Thanks!
Debbie

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Hello Deana!
I live in Canton Ohio and I was so looking forward to your father's festival in Steubenville this year and attend to your book signing but I have to work this year during the festival weekend. Perhaps next year I will make the festival.
I just wanted to let you know how much your father's music, movies and TV's shows are enjoyed and appreciated! At this very moment, while at work, I am listening to his recordings as I often do while at work. I even have my co-workers listening to his CD's and they enjoy them also!

Thanks for keeping your father's legends and music in the public eye! I truly enjoy his many talents from his Martin & Lewis days to the present collection of his songs on CD!!!

I hope to make next years festival and if you are there next year, could I bring my book and could you possibly sign it for me please?

Thanks so much Deana!
Max

Hi Max,

I look forward to meeting you at the festival year, and I will be happy to sign your book.

Deana

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Hi Deana and John,
My best friend Al and I (two Al's with Deana in the middle!) had some pictures taken with you at the Waterfront (Homestead, PA) book signing this winter. Since I am the guy who lost ALL of the pictures from my new (confusing) digital camera at last year's festival, I plan to come down from Pittsburgh to see if I can purchase another (autographed) book for one of my sons and also respectfully ask if you will autograph the picture for me. I plan to frame and hang it beside your Dad's autographed picture. Hope to see you on the 17th.

Very sincerely,
Al Vaccaro

Hi Al,

I am always happy to see my two Als.

Deana

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Dear Deana,

I really loved your fathers singing and his shows. I am only sorry that when they were first aired on TV I was only 10. I am purchasing his shows and roasts now but would like to know why don't they offer his complete shows by seasons. I am sure people would love to purchase them. I know I would. The way they sell them now cuts alot of things out and I would love to see it all. He was so handsome and now that I am older I really appreciate him for his music and his looks. I read your book also and think it was wonderful. I am also going on June 30th to the Hearthstone Manor to see your brother Rickie I can't wait.

Thanks,
Joy

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Deana,
I don't have a question, just want you to know how much my son who is Down syndrome, loves your dad so much. He is 38yrs. old and he grew up listening to Dean all the time. Sunday dinner background music was always Dean & Frank. Of course being Italian helps, Ha! Read your book and loved it.

See you at the Festival,
Teresa

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Deana,
I have no question, just a comment. I was hired by you and your husband to videotape your husband's dad's funeral at Arlington National Cemetery, back in the mid 1990's. I gave you a ride, in my big yellow Cadillac, back to your hotel and then to your husband's family's home in Arlington, VA. I just wanted to say that I have been to Las Vegas twice and have researched more about your late father. He really had a good soul and a good attitude. He may have been the best "diplomat" for the Rat Pack. My late father loved his show and would shush us kids up so as not to interrupt his attentive viewing of it. I continue to videotape funerals at Arlington Cemetery and am glad to have served you and your husband. Take care.

God be with you folks,
Kit

Hi Kit,

It’s nice to hear from you and yes we do remember you. Thank you so much for the your kind words. We will always appreciate the video and the ride.

Deana

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Hi Deana,
I just wanted to let you know my name was chosen because of my mother's love for your father. She had heard that Dean had a daughter and she fell in love with the name. When I was born, my mother said I was definitely a Deana!! I'm 33 years old.

Love,
Deana.

Hi Deana,

I’m happy to hear that we are both named after my wonderful father and I’m happy to see that you spell it correctly.

Deana

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Hi, Deana,
I am a "Dean" and "Elvis" fan and was just wondering if they ever met...How great it was to just click and see the photo of you and your sibling with Elvis! Do you have a photo you could post with Dean and Elvis? Thanks so much! I will be at the Festival June 18th and hope to meet you!

Carol

Hi Carol,

I talk about their friendship in my book, “Memeories Are Made Of This.” They were Palies. Also in the book, there is a very cute telegram that Elvis sent to my father. I’m certain you will enjoy it.

Deana

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Dear Deana,

Hi just writing to thank you and John for making our visit to Steubenville best vacation ever. You and John are a lovely couple and it was a thrill and pleasure to meet you. I will treasure the book you signed and thank you for the cards you signed with Mario to give me. It was also great to be able to sing a couple of you're dads song at the 909. I hope you come to a town near us later this year on you're book signing tour it would be great to see you both, failing that we hope to return for next years festival.

God bless you both,
Bill, Celia and Maureen

Hi Bill, Celia and Marueen,

It's great to hear from you and it was wonderful meeting you. You helped to make the festival a a wonderful event. The book tour starts in November and I hope to see all of you then. Keep singing.

Deana

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Hello Deana,

How are you doing?
Hoping Mr. Garrison's death wont mean there aren't any more of those DVDs of the show coming out! They were pretty great!
Still, I'd miss his warm, loving commentary!

By the way, Regis said - ON JUNE 17th - That is was Dean's birthday! You MUST get him back for this!! Be unmerciful!!

Hope things are going well and you had a great time in Steubenville. Friends say you were great and they had a wonderful time there!!

Best,
kimmmy

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Hi Deana,

I'm still mesmerized by the absolute smoothness that was Dean. I don't need to tell you that he was the consummate performer. I still can't get enough of him on CD's, movies, or T.V. He pretty much gave us (anybody who thinks they can sing) all a template on how to conduct ourselves no matter the situation and I honestly feel like I knew him. That's the genius I'm guessing...Either way, so glad that you're keeping the flame alive. My question to you is this: I know that Dean's entombed in a mausoleum nearby Marilyn Monroe's crypt. But I was wondering, did he ever think he would be placed there and what do you think of Hugh Hefner's recent bid to be memorialized there as well? Was this something that he ever talked about, (I'm sure it would've been in jest either way, so I feel somewhat comfortable in talking about it to you...) or was this just something that occurred without much consideration? I did however think that the inscription "You're nobody till somebody loves you" was somewhat apropos. Was that his wish as well, or did he want to do something along those lines because it was such a big seller?

I still say that there is a dearth of talent since your father left us and am more than thankful that we still have so many things to remind us of his myriad talents. I will always treasure his contributions and still miss his every note, line, quip and humorous aside. You know, his was a smile that was so genuine it should be listed as "sincere" in the dictionary.

Although I know it was and remains somewhat of an emotional burden to you in some way, I just wanted you to know that I can honestly say that all of Dean's fans, to a person I'm sure, would probably say:

"Thanks again for sharing your father with us, then and now, both you and he will always be appreciated for not only his time spent with us, but for your sacrifice as well."

"How I love to hear the choir..."
Now he's with 'em and most of them are probably pissed because his singing is so effortless and his robe and wings are so damn stylish.... God bless him.

Thanks for your time,
W. J. (Billy) Wright

Hi Billy,

Yes, it was dad's wishes to be buried at Pierce Brothers in Westwood, CA. My Grandparents , Guy and Angela are also there. As for Dad's inscription, it was my suggestion that we use "Everybody Loves Somebody Sometime." And thank you Billy for the kind thoughts.

Deana

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Deana/Dina/Deeeana,
(Just a joke)
I have always wondered was your dad right handed or left handed? And I also just wanted to say I have read every book on your dad and I love the way he sings not just to sound like everyone else who loves him but he was the KING OF COOL, I guess I was just born too late. People call me an old soul because I love singers like your dad, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, Nat King Cole and all the crooners of that time. I love Martin and Lewis!! I am only 14 yrs old, I really do wish I had a chance to see him and/or the Rat Pack perform. I also wonder if it is possible to get autographs from both Jerry Lewis and yourself?

All the best,
Alex

Hi Alex,

My father was right handed.

Deana

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Deana,

I do not really have a question. I just wanted to say how thrilled I am that you wrote a book. I ordered it through Amazon. I can't wait to read it. Growing up I got every magazine that featured your family. I also purchased Riccis' book.

Janine

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Dear Deana,

This is not really a question but I just wanted you to know that I had a very BAD childhood and I really got into Frank and your father when I was about 8yrs old. I am 27 now and my kids really enjoy your father. I have a 4yrs old who since he was 1 and a half he had thought he is "Dean Martin" because he knows EVERY Frank, Dean, Rat Pack song there is. He watches all the movies he can. On your dad's birthday he didn't do Anything until all of your dad's movies where off of the TV. Well I hope you have a Great Day.

Thank you for your time.
Aimee

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Hi Deana,

I hope if you were going to come to Illinois, I'm not too late in writing. I live in the Chicagoland area. Bloomingdale to be exact. Will you be touring in or around Chicagoland? Thank you so much for taking the time to write me back, I know you must be very busy.

Sincerely,
Brenda

Hello Brenda,

Yes, I will be returning to the Chicagoland area by the first of the year. Hope to see you then.

Deana

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Hello Deana,

I had the pleasure of meeting you in Steubenville at Naples Restaurant. Thank you for signing the menu! My question is what was the name of the club in Steubenville your grandfather Guy was a member of? My great uncle was also a member and I can't remember the name.

Thanks,
Pete

Hi Pete,

Theta Chi Alpha is the name of the Italian men's club and it still exists today. My grandfather Guy and my father were both members. My father's friends Mindy Costanza and Mario Camerlengo are still prominent members today.

Deana

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HI DEANA!

I hope all goes well for the festival! I made Rose some stickers for it with you on them!:)

I was wondering - Regis said he'd done another Variety Show ad on Dean's actual set (wow - imagine having a piece of the actual furniture! Though I guess you MIGHT ...:) Anyway, we're all HOPING the DVD club will keep putting out more new videos.

We were all so sad to hear Mr. Garrison died. He could make me cry, the way he talked about your dad. He did such great intros to some of the pieces and especially the 'That's Amore' one - I loved that!!

Anyway, a lot of people on my Dinopallies list keep asking if there will be more. I hope he had some stuff in the can or that someone can take over it. We'd love to have all the episodes, complete, of course. But we'll settle for ANYTHING!!

Well, I hope the festival is GREAT!

Kimmy
And Dover

PS did you see Empire Falls - which Dennis Farina was just in? It was great, he was great (though he was a jerk in the story!). I really like him.

Hi Kimmy,

It’s always great to hear from you. Thank you for your kind words about Greg Garrison. He will truly be missed. As for the Dean Martin Shows, our hope is that the shows will keep coming and who knows…we would love to see the shows released in their entirety also. Love to Dover.

Deana

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Hello Deana,
I am a member of Kim Fuller's 'Dinopallies' Yahoo Group and have been a HUGE fan of your Dad's since I was 10 years old :) He was and still is my first HUGE crush. I just ADORED him :) Your Dad sent me an inscribed photo after I had written to him when I was 10-years old. It was the mushiest letter I had ever written and he must have been laughing hysterically after reading it......... I cannot tell you what receiving that photo meant to me. I cherished it and still have it displayed in my home to this day :) It was the absolute highlight of my life and is my most cherished piece of memorabilia.
I was so sorry to hear of Greg Garrison's recent passing. He so loved your Dad and he expressed the kinds of feelings that we all shared for your father. I was so grateful that he was instrumental in the release of your Dad's "Best Of The Variety Shows". I LOVE them!!! I have them ALL on DVD and some on VHS when DVD's were not yet available. I would have so loved to have the complete shows, but am just so grateful to have the complete set of 25 volumes. I am hoping that Mr. Garrison's passing will not put a halt to any future DVD releases. Having complete shows would have been a dream come true. Also, any LIVE Concert releases would be WONDERFUL to own as well. I especially LOVED when your Dad sang his couch song each week. He just put this 10-year old girl in a trance... One song that will ALWAYS be one of my FAV couch songs he ever sang is "My Woman, My Woman, My Wife". He sang that song with such emotion and it was so poignant and ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. With each new volume of his "Best Of The Dean Martin Variety Show" DVD's, I was so hoping that song would have been included, but it wasn't. It is rare treasures like this that I would, and I know many fans would, LOVE to see released. There is just so much still in the vaults, I am sure. I know that speaking not only for myself, but for my other Pallies as well, we would be the first in line to purchase any additional DVD's so I am hoping that there will be future material released. Your Dad's "That's Amore" DVD is one of my FAV DVD's. I must have watched that DVD about 200 times. I have to tell you....my home is a dedication to your Dad....very much like a shrine....filled with a multitude of photographs....some signed and others unsigned. He was just such a WONDERFUL man as well as the GREATEST entertainer and singer who ever lived...bar none. He helped to shape my life in a very positive way. I just want to say "thank you" for sharing your father with us. Your book, by the way, was GREAT. I enjoyed your brother Ricci's book too, but I felt that your book gave us a better insight as to what your Dad was really like.... the good and the not so complimentary. Thank you for letting us share in that part of your life and for sharing your Dad with us. I hope that things with the Steubenville Festival are going well. One day I plan on making a trip to attend the festivities. Thanks again Deana!

Respectfully,
Susan

Hi Susan,

It’s very nice to hear from you. Thanks for your kind thoughts concerning Greg Garrison and my father. They are both missed.

Deana

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Hi to you Deana,
I live in New Zealand while my father (a keen and long standing supporter of your father's work!) resides in England. While he likes to claim he has all of Dean's work on record (which is pretty difficult to achieve, specifically the old 78's), I still surprise him with some rare 45 finds that were released in Australia over the years.
My family (we) is meeting up with my parents in LA at the beginning of July 05, to do the Disney etc. BUT also, to give him a tour of Hollywood Boulevard etc. Dad has many contacts and friends in England for which he has exhausted the Dean Martin channels of "easy listening" but has never managed to get to grips with the U.S. record industry for the Rat Pack era. Can you give some pointers to help with this? Specifically, contacts, places to go or people to see (in and around LA and Las Vegas) - this is his first and most likely last trip to LA and would be nice to make it special

Kind Regards and much appreciation in advance for your efforts or any insights

Hope the festival goes well over the next few days

Regards,
Chris

Hi Chris,

The Dean Martin Festival was hugely successful with our greatest attendance to date. Dennis Farina was the Grand Marshall and we raised lots of money for the Dean Martin Scholarships. I am happy to hear that both you and your father are Dean Martin fans. As for your trip to LA, I would recommend that you have dinner at my father’s favorite restaurant, Da Vinci’s Ristorante, located at 9737 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90212.

Deana

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Dear Deana,
I enjoyed reading your book very much. I even tried to make the Pasta Fagioli. Any chance you can sneak me the secret ingredient? I'm just turning 40 and have been a fan of your dad's since I was a kid. My father introduced me to the old Martin and Lewis movies. I lost my dad at a young age and the old black and white photos of him with his curly slicked back hair always reminded me of Dean. Perhaps that's why I'm such a huge fan still today.
This past weekend I made my first trip to Beverly Hills/Hollywood and the surrounding area to see some of Dean's old stomping grounds. I visited Palace Theatre across from Capitol Records, Grumman’s Chinese Theater (to put my hand in Dean's handprint), drove by his 2002 Loma Vista Drive (former residence), and visited his grave at Westwood Memorial Park. The red roses placed there were fresh and beautiful and it appeared someone had recently put a few drops of red wine on the ground below his grave. It was a meaningful experience and a pilgrimage for me. I know much has changed in this area of Los Angeles, but are there any restaurants there still in existence that your dad frequented?

Tom

Hi Tom,

It sounds like you had a great visit. Thank you for paying your respects to my father. It’s very touching and greatly appreciated. And, my father’s favorite restaurant was, Da Vinci’s Ristorante, located at 9737 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills, CA 90212. My husband John and I dine there often.

Deana

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