STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Albert A. Maniscalco, a Staten Island businessman and song stylist who entertained audiences for four decades on Staten Island, died in Sea View Hospital Rehabilitation Center and Home Wednesday after a battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He was 84.
Born on April 8, 1941 to Mary and Anthony “Doc” Maniscalco, Mr. Maniscalco — known as “Al” to family members and friends — was raised in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn where he attended PS 112 and Shallow Junior High School, before going on to graduate from Lafayette High School.
Uncertain about his career path after graduation, Mr. Maniscalco reluctantly followed the advice of his “Aunt Mary” and pursued a career in the hair styling industry, eventually becoming a master hairstylist and the proprietor of his own salon, a decision that would shape much of his professional life.
For nearly four decades, he owned and operated Michele Coiffures on Manor Road in Manor Heights, where his professionalism and acute business acumen led him to develop strong client relationships with women who flocked to the shop from all over Staten Island.
Situated between the original Alfonso’s Pastry Shop and White House Beer Distributors, Michele Coiffures would become a neighborhood stronghold.
Alongside Alfonso Campitiello and Gus and Pat Arumbages, Manor Road became a vibrant hub of local life, according to Mr. Maniscalco’s son, Anthony Maniscalco.
Albert A. Maniscalco (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
“Known for his compassion and generosity, my dad frequently made house calls to clients who were unable to leave their homes due to illness,” Maniscalco continued.
Later in his career, Mr. Maniscalco held positions at a number of local salons before lending his meticulous skills to Staten Island funeral homes, where he prepared loved ones for their final farewell, with families often expressing deep gratitude for the comfort his work provided during their most difficult moments, Maniscalco went on to explain.
MANISCALCO MARRIES
Mr. Maniscalco met Gilda, his future wife, while singing in the St. Finbar R.C. Church choir in Brooklyn.
Gilda and Albert A. Maniscalco (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Captivated from the moment they exchanged glances, Mr. Maniscalco pursued Gilda until she agreed to a date.
Albert A. Maniscalco and Gilda Maniscalco on their wedding day. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
The couple were married on Aug. 11, 1962 in St. St. Finbar’s, which was followed by a huge celebration in the renowned Cotillion Terrace, with nearly 400 family members and friends.
Albert A. Maniscalco and his wife, Gilda Maniscalco. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
The couple’s son, Anthony Albert, was born a year-and-a half-later, followed four-and-a-half years later by daughter, Jeannine.
Gilda and Albert A. Maniscalco hold up a blessing they received from the Pope. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
In 1966, the family left Brooklyn and relocated to Great Kills, the home where the Maniscalco’s continued to reside.
MUSIC WAS MANISCALCO’S PASSION
With a deep emotional connection to music, Mr. Maniscalco’s musical ability became a lifelong passion, a source of joy and a way to connect with others, and a driving force for creating new tunes and compositions.
Mr. Maniscalco sang loudly, played often and felt transported by songs, always seeking to create that same feeling in others.
During the early 1970s, he joined his cousin, Tony Modafferi and FDNY trumpeter Jules Pontecorvo to form the New Sound Orchestra.
The Generation Gap: From the left, Albert A. Maniscalco, Marge Raymond and Tony Modafferi. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Then in 1978, the Generation Gap was formed and included, in addition to Mr. Maniscalco, Modafferi, Frank LaSalla, Mario Caligiuri, Carl Discala and David Discala.
As its charismatic frontman and lead singer, Mr. Maniscalco would entertain thousands for more than four decades at weddings, anniversaries, Sweet 16s, private parties, lounges and corporate events throughout the tri-state area.
Albert A. Maniscalco, standing left, and members of the Generation Gap. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Albert A. Maniscalco performs at a wedding in his signature red, white and blue attire. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Famous for his signature red, white, and blue jacket with coordinating top hat, Mr. Maniscalco thrilled audiences with Broadway show tune standards, culminating with his “show-stopping” rendition of the iconic “New York, New York.”
Albert A. Maniscalco performs. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Albert A. Maniscalco and Marge Raymond perform “All I Ask of You” from “Phantom of the Opera.” (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Whether he led conga lines in ruffled sleeved shirts singing “Copacabana” across grand ballrooms, singing the timeless ballad “Evergreen” for countless couples in a spotlight dance on their wedding day, or performing his iconic duet of “Phantom of the Opera’s” “All I Ask of You,” as Raoul replete with cape and mask, together with band mate Marge Raymond, his performance brought the crowd to its feet.
FAMILY VACATIONS
His son added that some of his dad’s fondest memories were made during summers spent at Budd Lake, N.J., where his grandfather had purchased land and built a family compound during the 1940s.
Gilda and Albert A. Maniscalco and their children, Jeannine Maniscalco and Anthony Maniscalco. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Along with his brother Nathan, cousins and extended family, Mr. Maniscalco spent days swimming and assisting with farm chores.
Anthony, Gilda, Jeannine and Albert A. Maniscalco. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
After marrying Gilda, he continued visiting Budd Lake with his son, Anthony, and daughter Jeannine, who recalled that her dad often became emotional when reminiscing about those summers, noting, “Some of my fondest memories were playing with my cousins for hours, milking cows, with not a worry in the world.”
In 1976, the Maniscalco family traveled to Disney World to participate in the Bicentennial celebration, their largest family vacation ever at the time.
Gilda and Albert A. Maniscalco, sitting, and their children and grandchildren. (Courtesy/Maniscalco family)Staten Island Advance
Two years later, the family discovered the popular Villa Roma Resort in the Catskill Mountains Callicoon, N.Y., in what began as an annual tradition during Week 32, affectionately known as “The Party Re-Zoom’s.”
Mr. Maniscalco arranged seating for shows, entertained friends and family, and often rocked the stage with longtime friends, creating memories that would last a lifetime.
During winter months, Al and Gilda Maniscalco would enjoy their timeshare in Delray Beach, Fla., forming lasting friendships with families from across the country.
LATER YEARS
Mr. Maniscalco developed Parkinson’s Disease and Oct. 4, 2021, he entered Seaview Hospital Rehabilitation Center & Home, where he remained until his passing, and where he received the utmost in care during some of the most challenging years of his life, continued his son.
But, even during difficult times, his humor never faded.
He was known to quip, “I don’t know how I got roped into this place,” bringing smiles to the faces of those around him.
“Albert A. Maniscalco was loved by all who knew him,” added his son. “His warmth, generosity, talent, and ability to make everyone feel special left an indelible mark on family, friends, clients, and audiences alike. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.”
Mr. Maniscalco was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Anthony Maniscalco.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Gilda Maniscalco; his children Anthony Maniscalco (Cheryl), and Jeannine; his grandchildren, Alanna Piccirillo (Daniel), Lexi Savino and Anthony A. Maniscalco Jr.; his great-grandchildren, Sophie and Jack Piccirillo; his brother, Nathan Maniscalco (Linda), and his brother-in-law Dominic Saglibene (Linda).
Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 7 to 9 p.m. and on Sunday from 2 to 8 p.m. at Matthew Funeral Home, located at 2508 Victory Blvd. in Willowbrook.
A Mass will be offered on Monday at 11 a.m. in St. Clare R.C. Church, Great Kills.
Private cremation will follow.