Mary Wilson's 'Supreme' Performance In Enfield Remembered

ENFIELD, CT — The passing of acclaimed Supremes vocalist Mary Wilson on Monday had members of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society sharing stories with Patch about her headlining appearance at the 2012 Italian Festival.

Wilson, co-founder of the legendary Motown group which contained Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, died in her sleep Monday in Las Vegas. She was 76.

The group, founded as the Primettes in 1959, signed with Motown Records in 1961 and changed its name to the Supremes. In 1964, the trio recorded the No. 1 song "Where Did Our Love Go," the first of what eventually became a dozen hits to top the Billboard chart.

Wilson was the only group member to remain with the Supremes for the duration of its run. In 1988, the trio was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in one of the most star-studded classes in history, being honored alongside the Beatles, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan and the Drifters.

On Aug. 4, 2012, Wilson performed to a packed house on the Society grounds. She was joined by Deana Martin, daughter of legendary Rat Pack crooner Dean Martin.

Society president Carl Sferrazza said, "She was extremely happy to be performing with her friend Deana at Mount Carmel. As I watched her rehearsal, it was incredible to be watching one of the most successful singers in the world right here in Enfield. Watching her at rehearsal as she went through her Supremes hits was an amazing experience. We stayed in touch as recently as last November. She was truly a classy and sincere lady. When we last spoke, Mary commented on the kindness she was shown here at Mount Carmel and the happy memories she had of her time here in Enfield."

"Mary was amazing, wonderful," Society member Frank Troiano said. "She was funny, engaging and very real, and so so much energy. She was certainly proud of her accomplishments - never bragging, but very down to earth and approachable to just talk and answer questions about her fame and experiences. We were so fortunate to have Mary perform at Mount Carmel. Anyone who was there that night could feel the energy and excitement in her performance. That night was one of the largest crowds and greatest performances we ever had at the Italian Festival."

Frank Pillitteri recalled, "The audience was engaged, dancing in their chairs and on the grass. You could tell that she knew an audience and how to get them wanting more."

"I was working security for the stage and trailers, and she was great to talk to backstage," Tony DiPace said. "She was a great performer and everyone enjoyed the show. Sad to hear of her passing. I believe Pete Bellico was dancing to her music. Pete was our oldest member, he was 104 at the time."

Kathleen Tallarita-Lombardi said, "Sad to see she has passed. We are losing all the greats. I remember her being very gracious and pleasant to talk to, and her performance was spot on."

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