CORBI”The Music Man”Frank Lafaro Corbi (Bobby), age 76 on March 19, 2022 of Norwood, PA.Survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” (nee Morgan), his daughter Christin (nee Corbi) Buss (Johnny), grandaughter Kaylee Corbi,Aunt Olga Digiovanni, step-daughter Desireah Osborne (nee Morgan) Anna Jensky, step-grandchildren Jamison Osborne and Tristan Osborne,Step-great-grandchildren Oliva Osborne and Logan Osborne, and his beloved Tom Cat. (Parents Erma (nee Digiovanni) Corbi & Michael Corbi)Frank was a devoted family man. His pride and joy was his granddaughter, Kaylee. Frank and Kaylee spent a lot of time visiting one another or talking on the phone. In addition to doting on his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he also devoted much of his time to his Aunt Olga, whom he loved dearly.Frank achieved one of his greatest dreams in marrying Betsy. He made her incredibly happy and she did the same for him. He is greatly missed.Frank graduated from Saint Thomas More High School, West Philadelphia, and was quickly drafted into the United States Army. He was stationed at Ft. Jackson South Carolina, Ft. Lee and Camphill, Virgina. He served his country during the Vietnam War, stationed at Bien Hoa, Vietnam.Frank will be forever in the hearts of friends and family. Growing up in the neighborhood of 49th street, Little Italy, West Philly, Frank made a name for himself in the recording business as a singer/song writer beginning in 1963. He was a predominate member of the Philadelphia music scene for most of his life. Friends and fans agree that Frank was a genius musical/vocal arranger who received many awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2018, Charlie and Pam Horner presented Frank with the Classic Urban Harmony honors for 55+ years of Outstanding Vocal Harmony. Frank wrote over 100 songs and created 25 CDs over his lifetime. Friends remember Frank for his corner Doo Wop performances with Frankie and the Fashions and Dino and the Dukes. Although Frank spent most his musical career as the lead singer of Frankie and the Fashions, he sang with many groups over the years, including Billy and the Essentials for five years during the 90’s. He could play just about every instrument including piano, guitar, violin, and trumpet. Frank often mentored children in the area of music. In addition to Philadelphia, Frank loved performing in New Jersey, Kansas City, and Pittsburgh. Frank’s work was inspired by Frank Sinatra, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, and Elvis Presley, and many more…Philadelphia Radio Host, Harvey Holiday, dubbed Frank the “Frank Sinatra of Doo Wop.” Frank’s biggest hit was “What Do I Have To Do?”. His musical legacy has left a large footprint. In addition to focusing on music, Frank was also an actor in the movie, “A Sicilian Tale.”Frank contributed his musical talents as a gift from God. He was known to often correct his musical counterparts, many of whom believe he is currently conducting and correcting the choir of angels in Heaven.Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation, Saturday Afternoon April 2nd, 1:00-4:00 p.m. followed by his Funeral Service in the Main Chapel 4:00 p.m. at The D’Anjolell Memorial Home of Broomall, 2811 West Chester Pike, 19008. Inurnment Private, Washington Crossing Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made out to Interboro Music Boosters c/o Melanie Leahan, 150 N. MacDade Blvd., Glenolden, PA, 19036.
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