This is a daughter's Tribute to her father. It is not an easy one to write because he was taken from us almost four years ago, and the wounds haven't healed. But I think it is fitting I write about him now, and share my memories of a man who was an icon to me. And maybe after reading my story, you will have some fond memories of your own father while you were growing up.

My father was born on February 08, 1925 to Rosario & Rosa Millemaci in Dunkirk, NY. He was the youngest of four brothers: Anthony, Philip, and Joseph. When my grandparents moved from Dunkirk to Fargo Ave. in Buffalo they lived in a modest 2nd story flat. In the beginning, when my parents (Mother-JoAnn Hicks), first married they lived at home with my grandparents. My mother was not Italian (Irish & English,) but under the guidance of my grandmother learned all the traditions of Italian life. She still makes spaghetti sauce just like my Grandmother did..:-))

One of my father's passions was singing, and he was given the gift of a beautiful voice. During the war, he was stationed in the Phillipines and entertained the troops there. And, after the war, he continued his singing career in the top clubs of our area, the DellWood Ballroom, Glen Casino, and Kleinhans Music Hall. Big Band music was really popular here so it was not unusual to see lines going around the block by the Dellwood Ballroom in the 'old days'..:-)) He also sang with the Gus Farell Orchestra (Joseph J. Guastaferro - my Godfather). At that time he used the name "Nicky Mills" because he thought it would be too difficult for people to remember the name "Millemaci".

My father's love of music was with him all his life and through the years he became acquainted with two of the most wonderful singers of our time - Sergio Franchi and Jimmy Roselli. I remember back in the early 60's it all started when Dad became a member of Sergio's fan club. He bought every album and our house was filled with the most beautiful sound of Sergio's voice. And then on his visits to Buffalo, Sergio and Dad would go riding throughout the city looking for antiques or cars, which were things Sergio loved...:-)) I remember one Sunday afternoon a large limosine pulled up in front of our house and Sergio rolled down the window and waved to us. It was one of my happiest memories. He had come to pick up Dad - where they went I'll never know..:-)) but they shared a wonderful friendship that lasted many years. The last time we saw Sergio was in 1988 - and I snuck in a cassette player and taped the concert. It was the first time I had ever heard "Wind Beneath My Wings" - I had never heard it sung more beautifully. After the concert we were able to go back to the trailer (thanks to Sergio's lovely wife Eva), and visit with them and comedian Pat Cooper who was often Sergio's opening act. We all had a wonderful visit but at the time, little did we know this would be Sergio's last trip to Buffalo. In 1991 Sergio lost his courageous fight with cancer..and the world not only lost an extraordinary talent, my father lost a good friend.

I'm not sure exactly when Dad met Jimmy Roselli but their love of music is what brought them together. They also shared a warm friendship that lasted many years. Unfortunately I was never able to meet Mr. Roselli, but I do have the photographs Dad took when he attended rehearsals.

Dad still continued to sing around some of the clubs here in the city, and also would sing a few songs at our annual Italian Festival held in July. Even after becoming ill, it was amazing how strong his voice was...he was so determined. The proof of that is in the cassettes I have of Dad singing. Dad's other passion was photography and his work was shown all over the city. But I think his favorite subjects were his grandchildren. He loved scenic photography, and buildings, and of course always took photos on his trips, but I think the photos he took of his grandchildren were the ones he treasured most.

Sometimes in our lives things will change and we don't understand why. My parents divorced in 1968 and later that year my father remarried. It was quite awkward for awhile being around an extended family, but eventually we saw that it was just as difficult for our step-brothers and step-sister. But the years have matured us and even though Dad is not here, we are still all family, and that's what is most important.

The photo below represents the important events in my father's life. My lovely sister Sharon came up with this idea as a way of remembering the good times and how much Dad meant to us. Every photo tells a story and is a precious memory of the things that were important in Dad's life. This page and the ones to come are our tribute to him.