Francesco J Sorianello

Francesco was born on May 1, 1929 in Chicago IL to Italian immigrant parents, Frank and Mary Sorianello. In 1943, the family moved to Long Beach CA. Francesco graduated from Long Beach Poly High School where he was an outstanding Cross Country and Track athlete and was the 1945 California Cross Country State Champion. He then attended Long Beach City College and received his undergraduate degree from the University of the Pacific. Francesco then entered graduate studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. His studies were interrupted by service in the Army from 1952-55 where he was a member of the US Army Field Band as a singer. He returned to Curtis and received his graduate degree in Voice in 1959. He then began his career as a professional singer and actor.

In 1962 Francesco married his wife Norma Rae and started a life with her and her two sons Craig and Robert Brown. In 1964, son Frank Dante Sorianello was born followed by a second son in 1967, Parris Victor Sorianello.

In the course of his professional career in Opera and Musical Theater, Francesco entertained around the world. He starred with a variety of performers such as Jose Ferrer, Debbie Reynolds and many others. In a career that spanned many roles, in the opera, theater, television and film, Francesco was best known as Alessandro in southern California’s Ramona Pageant, a role he starred in for ten seasons. In 2012 Francesco served as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Hemet Christmas Parade honoring the Ramona Pageant’s 90th season.

Francesco is survived by his wife of 50 years, Norma Rae, sons Frank Dante Sorianello, Craig and Robert Brown, daughter in-laws Lauretta Sorianello, Sandy Brown, Honey Bee Sorianello, grandchildren Jeanette, Niccolo, Siena, Cian, Kim, Chip, Coby, and great grandchildren Brielle, Grace, and Scarlet. Francesco was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeanette, and son Paris.