Vincent Esposito, Sound Consultant to Frank Sinatra, Dies at 91

Our Dad, who had been Frank Sinatra’s sound consultant, went “gently into that good night” surrounded by all of us!

• The Obituary
  
• Remembrances from Dave Ardito, Jeremy Watson, Dylan Bruntil, Cousin Kenny Perrone, and Lois Ardito
• Meditation Prayer before Kaddish, Rita Watson
• The Lord’s Prayer
• The Rainbow Connection

Vincent R. Esposito, Sound Consultant to Frank Sinatra, Dies at 91
Vincent R. Esposito, 91, of Arlington, MA, formerly of North Haven, CT, died Saturday, December 3, 2011 at Park Avenue Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Arlington surrounded by loving family who included his wife of 69 years, Clara Mercugliano Esposito, children, grandchildren, and extended family.
Vince, as he was known to many, was a sound consultant to Frank Sinatra. Head of VINCO Electronics, he created the concept of “sound without a shell” that enabled top musicians to perform at the Yale Bowl in New Haven, Connecticut.
He handled Tony Bennett’s White House Christmas Concert for President Lyndon Johnson and Lady Bird. A member of the Television Academy of Arts and Sciences, he also worked with performers who included: Paul Anka, Count Basie, The Kingston Trio, Liza Minelli, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Simon and Garfunkel, and The Brothers Four.
Mr. Esposito was born April 15, 1920 in New Haven, CT. and was a veteran of the US Army Air Force. He had a zest for life and was happiest when the family was celebrating together.
In addition to his loving wife, he is survived three daughters, Rita Watson of Boston, Lois Ardito and David, of Arlington, MA, Deborah Steady and Jeffrey of Thaxton, VA., seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.
His grandchildren are Benjamin Jude Ardito and Lynda of Andover, MA, Jeremy Watson and Ruth of Burlington, VT, Carrie Johnson with Iggy Fanlo of San Francisco, CA, Joshua Watson and fiancée Heather Repicky of Boston, MA, Dylan Bruntil and Heather of Sharon, MA, Bennett Bruntil and Jennifer of New Paltz, NY, and Alex Steady of Thaxton, VA.
Memorial contributions: Because he was so much a part of  Show Biz contributions can be made to:

• Park Avenue Nursing Home
• c/o  Resident Council Activities
• 146 Park Avenue
• Arlington, MA 02476

Remembrances
Whenever our family is together Dad’s mood elevates. He loves family gatherings with grandchildren visiting and great-grandchildren running to him saying, “Poppy, Poppy.” They sit with him and play and wait for his paper airplanes to fly.
Oftentimes Frank will be singing in the background and he will say to us, “Did I ever tell you about Sinatra?”
One day in reminiscing about grandparent days together, our children will tell their children about Nanny and Poppy and Frank Sinatra.
They will look at pictures, listen to the music, and come to see what Poppy is holding onto for himself while at the same time sharing with his family – a treasure of memories.  (Frank Sinatra and our father, Vince Esposito, his sound consultant)
Grandchildren Remembering Poppy
When Jeremy said to Nanny, “Poppy is always going to be here, living in all of us,” he was right.
Here are some Poppisms.

• From Jude: “Very G Double O – D”
• From Dylan and Bennett: “Greato! Greato!”
• From Josh: “Helloooo Popp ee”
• And from Carrie the Queen: “Dee ♪♫ Dee”

In opening, Dave reminded us of many other Poppy remarks.  Perhaps one of the most came in the form of a reprimand — “Violation.”
My son Jeremy talked of tradition and all that Poppy gave to his grandchildren.  He pointed out that here it was Christmas and one of his special memories was going to cut down the Christmas tree.  And in keeping with tradition, he took his own children — Connor and Clara — to the Christmas tree farm this year as they will do every year — because that is our family tradition.
Dylan reminded us of the values that we learned from Poppy.
Cousin Kenny remembered that Poppy always had wooden boats that he had built with his grandchildren on benches in his workshop.  He was a man of order, who made certain we properly wrapped wires and put things back in place.
Lois reminded us that Poppy believed in manners and to be we kept our manners, he would recite to us, The Goops,  which she recited.

Meditation before a Prayer of Mourning (Kaddish)
Dr. James Ellison lovingly cared for our parents. This meditation, recited by his son at his Bar Mitzvah, reminded me of Poppy’s love.
When I die give what’s left of me away
to children and old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
cry for your brother walking the street beside you.
And when you need me, put your arms around anyone
and give them what you need to give me.
I want to leave you something, something better than words or sounds.
Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
at least let me live in your eyes and not in your mind.
You can love me best by letting hands touch hands,
and by letting go of children that need to be free,
Love doesn’t die, people do.
So, when all that’s left of me is love — give me away.
Final Prayers by Fr. Charles Connolly
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
A time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing Ecclesiastes 3
But at this time, we embrace Vincent who is embraced by all the people here who love him.
• May the Lord bless you and keep you;
• May the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
• May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us,
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen.
The Rainbow Connection as Lois will always remember

Why are there so many
Songs about rainbows
And what’s on the other side
Rainbow’s are visions
They’re only illusions
And rainbows have nothing to hide
So we’ve been told and some chose to
Believe it
But I know they’re wrong wait and see
Someday we’ll find it / The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
Who said that every wish
Would be heard and answered
When wished on the morning star?
Somebody thought of that
And someone believed it
And look what it’s done so far
What’s so amazing
That keeps us star gazing
What so we think we might see
Someday we’ll find it / That Rainbow Connection
The lovers the dreamers and me
Have you been half asleep
And have you heard voices
I’ve heard them calling my name
Are these the sweet sounds
that called the young sailors
I think they’re one and the same
I’ve heard it too many times to ignore it
There’s something — that I’m supposed to be
Someday we’ll find it / The Rainbow Connection
The lovers, the dreamers and me
END of Service — The Beginning of Many More Memories and Traditions