Mario ""Mike"" DiNapoli

Mario "Mike" DiNapoli of Cape Canaveral, FL, formerly of Newton Highlands, MA, passed away on October 28, 2012. He was 98 years old. Mike was a well-known musician, composer, and entertainer who began playing piano professionally at age 14. He performed with swing era bands such as the Benny Goodman Orchestra and the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and appeared onstage with many greats such as Frank Sinatra and Count Basie. In the 1930's, he toured the U.S. and Canada with variety shows where he met his wife, Evelyn Downey, a dancer. They were married for 66 years. During his career, Mike was a pianist with the Frank Petty Trio, later forming a trio under his own name. He played in Boston area nightclubs, owned and operated restaurants and nightclubs, and served as the musical director and performer on the 1950's "Swan Boat Show" on WBZ-TV. He also recorded for MGM, and composed several popular songs of the era which were recorded by, among others, the Mills Brothers, the Four Preps, Tennessee Ernie Ford, and Ray Price. Mike is survived by his six children, Maureen (John) Soehle of Cape Canaveral, FL; Marilyn (Dom) Gieras of North Greenbush, NY; Marlene (Dennis) Carroll of East Sandwich, MA; Joe DiNapoli of Cocoa Beach, FL; Margie DiNapoli of Cape Canaveral, FL; and Marcia DiNapoli of Mattapoisett, MA; five grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Marie, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn, and his brother, Dante. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the National Kidney Foundation , 30 East 33rd St., NY, NY 10016. The family wishes to thank the staff of Wuesthoff Hospice and The Place at Merritt Island for their wonderful care and support.