Frank M Tavaglione

The son of Nick and Mary Tavaglione, Francis (Frank) M. Tavaglione, passed away January 6, 2015. He was 99 years old. Born June 26, 1915 in Pittston, Pennsylvania, Frank was an 88 year resident of Riverside having moved here with his parents and family in 1927.

While attending Riverside Poly High, H. Norman Spohr, who taught glee cub and choir, told Frank he had a wonderful speaking voice and that he should try singing. He took Mr. Spohr up on his offer. In 1936, Frank, a baritone, won the state-wide KFI radio contest for his singing skills. And not long afterward he was in New York as the featured soloist on the nationally syndicated Maxwell House Radio program. Using the stage name Frank Travis, he appeared with Lucille Ball, Fanny Brice, Edward Arnold, Adolphe Menjou and Walter Huston to name a few. His passion was opera where he performed across the nation and in Europe with the likes of John Raitt and George London.

During World War II he served with the 38th Infantry as a Seargent. He was the first to sing on the BBC in uniform and was asked to perform for King Peter and Princess Alexandrea of Yugoslavia. After his performing career, he taught voice at UC Riverside for many years and continued as a private voice instructor right up until the last few months of his life.

In 1942 Frank married Betty Pearson of Fillmore, California. They were married for 73 years. His wife Betty, an accomplished pianist and singer in her own right, accompanied Frank for most of his singing career. Together they raised two children Linda and Steve. Frank is survived by his wife Betty 93, his cousins, Joe, Louie and Nick Tavaglione. His son-in law Peter Spiers and daughter- in law Sally Tavaglione, four grand children, Bill, Nick, Leah and Barrett, 12 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A passionate and faithful follower of Jesus Christ. Frank was a member of 1st Baptist Church of Riverside for 70 years.