MARSHA'S PINTEREST. Mrs. Spada lived in Overbrook Farms at the time she was on Bandstand. Scott Brady. The end of AmazonSmile removes a revenue source for many Philly charities, Jason Kelce could make a 'Saturday Night Live' cameo with his brother Travis hosting, School District of Philadelphia to relocate Building 21 students following asbestos exposure, Eagles wide receiver Zach Pascal robbed at gunpoint in Maryland, Eli Lilly slashed insulin prices, starting a race to the bottom. He was active in other business investment ventures throughout his retirement. After graduating from St. Monicas Commercial School, Arlene worked for Dun & Bradstreet for four years. David Snelson will officiate. Arlene heard that Kenny got married and had a daughter named Nicki. Ads related to: bruce richard american bandstand obituary. His first big break as a performer occurred when, at the age of 13, he became a dancer on "American Bandstand," first when the show was hosted by Dick Horn and later when Dick Clark took over. I will try to obtain more information and add it here. After his first marriage ended, Kenny eventually remarried and had a son, Jonathan. In 2020 he told PhillyMag: " (W)e would get picked up on Friday. WADESBORO The Anson County School Board met on Monday, Feb. 20, to discuss the estimated $34 million construction of the new middle school. Wall Collage. The meeting was arranged through a letter from Dick Clark's office. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. He retired from the United States Postal Service in 2008 after 30 years of service. For more information, contact Patsy Mollica at 508-789-8040 or patsy@patsy.com. Post #3246. [Editor's note: Justine Carrelli and Bob Clayton were misidentified in a photo that ran in the May 13 issue of PARADE. I don't think I said one word to the girl, who was wearing a Catholic school outfit and was definitely a good jitterbugger, except Thank you.. American Bandstand. Please contact Find a Grave at [emailprotected] if you need help resetting your password. Wayne Shorter, born Aug. 25, 1933, in Newark, N.J., was known as a deep thinker on and off the bandstand, ingrained with an intense curiosity that began during his childhood. He grew up watching "Bandstand" and said some of his aunts and uncles appeared on the show, which was filmed in West Philly. This time wasn't quite so shocking. Late of Kariong, formerly of Cronulla. American Bandstand | Congrats to our man, pots and pans, the boss with the hot sauce, Jerry Blavat on being a #jeopardy answer last night. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight SUBSCRIBE Home Entertainment. Another witness testified at that hearing that Blavat had served as the frontman to buy a $40,000 yacht for Scarfo. Dance Floor. To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. But about four years ago, after a lifetime filled with journalistic and entrepreneurial achievements, Cutler began to wonder what had happened to all those kids, those celebrities of her youth, and she went about the business of trying to find them. Dec 06, 2016 at 10:32 am. This is a video I created of one of my favorite dance pa. B. Bobseba. In part, the move was made to facilitate Clarks expansion into other program production. My husband and I were very pleased to be able to meet Frank Levins and his lovely wife Elisabeth for lunch at the Embassy Suites in Arcadia, CA when they made a trip to California. Arrangements: McReynolds-Nave-Larson. Billions of Records to Help Discover Your Ancestry. ", A musical about the 'Miracle' Cubs? IN LOVING MEMORY OF PAT MOLITTIERI - passed away at much too young an age. In 1951 he came home on leave to marry Joan and they returned to Alabama to continue his service. Carole Scaldeferri Spada didn't seek the limelight. Bucks a must-win for Philly? Known then as Carole Scaldeferri, Mrs. Spada was among the teens who jitterbugged and slow-danced their way to fame in a TV studio in Philadelphia, while host Dick Clark spun what are now oldies. But the Doors performance that night would live on in a very different way, resulting in the group being banned from the show in perpetuity, Whitaker adds. 1950s/1960s POLLS. ), Rick was tall, about 6-foot-3, and very handsome but quite shy, and he balked at my suggestion. Continuing with this request will add an alert to the cemetery page and any new volunteers will have the opportunity to fulfill your request. Throughout the rest of the 1950s, "American Bandstand" featured a number of famous acts including the debut of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel (November 22, 1957), Jerry Lee Lewis (March 18, 1958), and Dion and the Belmonts (August 7, 1958). But as recently as last summer, Blavat was performing DJ sets at the bar he owned for 50 years at the Jersey Shore, Memories in Margate. 50's TV Celebs | They lost touch over the years. Release Calendar Top 250 Movies Most Popular Movies Browse Movies by Genre Top Box Office Showtimes & Tickets Movie News India Movie Spotlight. Ultimately, producers were impressed with his dancing and let him stay. . in June 2021 with the clue, "Longtime Philly DJ Jerry Blavat helped popularize this 'explosive' rhyming phrase for something good out of the old days. The Niebur Funeral Home, Pittsfield, is handling arrangements Read More, Bruce Devereux Richards , born March 21, 1928 in Denver CO to Mary A. and L.D. In the heyday of radio, DJs became celebrities and often created on-air personas. Brancaccio says that's what . Dick Clark, the longtime host of American Bandstand and Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve, has died at the age of 82, TMZ reports.According to the site, Clark died from a massive heart . A post shared by Memories In Margate (@memoriesinmargate). The show was "American Bandstand," and Dick Clark's clean-cut style meant the program had parents' stamp of approval. Are you sure that you want to remove this flower? If anyone has verifiable information they would like to contribute, please contact me and I will update this. He graduated from Midland High and from the University of Michigan with a Read More, Bruce Chandler Richards, 82, of Traverse City, died Sunday, May 13, 2007, at Munson Hospice House, with his family by his side. Born September 27, 1947. . Tiffany Rivera Good training for a future editor. Indeed. Typically, he said, Mrs. Spada would turn the conversation around and ask about the fan. Concerns were raised about the cost of the school, both with and without a sixth-grade wing, as well as the location of the . Bruce was a resident of Nebo, Illinois at the time of passing. Bruce was a resident of Springfield, Missouri at the time of passing Read More, RICHARDS Bruce Donald 18th June, 2017. Aged 86 years. The Cortege will leave the Church at the conclusion of Mass and arrive at FREMANTLE Read More, RICHARDS (Bruce): Passed away peacefully at Aegis Nursing Home Hilton aged 87 years. But we would go uptown, and we'd meet him at Broad and Locust, where all the Jewish guys were. Aged 63 years The relatives and friends of Bruce are respectfully invited to attend a Service Read More, RICHARDS BRUCE DONALD 18th June 2017 Late of Kew and formerly of Bulahdelah Dearly loved husband of Sandra. PRINCETON - "Light's in Common" will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the bandstand on the town common. And respect. It was shot live from Frani Giordana and Mike. Learn about how to make the most of a memorial. Harvey has passed away, but I do not have the year or specific date or data. Historical Insights, Photos, Records, And More. Carole Scaldeferri Spada, 70, 'Bandstand' dancer. You know the newspaper guys. To use this feature, use a newer browser. You can customize the cemeteries you volunteer for by selecting or deselecting below. Some of our fellow classmates kept ribbing Rick until he finally agreed (reluctantly) to go with me to American Bandstand, so one day we got on the Broad Street Subway after school and then the Market Street El and finally arrived at the end of a long line of wannabes at 46th and Market. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. Jerry Lee Lewis was the first guest on the national show and it would over the decades feature the TV debuts of such stars as Prince, the Jackson 5, Aerosmith, Sonny and Cher and dozens of other performers. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. . Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing. Weekend events and festivals for March 3rd - 5th in Sebastian include a concert in the park, live music, a seafood festival, a cornhole tournament, and an ethnic festival. ", The correct response, "Blast from the past. If you look closely, you might see Len Lear dancing with a girl in a Catholic school dress on "American Bandstand" at 46th and Market Streets in 1957, when Lear did manage to make the most acerbic comments in the history of American Bandstand's "Record Review" feature. You could dance to it. NBC10 hires Fred Shropshire to replace Jim Rosenfield as weekday evening anchor. 0 cemeteries found in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA. Bandstand & Race. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. He was Read More, June 11, 1939 - September 20, 2018Bruce Patrick Richards, aka Papa and Poppy, passed away in Pomona on September 20th, 2018 at the age of 79ish.Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Marilyn, their children Michael and Karen Richards, Jennifer and Chris Deegan, and CB Richards Read More, 13/11/1953 - 18/06/2017 Those we love don't go away They walk beside us everyday Unseen, unheard, but always near Still loved, still missed and very dear Sandra, Karen, Melissa and families Read More, RICHARDS Bruce Athol Passed away peacefully on 31st October 2017 Late of Ulladulla Darling husband of Ruth (dec). Father of Roderick. He grew up on South Bancroft Street, a little street west of Broad in South Philly, and in a 2011 interview he talked about being raised in broken home with a father who wasn't around much. There was an error deleting this problem. It's handled with sensitive delicacy. "We all did. Bruce was a member of the Washington Horse Breeders Association Read More, Bruce E. Richards, 57, of Idaho Falls, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family. Podcast: Is Sixers' prime time game vs. Every motion picture youve seen, every American Bandstand you saw, most of all MTV you see, But Molittieri eventually returned to her Philadelphia roots, where, Another easy way to spot lip syncing is to, Before Soul Train aired, the premiere music and dance show in America, was, The first syndicated episode of Soul Train aired October 2, 1971, and featured a performance by, Sullivan and his producers swiftly recognized that. Loving brother, brother-in-law, uncle and great-uncle. Handbags - Formal Wear. It's the only time we saw our father on Friday when he was uptown and he would take us to the movies, me and my sister. Notes: Jul 1960: Name listed as PATRICIA ANN MOLITTIERI; Oct. Jerry Blavat, the Philadelphia radio DJ, performer and music influencer who danced as a teen in the early days of "American Bandstand" and was known to his fans as "The Geator with the Heater," has died at age 82. When I noticed at item about this anniversary in a music publication, I could not help but recall the three times I danced on American Bandstand in 1957 and, even more so, the two times I blew Dick Clark's mind with my comments on Record Review., I was a senior at Central High School in 1957, and I don't want to sound elitist, but most of the kids at our all-boys, all-academic school probably looked down their noses at the kids on American Bandstand. Maybe we were really jealous because, let's face it, some of these kids might not have been too bright, even monosyllabic, but they were celebrities whose faces and names were known by teenagers all over the country. Parents were yelling at their kids to turn that guy down, so I became the Geator with the Hot Heater.". To see video clips of the American Bandstand dancers, visit www.criticalcommons.org/Members/mattdelmont/clips/bandstand-close-up-on-couples-dancing.mov/view. David Snelson officiating. The first book party was in November in where else? ABC aired American Bandstand every weekday afternoon until 1963, when it moved to a Saturday afternoon slot. He was there to help when needed and was always loyal. She would learn their names but, like all of us and them, she would mature, and those images on the screen and her affection for "those kids" would fade. (noted 9/12/21). . Family members linked to this person will appear here. And believe it or not, I got on Record Review one more time. Ken Rossi. Well, Dick, the lyrics are trite and redundant. "And I watch my mother's steps and I danced the jitterbug with my mother.". www.criticalcommons.org/Members/mattdelmont/clips/bandstand-close-up-on-couples-dancing.mov/view, California residents do not sell my data request. When we were kids, in the wintertime we'd jump in the car and turn the heater up. Bruce was born June 7, 1952 Read More, Bruce William Richards, 70 of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at his home. Much more seriously, there had been persistentrumors Blavat was connected to the mob in South Philly, something he flatly denied in the 2020 article in Philadelphia Magazine, though he admitted he knew South Philly mob bosses Phil Testa and Angelo Bruno. Wherever she went, people would say, "You're Carole from Bandstand," her husband said. Menu. He described growing up in the neighborhood with various organized crime figures, how Bruno's grandkids would to come swim at the pool at his home in the suburbs and how he would drop them off at Snyder Avenue at the end of the day. . cemeteries found within miles of your location will be saved to your photo volunteer list. I was lucky enough to be able to visit a full day with Myrna while she lived in Palmdale, CA. A little while later, Clark announced that he wanted volunteers for Record Review, a regular feature in which three kids from the stands would listen to new records and then evaluate them. The family is being served by Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Carole Ann Scaldeferri Spada, 70, of Newtown Square, a regular dancer on American Bandstand from 1957 to 1961, died Sunday, Dec. 8, of congestive heart failure at a Springfield hospital. directory early bandstand. Some even had fan clubs and received bags of letters on a regular basis. Year should not be greater than current year. ", Blavat attended Southeast Catholic High School, which changed its name to Bishop Neumann High School the year he graduated in 1958. Hosted annually since 1994 by the Branson Show League, the Hot Winter Fun Big Show has become a winter season staple and serves as a kick-off . TV show dates: October 7, 1952 October 7, 1989. In fact, she was "the first female car racer at Cecil County Drag Strip . The word Geator had morphed from gator, which was short for alligator. MACKAY FAMILY FUNERALS Central Coast 43622733 FDA of NSW L/No 12043-01 Read More, RICHARDS, Bruce Llewellyn 22nd January 2014. . His four older brothers (Nick, Tony, Carmen and James) and two older sisters (Mary, and one who died in early infancy) all preceded him in death. They had two daughters, Dellane and Dana. I have always had a passion for music from the 60's, the greatest music of all time! 2017-2023 Tribute Archive. Learn more about managing a memorial . based on information from your browser. Make sure that the file is a photo. Since he was too young to dance on the show, Blavat said he sneaked into the studio through a side door the first time he appeared. Your email address will not be published. They're drinking wine. (Twentieth Century Fox), Soft Science extends that legacy on its third album, Maps (Test Pattern), and adds its own twists. Brother of Evelyn. Blavat's reputation and influence in music traveled beyond the strength of the signals of the Philadelphia-area radio stations where he worked. Clark claimed the show, which was originally hosted in West . There are no events scheduled. He said funeral services are pending. Burial will be in Cushing City Cemetery. Trace Your Genealogy. boomers-fifties-pinups.com. Mary Ann Cuff obituary - December 2, 2010, Frank Levins Obituary - December 21, 2019, Carole Scaldeferri Spada Obituary - Dec. 8, 2013, Carole Scaldeferri Memorial page by Marsha, Mike Balara - Obituary - November. To view a photo in more detail or edit captions for photos you added, click the photo to open the photo viewer. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. (I obviously have missed my calling in life since then.) Get the latest obituaries delivered to your inbox every weekday morning. Years later, when Clark was asked whether any of the dancers had died of AIDS, he . For many who grew up in the 1950s and '60s, "American Bandstand" was a television staple. , where the two-and-a-half-hour show was broadcast regionally on WFIL-TV Channel 6. It was a sad day when I learned of her passing. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or plant a tree in memory of Victor G. Ranieri. American Bandstand, abbreviated AB, is an American music-performance and dance television program that aired in various versions from 1952 to. Bruce William Richards, 70, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, at his home. Born in New Britain, she was the daughter of the late Fred and Stella (Karmilowicz) Lugli. "When the doctor told me the news, I was heartbroken," her husband said. Much loved father and father-in-law of Karen and Adam, Melissa and Aaren. or don't show this againI am good at figuring things out. Richard Wagstaff Clark became a national icon with American Bandstand in the 1950s, hosting the show for more than 30 years. She was 15. BRUCE RICHARDS OBITUARY. Bath Fri. 3/3 11 a.m. You have chosen this person to be their own family member. April 18, 2012. What will they be able to do in the real world where dancing just doesn't cut it? (Many of the Philly rowhouse stars did in fact crash and burn after American Bandstand moved to the west coast in 1962 because they really were not prepared to do anything with their lives except dance on TV. As a teenager in the late 1970s I always enjoyed watching American Bandstand on Saturday afternoons. It takes place Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Cathedral Basilica of Sts. He served in the Korean War, and after being Honorably Discharged from the Army in November of 1951 he moved to Phoenix, Arizona. She was assigned the dressing room previously used by Sally Starr and once went to an appearance in New York by limousine. Which of the following structure contains osteocytes? They lost touch over the years. Her husband, Richard Spada, said Mrs. Spada was recovering from a minor stroke she had suffered earlier when . On the radio, Blavat was unabashed advocate for the Philly Sound, thegenre of soul music that originated in the city the 1960s and 1970s and was created by songwriters Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, among other. Brother of Evelyn. EARLY BANDSTAND VIDEOS. Was it 2009 that she left us? The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. United States Army, World War I, Battery C 55 ARTY Coast Artillery Corp. Oh, my word! Bruce William Richards. Private Family Liturgy of Resurrection on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at ST. MARON MARONITE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 602 University Avenue NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413. 32 talking about this. Bro. Variations: Viewing All | Kenny Rossi. Tickets start at $49. The young dancers on American Bandstand were the reality stars of the 1950s and '60skids nationwide rushed home to watch their every move and chatter about their relationships and exploits. He was born in Fitchburg, on Feb. 1, 1954, a son of the late Donald F. Richards and had lived there all of his life before Read More, Bruce Alan Richards Bruce Alan Richards, 53, died April 13, 2004. What better way to start an American history concert than with the "Star Spangled Banner." Written toward the end of the War of 1812, Frances Scott Key's song didn't officially become the . Failed to report flower. She and her husband were married in 1977 after he recalled seeing her photo at age 14 and made plans years later to meet her at Philadelphia International Airport. Search Obituary Records Online Free. Flowers added to the memorial appear on the bottom of the memorial or here on the Flowers tab. He graduated from Midland High, and from the University of Michigan with a degree in forestry Read More, TRAVERSE CITY "" Bruce "Bud" C. Richards, 82, of Traverse City, died Sunday, May 13, 2007, at Munson Hospice House in Traverse City. He was born in Fitchburg on Feb. 1, 1954, a son of the late Donald F. Richards, and had lived there all of his life before moving to Hickory Hills Lake Read More, Bruce L. Richards, 52 LUNENBURG Bruce L. Richards, 52, of Hilltop Lane, died Thursday, Sept. 21, in an accident while fishing on Hickory Hills Lake. Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, at the Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. cemeteries found in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA will be saved to your photo volunteer list. Include gps location with grave photos where possible. Your new password must contain one or more uppercase and lowercase letters, and one or more numbers or special characters. A 1958 graduate of P. S. DuPont High School, Bob was. Anyone who possesses different and accurate information may feel free to contact me to make any necessary corrections. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription. Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA, Frankford, Philadelphia County, Pennsylvania, USA. March 3, 1998. ' (The show took place at the WFIL-TV studio at 46th and Market Streets. Read the review. In 1987, ABC finally cancelled American Bandstand after American Bandstand was broadcasted nationally on August 5, 1957 with Dick Clark as the host. The Roy Rogers Show on TV | Much loved father and father-in-law of Karen and Adam, Melissa and Aaren. Try again later. And with all due modesty, I am a hell of a jitterbugger.. THIS & THAT 50s/60s. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. Aged 83 years Always in our Read More, RICHARDS, Bruce Ernest Death occured in Brisbane 23rd November 2012. He always distanced himself from any criminal activity connected to Testa, Bruno and their associates. Bruce died December 9, 2012, at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in St. Barbara Jean Warchol, of Kensington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Mar. Through the years, Victor and his daughters often attended American Bandstand reunions, representing Patty. She was one of the great stars of the Philadelphia years. Cody Canada just might be the perfect . SPECIAL RECOGNITION. ", In a Time.com obituary for Dick Clark, who died April 18, 2012, a reporter wrote: "Lou DeSera, Carmen Jimenez, Carole Scaldeferri, Rosemarie 'Little Roe' DiCristo: they may sound like characters on The Sopranos, but they were just ordinary kids, with extraordinary luck of being in Philadelphia at the moment the old town lit the fuse for the rock explosion. Blount & Curry Temple Terrace Read More, RICHARDS, Bruce William 70, of Lutz, died January 3, 2019. He made sure that their first live televised performance in the US would be on his show, and, on February 9th, 1964, the Beatles performed on The Ed Sullivan Show. He said that when he was a kid, he would come in off the range every day and watch me on 'Bandstand.' Try again later. After dispelling rumors of his death, which circulated on social media on Thursday, Blavat's representative confirmed in a Facebook post on Friday morning that he had died at 3:45 a.m. at Jefferson-Methodist Hospital in South Philly. Managing Editor Jon Tuleya contributed to this article. Her husband, Richard Spada, said Mrs. Spada was recovering from a minor stroke she had suffered earlier when she became ill on the way to church. We have set your language to The email does not appear to be a valid email address. He joined the Marine Corp. in 1953 and served with great pride until 1962. 3/6 1 p.m. Development Corporation City Hall Brunswick Fri. 3/3 1 p.m. Cooks Corner Revitalization Committee Zoom, Council Chambers . Vinyl and CD . The screen would fill with black-and-white images of teenagers dancing, the room would fill with music and she was filled with delight. This account has been disabled. With this, he helped make his daughters' dreams of owning homes possible. justine and bob. The soft, almost cooed vocals of singer Katie Haley bring a pop veneer. Art said The DC5 always did this, because they didnt trust TV audio men to get the vocal mix right. Partner of Bruce. Cutler will be appearing Monday to talk about her book atMax and Benny's restaurant in Northbrook. Arlene heard that Kenny got married and had a daughter named Nicki. He is also predeceased by his wife Patricia Ann (ne Molittieri) and his daughter Dana Ann (Borghi/Bender) of Aldan, PA. After high school, Victor took a job in sales at Gimbel's on 69th Street, Philadelphia, and quickly proved to be an outgoing, social salesman. Kelly said he avoided Rittenhouse Square, knowing if he were seen there, they'd be banished, but it was an open secret that most of the boys on the show were gay. Look, man, I replied, you are a great-looking guy, so the girls will flock around you, and then I'll take over with my personality. They don't bother you, but if you get close to it, it snatches you up. Studio B at Forty-Sixth and and Market Streets 1950s/1960s POLLS. Bruce was a resident of Alto, Texas. Services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday in West Cemetery. It took me about 30 minutes to get up the steel to ask a girl to dance, and I tried my best to act cool and not look into the camera as if millions of people were not watching me. But Sullivan, who lives in New Jersey, did trust her, agreed to collaborate on the book and paved the way to meet and interview dozens of other regulars who once were dancing kids. They lost touch over the years. He is also predeceased by his wife Patricia . We elevated them into celebrities. Interment is private. ABC WFIL-TV studios 46th and Market Philadelphia. Links | There is a problem with your email/password. Did Mavericks kneel during national anthem. If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here. Arlene heard that Kenny got married and had a daughter named Nicki. Are you adding a grave photo that will fulfill this request? Please reset your password. After his first marriage ended, Kenny eventually remarried More than a dozen Branson shows joined together to perform at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 25, for the 29th Annual Hot Winter Fun Big Show. Read More, RICHARDS, BRUCE, 73, passed away on Feb 12, 2009. Climate Action Commission City Hall Mon. Failed to delete memorial. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "She would go home, and people would say, 'I saw you on TV,' " her husband said. ), I remember thinking to myself, Those kids think they're so cool, but I'll bet anything they don't know the first thing about geometry or the French Revolution. But most have fond memories of their short time in the spotlight and of its lingering effect. Will be greatly missed by his puppy Timmie. "She would say: 'I'm just a kid who loves music and loves to dance.' Passed away suddenly at home. Resend Activation Email. He is preceded in death Read More, Bruce William Richards June 15, 1943 February 20, 2022 It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of Bruce W. Richards, 78, of Colorado Springs, CO. Bruce was born in Trenton, NJ to William and Elizabeth Richards. Bruce Richard. He later received a BS degree in Economics in 1963 through the University of Minnesota Business School. Gerald Joseph Blavat was born to a Jewish father, who was a bookie, and an Italian mother, who worked as a riveter in the Philadelphia Navy Yard during World War II. Although Mrs. Spada rubbed elbows with performers like Sammy Davis Jr. as a teen, she never sought the limelight, her husband said. The TV exposure, plus the profiles some of the dancers were given in Teen magazine in the late 1950s, made them instant celebrities.