration! Fred, thank you for caring so
much for babies, moms and families! Ill never
forget your enthusiastic phone calls and your
passionate efforts to make a big difference in
peoples lives... you loved taking action in big
ways! Thank you for singing and producing the
song, ONE LITTLE HAND, and for creating the website
www.BabiesAreImportant.com Youve truly saved lives
and souls! Youll never be forgotten! Thank you,
Fred!
Love,
prayers and warmest wishes to your wife and family.
Rest in Peace!
Diane
Saitta aka Dyanne Roberts - Remeber the Top Hat
I first met Fred in a nightclub called the Top
Hat in Franklin Square N.J. in 1970. We were both
in the talent show. Fred was with his Dad. I remember
how he was dressed in a tuxedo and very shiny
black patent leather shoes. He was fantastic even
back then and of course won the show and went
on to a fabulous career in T.V. and Las Vegas.
I sent Fred an email back in 2002 when I found
out he had non-hodgkins lymphoma and was astonished
to find out that he remembered me from our early
years. He sent me copies of some of his CDs and
some emails which I will treasure. I always hoped
we would meet again, perhaps in Vegas or on a
cruise where he was performing but I guess that
will never be now. My deepest condolences to his
wife and his family. Show business has lost its
best impressionist, a wonderful songwriter, a
great entertainer and a truly wonderful human
being.
Lynne
- Smile!
My fondest memory of Mr. Travelena was Christmas,
1979. My 5 yr old daughter and I were shopping
for our Christmas tree. A single parent my budget
was pretty small. Of course my little one had
found the perfect tree! Her eyes became bigger
than saucers as we approached a six footer complete
with \"snow\". It was hard for me to have to say
no. SHe was heartbroken, as was I. So, we moved
on and found a lovely little 3/ft tree that would
fit nicely on a table in the corner. As we carried
our little tree to the front, we sang Christmas
Carols all the way..we were joyful and happy.
As I reached into my purse to offer payment, the
clerk told me that the tree was already paid for.
When I asked how that was possible, he just said
that I should pull my car up to the rear and they
would have someone tie it on the roof of my car.
I told them that was necessary as it would fit
in the back seat, but they insisted. I pulled
to the rear as instructed and a young man approached
my vehicle with the six foot tree my daughter
first wanted. I told them they had the wrong person,
but they told me that a gentlement insisted that
we have the tree. I pleaded with the young man
to tell me who the generous gentleman was...then
I glanced to my left and there he stood...Fred
Travelena, grinning from ear to ear..be bent down,
kissed my little on the cheek and said..Merry
Christmas baby.....he winked at me and walked
away....As he did, my little one smiled and asked..who
was that man.. I told her it was one of Santas
helpers.... God Bless you Mr. Travelena...you
are loved and remembered.
Allen
Wollins -
Fred was a good friend and my wife and I had the
pleasure of going to a Christmas party at the
small apartment he and Lois had in the Bronx.
We also had the pleasure of inviting them to dinner
at the equally small apt. my wife and I lived
in in Riverdale. Fred and I worked together for
about a year almost fourty years ago at a company
by the name of Milton Paper. Fred and I became
pretty good friends since we both shared an interest
in comedy and show business buiness. Three or
four times a week we would have I was very sad
this morning to read about Freds death. Though
I had not seen Fred in years, I was able to follow
his wonderful success throughout the years. Fred
was not only taalented but a very bright, good
individual. May he rest in peace. Allen Wollins
Jan
- Wonderful entertainer
I remember seeing Fred for the first time when
I was a kid.. and even then thought he was wonderful..
R.I.P. Fred you were the best!
Todd
Miskime - 1000 voices went silent on Sunday
I have many memories of Fred. Being a child of
the 70s, teen of the 80s, I saw Fred from Hollywood
squares, to Jerry Lewis Telethon, to David Letterman.
Fred was the funny uncle you always like seeing
at the family reunion. When Jerry Lewis said Fred
was coming up we waited to see him. His impression
of his Presidential morphing is an instant classic
that will his immortalize his genius. Fred you
will be truely missed and prayers to his family.
Rachel
Ciardullo -
while thugh I never got the lucky priviledge to
see Freddie in person, I have enjoyed his comedy
since he first appeared on TV. I was also born
in the Bronx and raised on Lond Island, now living
in Las Vegas, I missed out on seeing him last
year as I had to leave town. May this sweet man
rest in peace.
Tommy
Jakob - Thanks for the laughs
Growing up I remember Fred for his his impersonations
and laughing real hard. Thank You for that. Steve
Moore
Steve
Moore - pure entertainment
Growing up I remember Fred for his his impersonations
and laughing real hard. Thank You for that. Steve
Moore
Tommy
Grafman (Macmyday) - A special person who will
be missed
I only recently met Fred (and Lois) last year.
Fred was a generous, giving and charming man.
Even though I only fixed his computer, when I
would arrive at his house, it was a fanfare from
Fred. He was a great talent, and funny man, and
we would exchange jokes. When Fred was in the
hospital, I was asked to help fix his computer
there in the hospital room (Fred was always writing
and working). Even though it was rough for me
to be there, doing it for Fred was a pleasure.
Both Fred and Lois were so nice to my son Justin
when I would bring him their house. Hearing of
the news of his passing was very saddening. I
am grateful that Fred was part of my life.
Jon
Sousan - Branson Missouri
Fred was one of the most talented that ever graced
the stage here in Branson. Though his appearances
were brief, He left a huge impression on ALL who
were lucky enough to see him. God Bless your family
during this time. And, knowing Fred, the Angels
are rolling on the floor by now.
Bettie
& Jim Stillman, Purcellville,VA - Thanks for the
Memories
Share your Memories Lois, even though our association
with you and Fred at Ft. Belvoir was many years
ago, you and Fred have never left our memory or
our heart. We were in shock to learn of his death.
We extend our deepest sympathies to you and your
family.
Phil
brunell - A Class act bar none.
Fred was a very classy entertainer which today
is a rare commodity. He will truly be missed
T.engelmann
- A very kind and generous man
I remember Fred well from many fund raising Telethons.
He was always so polite and friendly. He seemed
like one of the more down to earth stars that
I ever met.
Pat
Cooper -
My deepest condolences to the Travalena family.
I will always miss Fred. He was a great friend
and talented performer. With love and respect
Pat Cooper
JBW
-
I met Fred in Michigan several years ago when
I was a teenager. He was a true \"real and genuine\"
man. It was delightful to meet him and for a teenager,
to meet a celebrity, I was ecstatic. I have always
remembered how down to earth he was. I am truly
sorry for the loss his family has endured, and
the loss that the rest of the world has endured
as well. Rest in Peace, Dear Angel.
Kollin
Alexander - A wonderful entertainer but, a better
man.
Fred did his show in Branson MO a few years back
and I had the good fortune to have met and spend
some time with him getting to know him, he was
able to make you forget all about your problems
and laugh with out a care. He will be missed.
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