RIP Frank Amadeo
Frank Amadeo, Gloria & Emilio Estefan at Hispanic Heritage at Miami Dolphins vs. New York Jets Presented by Lexus on October 12, 2009
Miami, FL – December 16, 2020 – To say we are saddened by the loss of Frank Amadeo is an understatement. His death, at 57, happened so suddenly it’s left those of us who knew him in a state of shock. Many in the community knew him as the longtime president of Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s Estefan Enterprises. He was the kid from Hollywood, Florida who made his dreams come true and despite all his successes never let any of it go to his head. Humble until the very end he preferred taking care of others behind the scenes than being in the spotlight.
The hard part now will be learning to live in a world without him. But cheers to our beloved “Papa” we know we will see him again standing under the disco ball, drink in hand waiting to pick up the party right where we left it.
*Words By Belkys Nerey
Frank Amadeo at Gilt City Miami Warehouse Sale at Miami Iron Side on September 14, 2012
Frank Amadeo & Al Gore at Sachamama Green Gala at Magic City Studios on April 21, 2018
BELKYS NEREY
Frank Amadeo & Belkys Nerey at Terry O’Neill at NEST on April 11, 2013
I met Frank in 1994 he was managing Gloria’s career and I was just a new journalist in town covering it. Over the years we became family, part of a group we called “the tribe”. We travelled together, partied together, buried elderly parents, went through break ups, and marriages, the highs, the lows. Through it all we’ve always had each other and we always had Frank. He became our “de facto” fearless leader. Always kind and loving but with a penchant for fun and a zest for life no one could match. We called him “Papa” because he was like “Papa Smurf” leading the way with love and laughter, sometimes followed by quite a few hangovers. Unbeknownst to us at the time, these would be the memories helping us get through this unimaginable loss. – Belkys Nerey
Belkys Nerey & Frank Amadeo at Beatriz Milhazes: Jardim Botânico at PAMM on September 17, 2014
Over the years we became family, part of a group we called “the tribe”.
Belkys Nerey
LOUIS AGUIRRE
I met Frank socially, before I went into entertainment television and before Frank joined Estefan Enterprises in 1992. Our paths would cross professionally and personally for the next three decades and I’m blessed to have called him a friend. Frank was one of the most authentic human beings I’ve ever met, fiercely loyal, his friends were his family and he lived to make everyone around him happy. It’s unusual to find an all around nice guy in the cutthroat world of the entertainment industry- but Frank was THAT guy. He never lost his wonder, awe or amazement for life- that’s what made him so real. His enormous, generous, compassionate heart is legendary. Frank loved his community and always looked for opportunities to serve and give back and he did. That’s why it seemed all of South Florida was in mourning this past weekend. He really did touch the lives of so many people. He was loved tremendously because of all the love he constantly put out into the world. – Louis Aguirre
JASON CLARKE
Frank Amadeo & Jason Clarke at Vault Magazine Launch at Villas of Barton G on May 11, 2012
He lived his life to give, to give to his family, his friends – even his career was to support and lift everyone he met. His actions helped bind and create a family, a unit of friends that have lost their leader. I will miss him for as long as I live.
Jason Clarke
Jason Clarke, Jennifer Sybers, & Frank Amadeo at MOCA Bash Surf’s Up on February 19, 2011
MARYSOL PATTON
Marysol Patton & Frank Amadeo at Viceroy Grand Opening at Icon Brickell on March 5, 2009
He was the kindest, most selfless human being I ever met. He carried the world on his shoulders and never lost his cool. He was pure love and generous with everyone he encountered.
Marysol Patton
Charlie Cinnamon, Marysol Patton, & Frank Amadeo at Destination Fashion at Bal Harbour Shops on March 7, 2009
Marysol Patton, Frank Amadeo, & Daisy Olivera at Boca Tanning Club Brickell Grand Opening on February 7, 2010
MARIO VERGEL
Mario Vergel & Frank Amadeo at Emeril’s Miami Beach 5 Year Anniversary Benefitting Miami Children’s Hospital on February 4, 2009
He was the conductor of so many of our beautiful journeys. Humility, humanity, generosity and family all in one.
Mario Vergel
Frank Amadeo & Mario Vergel at BVLGARI & Carlos Betancourt Imperfect Utopia on December 10, 2015
CARLOS BETANCOURT
I could always count on him big time, and one of the best people to have a drink with. He was a memory creator and so many things exist in this world thanks to him.
Carlos Betancourt
Mario Vergel, Candela Vero, Frank Amadeo, Jason Clarke, Carlos Betancourt, Belkys Nerey, Demetri Mouratis, Alberto Latorre, Tara Solomon, & Martin Gastelu at Book Signing & Reception for Carlos Betancourt IMPERFECT UTOPIA at PAMM on October 29, 2015
Jason Clarke, Frank Amadeo, Martin Gastelu, Mario Vergel, Gingi Beltran, Carlos Betancourt, & Alberto Latorre at Book Signing & Reception for Carlos Betancourt IMPERFECT UTOPIA at PAMM on October 29, 2015
CORINA BITON
Michele Addison, Belkys Nerey, Frank Amadeo, & Corina Biton at Ocean Drive May-June The List at Lippi on May 7, 2014
Frank was the most loving, caring, generous and level headed person I knew. I am blessed to have had him in my life. So many laughs, dinners and travel adventures, including that one New Year’s Eve trip to New York when I reconnected with my college boyfriend who I married.
Corina Biton
GINGI BELTRAN
Gingi Beltran & Frank Amadeo at ELLE Spa Launch at Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach on June 9, 2011
Frank was the glue that held us together. He was solid filled with love and one of the most amazing human beings I’ve ever known.
Gingi Beltran
Aaron McGuirre, Gingi Beltran, & Frank Amadeo at Elysee Sales Center Launch on November 11, 2015
Beau Beasley & Frank Amadeo at The Fifth Opens on March 17, 2006
Dirk Goldwasser, Frank Amadeo, & Scott Cronin at Frank Amadeo’s Birthday at The Betsy Hotel on August 22, 2009
David Naranjo & Frank Amadeo at Market America World Conference at American Airlines Arena – DAY 3 on January 30, 2010
Linda & Frank Amadeo at Miami Dolphins vs New York Jets Hispanic Heritage Game at Sun Life Stadium on September 26, 2010
Emilio Estefan & Frank Amadeo at Gilt City Warehouse Sale at Miami Art Space on November 11, 2011
Frank Amadeo & Jay Wall at Terry O’Neill at NEST on April 11, 2013
Frank Amadeo, Julie Fogel, & Gabriel Cruz at Maison Margiela Launches 5AC Collection on March 17, 2016
Rodner Figueroa & Frank Amadeo at Novikov Miami Friends & Family Tasting on May 23, 2018
