Dear Readers,
Mario Lanza left us, at age 38, at the Villa Giulia Clinic in Rome, October 7, 1959 following a fatal heart attack. The famed tenor and America’s Caruso was living in Rome after leaving Hollywood to make a home for his family in Italy.
Mario Lanza made several films there, including “The Seven Hills of Rome” in 1957. Following the death of his wife Betty, five months later in March 1960, the Los Angeles Courts in California awarded the four children to Mario’s parents Maria and Antonio Cocozza. The four children were reared by their grandparents in a home Mario had bought for his parents, shortly before his death, located in Pacific Palisades, California.
The four orphaned children were Colleen, born 1948, Elisa (1950), Damon (1952) and Marc born in 1954. Although Mario Lanza left us nearly 50 years ago, his memory and musical legacy has not been forgotten. Mario still has fans all over the globe. Here is an excerpt from “Be My Love - A Continued Celebration of Mario Lanza,” by Bob Dolfi, Marlene D’Attanasio and Damon Lanza.
For more information on the book visit www.mariolanza.com or write Lanza Legend, P.O. Box 8742, San Pedro, CA 90732. Around the World with Mario Lanza Mario Lanza has a loyal international fan base that refuses to let his memory and voice fade away. We will be approaching the 50th Anniversary of his passing on October 7th, 2009. Hope this list of places honoring Mario, including some points of interest, helps you plan a trip to celebrate Mario Lanza around the world. Final Resting Place: Culver City, California - Mario Lanza is buried in a marble crypt inside the main mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery, 5835 W. Slauson Ave., in Culver City, next to his beloved wife Betty.
Walk into the mausoleum’s main entrance and head straight for the chapel and altar. To the right side of the altar you will find Mario’s wall crypt with the inscription: “Mario Lanza, 1921-1959, Beloved Husband and Father.” His parents rest above.
Marriage: 13 April 1945 – Alfred Arnold Cocozza married Elizabeth Janette Lyhan Hicks in a civil service at Beverly Hills City Hall, California. 15 July 1945 – Second wedding with families in attendance at St. Colombo Catholic Church, Manhattan, New York. Homes: 634-636 Christian St., Philadelphia, PA – Mario’s birthplace. With the passing of Aunt Julie (Julia) Lanza Alioto on June 25th, 2002, Mario Lanza Cocozza’s last living sibling who resided in the house, it was sold and renovated as part of the neighborhood redevelopment.
The historic plaque out front remains. 810 N. Wittier Dr., Beverly Hills, California. 622 Toyopa Dr., Pacific Palisades, California – torn down and rebuilt. Mario bought this home for his parents who later raised his children. 56 Via Bruxelles, Villa Badoglio, Rome, Italy – now the Chinese Embassy. Mario Lanza Institute and Museum Philadelphia, PA – The Mario Lanza Museum is located at 712 Montrose St. on the main floor of the Columbus House which is the rectory of St. Mary Magdalen de Pazzi Church (next door) where Mario first sang “Ave Maria” as a young boy. Sadly he returned in 1959 for his second of three funerals.
Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted. Music Settlement School, 416 Queen St., Philadelphia. The very first Mario Lanza Museum resided at the back of Nick Petrella’s record shop on 1414 Snyder Avenue. The museum was officially dedicated on September 21st, 1976. Mr. Petrella, Mario Lanza’s childhood friend, was the first President of the Mario Lanza Institute and remained so for many years. Parks Philadelphia, PA – The Mario Lanza Park was dedicated by the Mario Lanza Institute to “The Great Philadelphia Tenor” on September 29th, 1967 at 214 Catherine Street (at Queen Street.)
His mother was present and reminisced how Mario used to play there as a boy. July 2004 a park in Pavia, Italy was dedicated by the Mario Lanza Fan Club Italiano to their beloved tenor. Flower The yellow “Mario Lanza Rose”, London, England, 2000. Paul Velda was instrumental in getting the project completed. Trees and Plaques In front of Royal Albert Hall, London, England, 1996 – replaced 2006.
Historic Landmarks Philadelphia – A plaque honoring Philadelphia’s great tenor stands in front of 636 Christian Street, Philadelphia, the house where Mario Lanza was born. The plaque inscription reads: “Mario Lanza 1921-1959 – The beloved tenor was born here as Alfredo Cocozza. Here as a boy he learned the aria of many operas. Became a radio, concert, record artist. After signing with MGM in 1947, he made seven films: had the title role in “The Great Caruso.” 1951.”
Tocco da Casauria, Italy – There is a plaque affixed to the home of Maria Lanza’s family, Mario’s mother. Filignano, Italy – Wire statue of Mario is in his father’s hometown. Antonio Cocozza was actually born in the small town of Collemachia but everyone usually refers to the bigger nearby town of Filignano as his hometown.
Wax Museum Buena Vista, California – Dedication of the wax figure of Mario Lanza’s sculptured likeness was made by Movieland Founder/President Allen Parkinson on Father’s Day, June 20, 1965. Mario was depicted as the Duke of Mantua from Rigoletto from the Great Caruso and “La donna è mobile” would play. In addition to the Lanza children and Mario’s parents, Mary and Tony Cocozza, attendees were Kathryn Grayson, Rory Calhoun, Fabian and other stars and family friends.
The museum closed in 2006. Stars Hollywood, California – Mario Lanza has two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His Movie Performer Star is at 6821 Hollywood Blvd. and his Record Star is at 1752 Vine St., across the street from the Capitol Record Building. Palm Springs, California – On January 31, 1998 a Golden Palm Star was dedicated to Mario Lanza (next to Frank Sinatra) in the city of Palm Springs. The dedication ceremony took place at 123 North Palm Canyon with many fans in attendance. Mayor Kleindlenst proclaimed it Mario Lanza Day.
Guest speakers were Mary Papola, President of the Mario Lanza Institute, Damon Lanza, Mario’s son, and Bob Dolfi who read a letter by Kathryn Grayson, Mario’s film co-star, who was unable to attend. Tillie Hartley, an avid Lanza fan, was responsible for bringing this project to fruition. Philadelphia, PA – Mario’s star on the Walk of Fame was originally in front of the Academy of Music building. Years later it was moved a few blocks up the street (on the same side) in front of the Ritz Carlton Hotel because sidewalk construction was being completed.
A Star in the Heavens – The International Star Registry lists the ‘Mario Lanza Star’ at telescopic co-ordinates 16H-52M 54-S d26’ 28’, officially dedicated on January 31, 2000 by tenor Dominic Mantuano, avid Lanza fan.
There are Mario Lanza Fan Clubs in Italy, Russia, Holland, Ireland, England, Japan and France, as well as in the U.S. Here is the U.S. and Italian info: Fan Clubs Mario Lanza Fan Club Italiano: Gigi Viciani, President, Via Italia 61-7, 27010 S. Genesio - Ed. Uniti, Pavia, Italy Mario Lanza Institute and Museum: Mary G. Papola, President, 712 Montrose St., Philadelphia, PA 19147 – (215)238-9691; www.mario-lanza-institute.org Mario Lanza Institute News, mariolanzamuseum@aol.com Lanza Legend: Bob Dolfi & Marlene D’Attanasio, Associates, P.O. Box 6742, San Pedro, CA 90732; www.lanzalegend.com The Lanza Legend Newsletter: dlanza622@earthlink.net Contact for more information on book or newsletter.
10631 Vinedale Street, Sun Valley, CA 91352 - Phone (818) 767-3413 - Fax: (818) 767-1410
