Louis "Dean" Nocera

Louis “Dean” Nocera, 84 of Port St. Lucie, Florida passed away on September 24, 2024 after a long illness. Lou was born on September 16, 1940 to Louis and Rose Nocera of Forestville, Connecticut. He is survived by the love of his life Connie Neven of Lake Geneva, WI, his daughters Dina Nocera Martin and Gina Nocera-Kovacevic of Downers Grove, IL, Mrs. Nancy Rose Nocera-Henning and her husband Patrick of Grayslake, IL, and his only son Louis Anthony Nocera (Tony) of Round Lake, IL, 7 Grandchildren, and 1 Great Grandchild, sisters Luanne Nocera of New York City, NY and Darlene Nocera of West Palm Beach, FL. Lou was preceded in death by his loving Mother and Father, Louis and Rose Nocera of Forestville, Connecticut, his wife, Arlene Anderson Nocera of Chicago, IL and former wife Patricia Sennett Nocera of Mundelein, IL. He was a graduate of Bristol Central High School and was nicknamed "Lou the Toe” in his senior year when he was the punter on the school's football team. After high school he was selected and attended Hartford Conservatory of Music. Lou became a hometown teenage idol in the 60’s when he signed a record deal with Roulette Records. Lou changed his name to Dean DeVino and became the youngest singer to perform at the world famous Copacabana in New York City. He appeared with celebrities like Bobby Darin, Paul Anka and Betty Clooney. He came from a musical family and his father was lovingly referred to as the Singing Barber and both his sisters sang as well. His voice had characteristics and a beautiful blend of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. He sang loving ballads with such feeling and emotions and could sing just about all genres of music masterfully. Lou moved to Chicago and soon earned himself a new nickname “The Windy City Crooner”. He loved Chicago and performed with big bands featuring some of that town's top musicians. He also had the honor and privilege to perform for two Presidents. He loved to sing the American Standards and Frank Sinatra songs like, My Way, New York, New York among other tunes. One of his favorite and most requested song was “The Birth of the Blues”, and Blue is what his family, friends and all his fans are feeling now. He loved his entire family and being a Dad to 4 children, Grand Dad of 7 and a Great Grandfather. His son Tony, wrote in a text shortly after learning his father had passed, "He was everything to me and there's no one else I'd rather call Dad". Lou was a veteran and served honorably in the U.S. Army and also entertained officer's at the Officers’ Club during his enlistment. Lou enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loved traveling with his Sweetheart Connie and his beagle Hunter. He retired to Florida in 2022 and loved his new home. We only wish he could have had more time to enjoy it. He will always be remembered as a man who lived and sang from his heart, a heart filled with love that will forevermore be so missed. Lou had a Heavenly voice and Heaven is where that voice and Lou belong. May God hold and keep him safe in his arms until we can all be together again. You can listen to some of Lou’s later recordings at lounocerasings.com The family wishes to express their eternal gratitude to Hospice House in Stuart, Florida for the love, kindness and support given to him and his family. They provided comfort and loving care to him when he was not able to go home and we are filled with gratitude and love. We are most fortunate he was able to spend his last days there. They are truly angels of God.

Louis "Dean" Nocera

September 16, 1940 - September 24, 2024