Singer Al Martino dead at 82

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- Singer and occasional actor Al Martino has died in his Pennsylvania home, his longtime friend, Jerry Blavat, confirmed. He was 82.

Born Alfred Cini, the former South Philadelphia bricklayer went on to record the hit songs "Spanish Eyes," "Here in My Heart," "I Love You Because," "I Love You More and More Every Day," "Daddy's Little Girl" and "Mary in the Morning." He also played the role of crooner Johnny Fontane in the classic film "The Godfather."

"He looked fine," Blavat told the Philadelphia Inquirer Tuesday, recalling how he had dinner with Martino, his friend of 50 years, at a restaurant Monday night.

"It's so crazy," Blavat said. "Having dinner with him last night -- dead now."

The newspaper did not mention the cause of Martino's death.

He is survived by his wife, Judi; a son, Al Cini; and daughters Alison Martino and Alana Cini.

Arrangements for his funeral service have not yet been announced, the Inquirer said.