Deana, this is not a question, it is a response to your book, which I have just, finished reading. I have never in all my 56 years ever read a book with such compelling need to get to the next chapter and then when I finished, just so much emotion. I feel like I traveled those years with you. It was a wonderful feeling and one, which has brought me closer to knowing your father through your words and memories. I never respond to these types of sites but I felt the need to 'Keep the Cards and Letters coming'. 

Thank you so much.
Dave

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED YOUR BOOK!!!! I loved reading it and couldn't put it down. I was 10 years old when we watched your father's show on TV. There hasn't been a show quite like it since...and, never will be. The spontaneity, the wit, the humor is unmatched!!!! I loved your father--his comedy, his style, his songs, etc. As I slowly read the end of your book, I was crying. You certainly brought back a time that was fun, when the world was entertained by such great talents--your dad, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jerry Lewis, etc... I want to thank you for writing it as, actually, I have been looking for a book on Dean Martin--and haven't found a good one--'til now.

So, THANK YOU for absolutely opening your heart, and inviting the readers in to your life and sharing the painful as well as the wonderful stories you have. I imagine it probably was hard to put in writing parts of your life that was far from being pleasant.

Are you planning to do book signing in the San Francisco (or Fremont) area? If so, WHEN? Would be absolutely thrilled to meet you!!!!!!

Jackie
Of the East Bay

Deana,
I have no question to ask. I just want to tell you how much I enjoyed your book...thank you so much for writing it...


Thank You
Judy Pillion

Dear Deana,

I just finished reading your book. I grew up listening to your dad and rocked my grandson to sleep with a "DINO" compact disc, playing in the background. Now, my 10-year-old grandson still enjoys evenings when he is with me listening to those same songs (though he'd never admit it to his friends). Thanks for the wonderful recount of your life with your dad. You answered many questions I had always wondered about. I think I love him even more now. You are brave and talented women. Best of Luck.

Sincerely,
Judy Keels

Hi Deana,

I just finished reading your book on New Years Day. What a way to start the New Year!!!!!
I laughed tremendously.... I cried uncontrollably...And I thought of how much pleasure your father has brought me over the years. I only listen to your dad's music. It keeps me and my dogs calm...hahhahah. They really do calm down the minute they hear your dads' voice come on.
Fantastic book!!!!! Thanks for letting us into your youth and answering so many questions. I think I will have to hit Steubenville next year!!!!!
Happy New Year to you and John...

Thanks,
Rusty White

NO QUESTION. I JUST FINISHED YOUR BOOK ON YOU, AND YOUR FATHERS LIFE. THIS BOOK IS SO GOOD THAT I READ IT IN JUST A COUPLE OF DAYS. 

THANK YOU FOR SHARING,
SUSAN AND WILL

Deana not a question just a thank you for your book on Dean. As a lifelong fan I found your book rewarding, entertaining and just great to read. 

Thanks again for the memories
Charles

Hello Deana,

Just got finished with your book and it was fabulous. Brought back lots of memories of my family and I watching any movie or show that had to do with your Dad. I still have tears in my eyes. 

Thank you for the memories.
Ben

Dear Deana,

I can truthfully say that I have been a fan of Dean Martin my entire life, and now at 40 years old, that is beginning to add up. My only regret is never being able to see him perform in concert. However, I have shared his music with my own kids to help bring about a whole new generation of fans. When my nine-year old daughter wanted to play a Dean Martin CD at her birthday party, I knew I had done my part. I am thankful for your willingness to keep his music and memory alive through your hands-on participation. He was a talented, charismatic artist and it is obvious that much of that grace, charm and talent passed on to his daughter as well. I look forward to returning from military duty in time to catch one of your book signings back home in Florida.

James

Hello! I am 22 years old and I have been captivated by your father for about 3 years now. I was first very interested in his music and my father introduced me to his movies and the Dean Martin Variety Show, which I find extremely hilarious. I am currently reading your book and I'm totally enthralled in it. I grew up in Beverly, not too far from Steubenville and I think it's very neat that his hometown is not far from mine. I don't really have a question for you, I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy reading your book and I enjoy listening to your father's music and watching his movies and shows. The only thing that I dislike is that I wasn't able to see any of his shows in person! Thank you for sharing your life and his with the world.

Cassie

Hi Deana,

I am an Ohio woman, born and raised in Columbus, Ohio and now living in a suburb of Columbus, called Westerville, with my husband and 2 kids. I just finished your book and I loved it! I tried to read it slow so I could savor every minute, I could hardly put the book down. I laughed out loud and cringed at some parts and felt so sad for you at parts especially when your father sent you the bill for your new car that you thought he had bought for you. I also felt so happy for you when your father called you up and asked you to make him some more pasta fagioli. I just did not want the book to end; I swear it felt like you were visiting with me and sharing your life, the book read that easy! My dad was a huge Dean Martin fan. My dad passed away on fathers day, 1983. I was 18. After he died I became a fan of Dean Martin as a way to keep my dad feeling close and along the way I became a fan in my own right. I cannot wait to attend the Dean Martin festival in June; I hope I get a chance to meet you; will you be signing copies of your book? Best Wishes and congrats on a GREAT book! 

All my love, 
Kim


Hello Kim,

Yes, I will definitely be at the 2005 Dean Martin Festival in Steubenville, Ohio signing my book. I look forward to seeing you there.

Deana

I just finished your book and loved it. One question, I have been looking for a DVD of the Christmas shows that your Dad did (the specials and/or the Christmas shows from the Dean Martin show). Do you have any plans to put them on DVD???

Brent


Hi Brent,

Sorry, but not at this time.

Deana

Dear Deana,

I don't have a question, but I didn't know how else to write you and thank you for sharing your wonderful father with us. I loved him so dearly. It's strange how an entertainer can become so much a part of your life and you feel such a loss when he's gone. Yet, you've never met him. That is how I feel about your dad. If I may take a moment of your time, I'd like to tell you something that happened this past March 2004. My daughter from Texas was taking her daughter to Universal Studios and she was coming through Arizona to pick me up to go with them. She called a few days before she started her trip out here, and asks me to think of something I'd like to see while in LA. I called her back and told her I wanted to go to the cemetery. Cemetery! she said. I told her yes that I had gone on the Internet to find out where Dean was buried and I wanted to visit his grave. I put my head against his crypt and cried and cried. She said, " Mother, you have actually been closer to him just now then many people who went to his shows. I had never wanted to go to Vegas but for one reason to see Dean Martin. Those days I couldn't afford Vegas. Now that I live so close, the only one I wanted to see in Vegas is no longer there.
Your book made me laugh, your book made me cry. I still cry when I play his music, but I can't stop listening. I miss him so much.


God Bless you Deana and thanks again.

Kathy

Happy New Year Deana!

I got the best present for Christmas this year from my beautiful children and husband..... your book! They figured that it would be the perfect gift for me since I am always looking for anything about Dean Martin!! I loved reading all about your family. I told my mother that I got your book and she told me that she could remember me always watching Dean Martin on T.V. and that I liked him since I was 2 years old! The fact is that I LOVED him since then and I still can't get enough of him at age 41!! My only regret is that I never got to meet him or see him perform live in concert. 
You didn't really mention anything about your father's older brother Bill in your book. Did your father and he get along and have any kind of relationship? Also, was he involved with your father's show in any way because I think I remember seeing a Bill Martin in the credits? It seems to me that he passed away shortly after the time your grandparents died. (Late 1960's early 1970's). What was his cause of death?
One other thing I always wondered was about your brother Craig. Was he named after someone since his first name is really Stephen?
Thanks again for sharing your memories with us.

Joan
(Grand Rapids, MI)

Dear Deana:

I don't have a question for you, I just want to say that I just read your book about your father and I thought it was a very beautiful book. Thank-you so much for such a wonderful reading experience.

Sincerely, 
Paul

Hi Deana,

I just wanted to let you know that I have been a fan of your Dad ever since I can remember. (I'm ten years older than you are so that gives you an idea of the great influence he had on me. I wanted to let you know that I just finished reading your book about your Dad. I found it to be most moving and great tribute to your Dad. He was my favorite out of the Rat Pack not only because he was just so talented and good looking, but also because he seemed to me to be a very genuine human being and one that absolutely loved what he was doing. Thank you for the book and allowing me and others to come into the Martin family home. I have added attending the Dean Martin Festival on my list of things to do in the future.

Sincerely,
Beth Nelson
St. Paul, MN

First, I would like to thank you for the wonderful book about your father, my mother in-law purchased 3 copies and had them signed at the Wal-Mart in Steubenville and gave them to myself and my 2 sons, and I must say that my 11 year old told me it was the best Christmas present he could have gotten. I hope that 1 of your stops will be in Columbus, Ohio; my family would love the opportunity to meet you as we are all great fans of your father. They are looking forward to traveling home to Steubenville for the Dean Martin festival, we hope to see you.

All the best,
Pat

Dear Deana,

I got your book for Christmas and it was wonderful. I use to think that I was your fathers biggest fan, but now I know I am just one of millions. I'm going to make the pasta fagioli and think of you and your father. When will the festival be in 2005?

You take care!
Michael


Hi Michael,

I hope you enjoy the pasta fagioli as much as my father. The festival information is posted on my web site and will be held on June 17th and 18th this year. I hope to see you there.

Deana

Hi Deana,

I have just finished your book and I loved it after being a fan of Deans for 50 years. Are there any DVDs of his shows?

Peter.


Hello Peter,

Yes, there are DVD’s of my father’s television show available on many Internet locations, including amazon.com.

Deana

Hi Deana! I loved the book. Your efforts and hard work you have invested in the book is truly appreciated by all of us.

My question regards the bracelet (watch?) that your dad is seen wearing in many photos throughout his life. Did that hold any significance to him? Is there a story behind that?
Thanks!

Ed



Hi Ed,

All I can tell you is, he loved that watch.

Deana

Dear Deana, 

I just finished reading your book and I'm at a loss for words. I've been a fan of your fathers for many years and have collected several albums, the roasts, movies, and videos from his television show, which by the way, I never missed when it was on. I’ve often wondered what happened to your mother. I have to tell you that I was very moved by the stories you told of her. It was heartbreaking. But, even though I cried while reading certain parts of your book, I also laughed. Several months before Dean passed away, I'd written a fan letter to him. It took awhile, but I finally received an autographed (at least I pray it's his signature) picture of him. It is proudly framed and prominent in my home. I also went to see your brother Ricci doing his tribute to Dean. What a wonderful show! And you can bet I had my picture taken with him! Your father was truly the King of Cool and I know he's smiling down from heaven and so proud of his family. Thank you so much for sharing your life and Deans life with his fans. Whenever I've had a bad day, all I have to do is pop in a video and I'm laughing along with your Dad.

Thank you,
Kathy

Hi Deana, 

My name is Chad Geese and I just wanted to tell you that I am a huge fan of Dean! I am 21 years old and Italian decent. My grandmother was married and her family came from Naples, Italy. I can remember hearing Dean play in the record player when I was just a little boy. Anyways enough about me. I was wondering when the festival was in Steubenville and if it would be possible to meet you. If you could get back to me whenever you have time. I'm sure you are very busy. But I would love to hear from you. Thanks for your time. 

Sincerely,
Chad


Hello Chad,

The festival information is posted on my web site and this year will be held on June 17th and 18th and I will definitely be there.

Deana

What song title was on the tombstone of Dean Martin?

Thanks, 
Carl


Hi Carl,

“Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime”

Deana

Hi Deana, 

I know this is really weird but I'm 18 and I have been obsessed with Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis. They are both wonderful entertainers and I cant even begin to tell you how much memorabilia I buy of your father. Reading your book, verse other biographies; I’ve learned how your father was not the typical Hollywood jerk. He was the coolest guy in the world and Jerry was the funniest. Watching CBS's "Martin & Lewis" I was confused if that was really how your father was. He was sort of portrayed as a two timing jerk, but I have a feeling your father was exactly the opposite. Also I was wondering how Jerry is doing. Since I'm only 18, I feel kind of awkward yet really exciting. I was the only teenager in high school on the Homecoming committee who insisted Dean Martin be played at the dance. Every one I meet who asks me who he is, and I keep telling them and their still confused, their not worth talking to. Well if you ever talk to Jerry, tell him how wonderful he is and always will be, and Ashli loves him!



Hello Ashi,

I speak with Jerry frequently, and I will tell him that Ashli loves him.

Deana

Dear Deana,

I just finished reading "Memories Are Made of This" and had to tell you how touched I was by it. I was in tears by the end of the book and want to thank you so much for writing it.

I've been a fan of your dad's since the beginning of Martin & Lewis when I was a teenager. My greatest regret is that I never saw his show in Las Vegas. I was either too young to visit Vegas (according to my parents!) or, once I was old enough, I couldn't afford the trip, and was busy raising my 2 children.

I did start going to Vegas 20 years ago and now go 3-4 times a year. I saw the "Rat Pack Tribute" show and enjoyed it, but would have preferred to see the "real thing."

Anyway, I was fascinated by the story of your life -- the good times and bad -- and learned a lot about your dad I didn't know before. Thank you again for writing it (I'm sure it's a huge bestseller!) and may God bless you and your family. I cried when I read about the loss of your brother, sister, and mother, and even more when your dad passed away. But I know you have good memories of all of them, and after all, "Memories Are Made of This!"

Best wishes for a happy and successful life ...

Your friend,

Sue Casey
Des Plaines, IL

Deana,

No real question for you, simply a note of admiration of your father's career. I love his music and the first movie I can ever remember going to as a young child was Rio Bravo. To this day it still remains one of my favorites with your dad's performance as "Dude". Just started your book and can't put it down. Thank you for such a heart felt look into your past experiences. All the best to you and your family.

Best regards, 
Barry DeMaris

More of a comment. I just got done reading your book. What a wonderful book. I had finally gotten through to my family that all I've ever wanted for Christmas, birthdays...any day, was anything to do with Dean Martin. This past Christmas I got so many things that I sat there and cried. I was so happy. Your dad has always filled me with such emotion. Since watching him when I was a little girl, he just captured me! Thank you so much for sharing your life. You are a remarkable woman!

Mia

Your dad was the best. I remember when Martin and Lewis team broke up; it was big news with my Italian family. My question is what was his favorite Italian food?


Hi Vinny,

My grandmother’s pasta fagioli, and her recipe is in my new book.

Deana

Hi Deana,

Just read your book (I have 3 copies now cause I ordered them on different Amazon stores worldwide to get it fast) it was terrific! Regarding the cologne from your daddy-yes its discontinued but you can buy it via eBay (like I did) the recipe from your grandma was funny to do but I have a feeling that this is like a poor family meal?!
I am into dean right now for some years (I am 33) and I am very sad that I never had a chance to see him live. But last year I when I was in LA I was at Westwood.
Here is my question:
Do you have any information about some recordings from deans live gigs (ALSO THE LAST ONES IN VEGAS) BECAUSE YOU KNOW THERE ONLY A FEW FOR ME TO GET:
I CAN’T BELIEVE THAT THÈRE IS NO MORE FROM THE FROM A MAN LIKE DEAN:

Have you noticed that someone sold Dean's driver license on eBay?


Hello Thorsten,

No, I did not know dad’s driver license was for sale on eBay.

Deana

Deana, 

From 1948 to 1995 I collected virtually everything related to your Dad. Was encouraged to follow the entertainment path, but chose airplanes.
I met Dean Paul when he toured with the pro-tennis teams in KCMo. He was a gentle, kind and courteous young man. I enjoyed his company. Did you, by chance, know the late Tom 'Chris' Connelly (Peyton Place-TV) who commented about being in your home?

Wonderful book....
Dave


Hi Dave,

Yes, I remember meeting Chris Connelly a few times.

Deana

This may be a strange question, but if you watched your dad sing a song I’ve always wondered if you have to sneeze while singing what do you do. Or if you have to cough what happens.


Hi Alexandra,

I have no idea, since it has never happened to me, but if it did…I would just say, “excuse me” and continue on.

Deana

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