MISSED OBITS: NICO CHARISSE

I am sad to report that Nico Charisse, the last surviving child of dancer Cyd Charisse died this past October. I regret that I did not learn about this sooner. Nico had a tough life in later years, and may he rest in peace.

Here is his obituary:
Nico Finklea Charisse, 77, of Los Angeles, California, passed away on Monday October 28, 2019, in Lakewood, California. He was born to Nico and Cyd Charisse on May 7, 1942 in Los Angeles, California. Nico was a veteran of the Army and served as Second Lieutenant at Camp San Luis Obispo. During his time there he fell in love with the San Luis Obispo area and later moved his family from Beverly Hills to Atascadero, California.

After the military, Nico received his Juris Doctor degree and practiced law until the early 2000s.

Nico spent his retirement living along the beautiful Kern River, a place where he had enjoyed fishing and camping throughout his life. Nico is survived by his children, daughter Gabrielle (Tom) McDougall of Long Beach, California. Son, Nico L. Charisse of Paso Robles, California. His grandchildren; Hailey, Nick, Ethan, Taylor, Ella, and Jackson and a brother, Marc Charisse of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania.

Nico is preceded in death by wife Sheilah Snodgrass Charisse, brother Tony Martin Jr., step-father Tony Martin Sr., and his parents. A graveside service will be held at Glen Haven Memorial Park in Sylmar, California on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at noon...

Here is an article I wrote on Nico Charisse Jr back in January of 2015...

Nico Charisse Jr: A Hollywood Offspring Story

MISSED OBITS: RONALD COMO

I am sad to report that I missed an obituary for the son of Perry Como. Ronald Como died in Janaury of this year. He was involved in some controversy back when Perry Como was in failing health. His sister and himself were fighting over who should take care of the elder Como...

GRANGER –Ronald “Ron” Perry Como of Granger, IN born on January 15th, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Roselle Bellino Como and Perino Ronald “Perry” Como, had gone to meet his maker at the age of 78 on January 2nd, 2019. He “Went Home” surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

Ron attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated with his undergraduate degree in 1961 and earned his Master’s in Business Administration in 1963.Ron served his Country in the JROTC while attending Xavier High School in NY. During his time at Notre Dame, Ron was awarded a Purple Heart while serving active duty with the Marines in Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Ron worked most of his career in the Aerospace and Automotive industries for Bendix/Allied Signal. Ron was easily identified as the guy who drove the old VW Beetle to work with the boat tied on top, even in the winter! In 1992, after more than 25 years of dedicated service, Ron retired as the Director of Labor Relations for Allied Signal in South Bend.

Ron leaves behind his wife of over 57 years, Melanie L. Como. Together they were blessed with six children: sons: Ronald Como Jr. (LeAnn), and Paul Como, and daughters: Melanie Como-Dits (David), Wendy Como, Paige Como-Howard (Jon), and Mary Como. Also left to cherish his memory are his grandchildren: Ronald Como, Christopher Como, Abigail Como, Alexis Bishop, Amelia Bishop, Gabriella Bishop, Tyler Dits and great-grandson, Bastian Richardson.

Ron was foremost a Husband, Father and Grandfather but also had a passion for the outdoors. Ron was an avid hunter, fisherman and photographer. Ron and his son, Ron Jr., spent countless days out on their property enjoying the wildlife and looking for that “perfect buck!” During the summer, Ron loved sitting peacefully on the deck of his home on Birch Lake surrounded by his wife Melanie and their children and grandchildren. The beauty and magic of the water and sunsets always brought a smile to his face and never got old!

Ron was a long-time member and supporter of the Izaak Walton League of South Bend, IN. and the Edwardsburg conservation Club of Edwardsburg, MI.The family would like to extend our thanks to the caregivers who tirelessly spent hours taking care of “Mr. C” for the past 10 years. We are truly grateful for all your kindnesses. We could not have done this without you. God Bless all of you. Special thanks also go to the wonderful doctors especially Dr. Paula Toth – Russell, Dr. Brian Jacobs and the doctors at the Cleveland Clinic...

MISSED OBITS: PEGGY DAY

I missed this obituary from earlier in the year. The widow of Dennis Day died. She survived her famous husband by nearly 26 years...

Margaret McNulty also known as Peggy Day of Orange, California died February 1, 2013 at her home. Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday March 8th, at St. Norbert Catholic Church in Orange California. There will be a private burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. Shannon-Bryan Mortuary is assisting with the arrangements.

Peggy was born December 22, 1923 in Denver, Colorado to Arthur Almquist and Margaret Bahan of New York. She was a businesswoman. Peggy was predeceased by her husband Dennis Day the famous Irish tenor and one of the stars of the Jack Benny Show.

Peggy and Dennis were married on January 29, 1948. Dennis passed away in their Brentwood home in 1988. She is survived by her 10 children, 19 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and her brother Robert Almquist.

Peggy attended US Berkeley and USC. She entertained with beauty and grace and turned her passion for decorating into a successful gift shop business, The Old House in Santa Monica for over 17 years. Peggy moved to the island of Maui where she and Dennis had owned their second home. She continued to share her amazing talents during the holidays, decorating the Ritz Carlton Hotel and opened her own home for a successful "Old House Collections Christmas Show". She also helped her daughter Eileen establish her day spa, "Savage Hair and Body Treatments".

After spending 17 years in Maui, Peggy returned to the mainland in 2006 and settled in Orange County. Her passion and talents continued to flourish with lending her daughter, Mary a helping hand to re-establish her gift shop, "The Red-Eyed Grasshopper," currently open in Orange CA...

SOURCE

MISSED OBITS: TONY MARTIN JR.

When looking for stories about classic Hollywood, a lot of the stories appear for one day and get forgotten, or they get buried all together. I was saddened to just discover that tragedy has entered singer Tony Martin's life again.

The only son that Tony had with wife and dancer Cyd Charisse passed away at the age of 60 on April 10, 2011. Tony Martin Jr. was born on August 28, 1950 in Los Angeles, California to two of the most talented people in Hollywood. Tony Martin was a big band singer, live performer, and movie star since the mid 1930s. Cyd Charisse was one of the best dancers of Hollywood's golden age. She was a popular dancer in MGM musicals from 1946 to 1957.

Tony Martin Jr. was a musican, who married beauty starlet Liv Lindeland-Martin. Liv was originally from Norway and a popular Playboy playmate. It is not known if they had any children together.

I have not discovered the cause of death, but it was reported that Tony Martin Jr had been in ill health for years, and his parents had to pay most of the medical bills. It was also reported that Tony Jr was in a car accident in 2001, but I am not sure if that contributed to his death.

This is the second sad death that the elder Tony Martin, who is now 97, has had to deal with. Cyd Charisse passed away on June 17, 2008. Tony Martin Jr. is survived by his wife, his father, and his half brother Nico Charisse...