Retired Stevens’ professor: Frank Sinatra’s honorary degree drew some controversy

Natalina “Dolly” Garaventa, who had arrived in New Jersey as a child from a village near Genoa, Italy, married Marty Sinatra against her parents’ wishes, and because of her strong character and determination, she became the most influential person in Hoboken’s Italian community at a time when local politics were dominated by the Irish.

On Dec. 12, what would have been Sinatra’s 100th birthday, there will be a special gala in Hoboken.

This travel retail only product – costing $1,500 a bottle – comes with a special signed letter from Frank Sinatra’s children, with each bottle individually numbered and featuring a commemorative plaque.

Young Tina Sinatra (right) watching Dad make a movie, w/Frank Jr.

Legendary singer Frank Sinatra was born 100 years ago today – and his magnificent musical legacy lives on.

Even though the family initially lived in a cold-water apartment at 415 Monroe St., they eventually had such luxuries as a radio, telephone and vehicle while his mother made sure her son had nice clothes, Hoboken Historical Museum director Robert Foster said.

Also appearing in the program is long-time friend of Sinatra and WPHT radio host Sid Mark.

Sinatra offered his assistance to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in 1950, according to a confidential memorandum obtained in 1998 by The Associated Press.

Greta Wilson, who was born and raised in Hoboken, said Sinatra is “always the first thing” people ask her about when they learned where she is from. Mel’s perspective on Sinatra attained global attention when he was interviewed by Joe Franklin on Bloomberg’s “Business of Show Business”.

A commissioner called Sinatra “an obnoxious bully” with a “bloated ego”.

The small-scale event is not generating the same buzz as “Sinatra 100 – An All-Star Grammy Concert” on December 2 in Las Vegas, featuring Tony Bennett, Lady Gaga, Celine Dion and other performers. Whatever real or imagined slights felt by some residents were forgotten.

But for a saloon singer who usually had a drink on stage, Sinatra’s ultimate honor came from Jack Daniel’s, which introduced Sinatra Select whiskey in 2003.