January 2005

Hello Deana,

With the utmost respect and gratitude, I thank you for opening up your heart, your home and your life as Dean Martin's daughter.

Best Regards,
Michael

Hi Deana,

I found your book refreshing in that you told it like it was.  Your descriptions of all the characters involved in your father's and your life were so honest and so typical of all human reaction to different and trying situations. However, I was intrigued by your father's will - who got what and why did her leave some children more money than others?  Did he think these children were less protected or more vulnerable?  Anyway, thank you for a great book, I'd recommend it to anyone for its down to earth honesty.

Irene Mohan

Hi Deana, just wanted to say I just finished your book and its remarkable its so loving, caring, honest and when I was reading it I can kind of picture the life you had. I especially like how you give credit to your dad for a lot of things but are also honest enough to say the not everything was perfect in the martin family just cause your father was dean martin. I think its something that a lot of us people born out of parents that are not famous should realize, is that just cause your dad is dean martin or frank Sinatra doesn't mean you have a perfect father. Your book and Tina Sinatra's book on her dad are 2 of my favorite books ever.

And your quote that "my father was a good man but not a good father" is I think a quote lots of us children can honestly say about our own parents. I would like to know if you will be signing books anytime in the near future, I live in New York? I was also curious how many grandchildren your father has? From what I read in the book I counted 7 from you, Craig, Claudia, and Gail. And 4 from Dino, Ricci, and not sure if your sister Gina had any. Thanks for the great book...it was a pleasure to read.

Sincerely,
Sasha Robles

 

Hi Sasha,

My father has 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. As for the book signings, my very first one was in Manhattan, and yes, I am definitely coming back to several cities in New York to do more. Thanks for asking.

Deana

Hi Deana, 

I just wanted to thank you for the great book. It helped me threw a lonely Christmas day. I have been a fan of your Dad all my life have all his albums and most of his movies.

You had it tough as a Child but came threw it quite well.

God Bless you , 
Marrlene

Deana, 

I just finished your book and had to tell you that I loved it. It was such a fabulous insight into your father. I must tell you that I idolize my father. He has always been my number one man. Your father is number two in my book for so many reasons. Again, thanks for your wonderful book. I really enjoyed it!

All the best,
Robert Kitchen

Deana,

Are you planning to attend the Dean Martin Festival in June 2005?

Thanks,
Ernie

 

Hi Ernie,

We wouldn't miss it. Hope to see you there.

Deana

Dear Deana,

I am 17 years old and just recently finished "Memories Are Made Of This". I am doing a book report on your father. When my teacher told us we could pick anyone, the first person that came to mind was Dean Martin. I have grown up watching a lot of the old western films and love the one's with your father in them. I just wanted to ask, if your father spent most of his time with the Rat Pack?

Reading this book let me see him in a different light and I hold great respect for him and everyone who is related to him. Thank you for opening my eyes to the real Dean Martin.

Thank you,
Erin  

Hi Deana,

Wow! Your passage through the years growing up in your multitude of families, with the mix of a full blender of life's events was simply a golden read.  Your Pop was wonderful. And, you turned out 'good'.  Thanks for the walk through a special lifetime.

All the best,
John Gaudioso

Deana,

Sorry, more of a statement than question. I started and finished reading your book in two days, which is good for me, being a pizza man and working 60 hours a week. I really liked the book very much but feel you could have told us more. So please write another book and I will read and tell all my friends to read it to.

All the best,
Steve

Hi Deana,

Wanted to say your book (Memories are made of this) was great, sad, and funny, I couldn't put it down.

Thanks,
Jacqui (UK)

Hello Deana

I've just read your book and would like to say thanks for sharing your memories with us ...... a fantastic read you should be very very proud. I would just like to know, who did Dean like to listen to musically.

Thanks,

Steve

Hi Ms. Martin,

I received your book from my son for Christmas. I am half way through and love it. I would like to ask you if the Dean Martin Festival is an annual event. If it is do you have any information for the festival in 2005. I would love to attend.

Thanks, 
Michelle Ferrante

 

Hello Michelle,

Yes the Dean Martin Festival is an annual event and this year it will be held on June 17, 18 & 19.  You can find all the information at http://www.deanmartinsteubenville.com. I hope to see you there this year.

Deana

Deana,

I received your book as a Christmas present. I finished reading it today, it was great. I am also a subscriber to the TV show CD's in which I get every other month. Again, excellent book!

Larry

Deana,  

Thank You for writing your book. I've watched your father growing up and it has brought back many memories. Some good some bad. After reading what your Dad was really like I found it funny because my father is the same way. He’s also a Dago; a name we've referred to him as for years. Hearing your Dad was also called a Dago made me laugh. My father right now is very ill and stays in his room watching movies in-between naps. Like you I sometimes go into his room and sit on his bed, only talking during commercials. Maybe this behavior is generational with the Italians of their time. Either way it's sad. And when I read Dean was like this I cried; something I don’t do often. So again thank you and as you know already we ALL love your Dad. Hope the rest of your family is well.

Yours Truly,
Douglas Antonucci

Deana,

I am a 62 year old guy. I loved your dad from the mid fifties.  I always thought that he was the coolest and best looking entertainer (I'm straight) and no ones voice could compare to his.  He brought numerous hours of joy to my life and still does.  I miss him, as I know you do.  He was the greatest.

Thanks, 
Jim

Dear Deana,

I do not have a question, I just want to say the pleasure and fulfillment I received from reading” Memories Are Made of This" was over whelming. When I heard you were writing this, I told my girlfriend I have to get to Barnes and Noble and buy this, he was my idol. At Christmas this year it was one of my presents from her and one that I really cherished. I started reading it Christmas Eve when my children and everyone left and I finished it New Years Day. It was so well written that it felt like you were talking or listening in the first person to your Dad when he spoke. Not only in his jokes but also in is love for his children. When I got to the chapter on his passing and how he expressed his love for your Mom Betty and how he spoke of his children I completely broke down and started crying. I'm sixty years old so I'm no kid. I was overwhelmed. I grew up with him and everyone use to tell me I looked like a young Dean Martin when I was in high school. I have to say there was quite a resemblance-I was so lucky! It was like I felt connected in some way. My parents emigrated from Italy in 1902. There use to be seven of us, now there is just two, my sister and myself. I'm still considered the baby! My Mom passed away two years ago at age 99 still living by herself and making the sauce every Sunday. ”Memories Are Made of This" holds a special place in my heart. In the "old" days in high school, we would have Friday night parties and play spin the bottle. The first time I ever kissed a girl your Dad's song was playing. It was 45-rpm record we had bought. I was 14 and I never forgot the words or the kiss. He just seemed like the kind of guy you could connect to. Just one of the "boys" so cool. The day he passed, on Christmas 1995, I had was making Christmas dinner for my children Gina and Ray. They came in the kitchen and said Dad "what’s the matter"? I said, "Dean Martin died." I had tears in my eyes; "he was my idol”. I told my son that he was the only person I really ever wanted to meet in my live time and I never got a chance to. My son bought me a CD-Dino "The Essential Dean Martin" which we take to our little Italian restaurant here in Batavia, NY and the owner is kind enough to play it while we have dinner. When we play golf my foursome consists of two "Dagos" a Jew and an Irish guy. We all exchange our usually greetings which are mostly insults. When they ask me how I'm doing I always say great and don't forget "When the Moon hits your eyes like a big pizza pie and they all join in and sing ‘That's Amore' and we tee it up and go. This has been going on for years and they all know the words now even the Jewish guy. Thank You for taking the time to read this, I didn't mean to ramble, but he was just such a great guy. Keep up the good work of keeping your Dad's memory alive. God bless you and your family. I’m coming to Steubenville next year!

Sincerely,
Ray Tortorice

 

Hi Ray,

Thank you sharing your wonderful story. I look forward to meeting you in Steubenville in June.

Deana

Deana,

My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting you and your husband and having dinner with both of you at the Naples Restaurant. We would like to know if you will be back in town in 2005 for the Festival.

James

 

Hello James,

Yes we will be back in Steubenville in 2005 and you can count on seeing us at the wonderful Naples Spaghetti House...it's one of our favorites.

Deana

Deana,

Your mother Jeanne was always so beautiful!  I'm wondering how she is doing.  And has your sister Gina remarried?  I really enjoyed your book!

Thank you,

Beverly

 

Hi Beverly,

My beautiful mother Jeanne is doing fabulously. My sister Gina has married a wonderful man named Jason and they are very happy. It fills me with joy that you liked my book.

Deana

Hello Deana,

Are you planning any book signings anywhere near Reno, Nevada?  We would love to meet you and introduce you to our 8 year old son, Dino.  Named after your dad, of course.  We are big fans.

Take care,

Ray and Debbie Mota

 

Hi Ray, Debbie and Dino,

Yes, Reno is definitely on our list for future book signings. I look forward to meeting all of you then...especially little Dino.

Deana

Deana 

Did your dad have a notepad with logo "Dino" that he used in the late sixties?

Danette

 

Hello Danette,

Yes he did.

Deana

Deana,

I enjoyed your book so very much. Your dad was a joy to watch and listen to. Just a note to tell you this.

God Bless. That's Amore.

Dennis

Deana,

I have read your book and loved your honesty. I work in the local public library in Steubenville, OH and would love to show you our library's collection of info on Dean Martin. Please contact me prior to next year's Dean Martin Festival and we will see if we can set up a meeting.

I hope your Dad would be proud of you and your siblings!

Sandy

 

Hi Sandy,

I would love to see your library's collection. Let's plan on it this coming year and thank you for your invitation.

Deana

Dear Deana, 

I spelled your name right! I just finished your book and was totally enthralled with another source of information on your really wonderful father. I have so much respect for you and your father. In fact I opened a restaurant in my hometown and decorated the entire place with pictures, some of which I purchased from Sid Avery, whom I found to also be a fascinating individual.

I am interested in attending "The Dean Martin Festival" and would also love to meet you. How can I get the meeting events and agenda for the next festival?

Thanks so much for your courage and grace.

Andy Agar

 

Hi Andy,

Sid Avery was one of the Masters and a very dear friend.

All the information concerning the Dean Martin Festival can be found at http://www.deanmartinsteubenville.com/. I look forward to see you there this year.

Deana

Dear Deana, 

This is more of a comment. I had the honor of meeting your father and mother (Jeannie) at Ciro's nightclub in 1953 when I was just 18. Your father gave me permission to dance with your mother, a very beautiful lady, because my mother and I were sitting at the next table to your father. I am now 69 and I have been a loyal fan all these years. Also your father's death really saddened me to the point that his songs mean even more to now. Deana, I adored your father.

Thank you,
Ron Daquano

Hello Deana, 

I'm 19 years old from Connecticut, Big Fan of Dean, what Italian kid isn't, ha-ha? I think its great you continue to dedicate your time, showing everyone what a great man he was. I personally know Ava Franchi, husband of late performer, Sergio Franchi. We both actually live in the same town, Stonington, Conn. My question is what was Dean's main feature? Like for example, if he were to walk into a room if he WASN"T famous, what would people acknowledge about him first? Thanks for your time.

Jason

 

Hi Jason,

My father was a gorgeous man with a wonderful smile, and very charismatic.

Deana

Deana,

I have already read your book twice; I am now on my third time through. It is truly fascinating. You make the reader feel as if they were there with you all your life!!! At every performance I tell the audience your book is a must read for anyone who has even only heard of your father. Thank you so much for signing my book the way you did. This time of the year I’m sure, is very bittersweet for you and your family. My Grandfather passed away on Dec. 24th 1995. Exactly 23 and 1/2 hours before your father. We can relate. I always think that your dad and my grandfather are in heaven playing cards and watching over their families. Merry Christmas and have a very safe new years eve.

Joe Scalissi

P.S. I still think you look like Susan Lucci

 

Hi Joe,

Thanks for the kind words.

Deana

Deana, 

My sister Natalie and I live in Europe and we are fans of your father since 35 years and we love him very very much. He was and still is the greatest artist in the world. We wonder if your book "Memories are made of this" is already available in French? Thanks a lot for your answer.

I wait it with impatience.

Laurence

 

Hi Laurence and Natalie,

I agree with you...Dad is the greatest artist. And yes, my book will be published in France later in 2005.

Deana

Deana, 

I am almost finished reading your book now.  It is great!!  I have two questions:  1.  What exactly did you mean when you said you sold Jeanne's house with "disastrous results"?  2.  What is your relationship with Jeanne today?  Thanks.

Michelle

 

Hello Michelle,

Real estate is at best a complicated business. My relationship with my mother is warm and loving.

Deana

Deana,

My husband gave me your book for Christmas & I could not put it down.  I'm going to try your Pasta Fagioli recipe.  As a teenager, I thought Lewis was obnoxious, trying to upstage your Dad. 

Pat

Deana, 

I just finished reading your book, "Memories......  It was a wonderful Christmas gift!  Who on God's green earth could say they did not love your Dad? I am two years older than you and his voice was so familiar to me, that he seems like "family."  I grew up on a steady diet of Dean Martin records, which today pleases me more than back then. I am truly sorry that the nature of his business forced him to be less of a dad than you would have liked.  I especially loved the "leather jacket" story!!  That was precious.  I could have just pictured him in your description of how uncomfortable he was in that store. There is not a Christmas since his death that I don't think of him and say a special prayer at mass. And tomorrow I intend to make his favorite, Pasta Fagioli!  Cinnamon?!!  Wow!

Thanks Deana......please come to Tampa, Florida one day.

Happiest of New Years to you and your family.

Patricia

Deana,

I just want to express my appreciation and admiration for your Father's contribution to our lives.  He was such a charming and wonderful entertainer, and a great man.  Words just cannot do justice in describing all that he has done to enrich our lives, and to express the enormous sense of gratitude we have for him.  I am a 31-year-old high school librarian from central California, and I have introduced so many of my students and coworkers to Dean, for he is ALWAYS playing on my CD player in my office, and it's truly amazing (but not at all surprising to those of us who "know" Dean) how everyone, even today's teenagers, think of him as the epitome of "cool", as he projected such a casual yet sophisticated elegance and charm in all that he did.  He was the essence of greatness, and so many have endeavored to be like him, though none have really ever come close, for God only made one Dean Martin, and he lives on forever in our hearts.  God bless you!

Memories are made of this...

Love,

Christine

 

Hi Christine,

What a terrific letter. Thank you for your kind words. Now That's Amore.

Deana

Return to current questions

Return to Top

Browse the archive of previous "Ask Deana" pages:
 
No portions of this website including text, images and design may be borrowed, reprinted,
reproduced or used in any way without express written permission.