Larry Fotine; Musician, Arranger, Songwriter

Larry Fotine, who wrote more than 300 songs and arranged music for several big bands, has died at a Carson City, Nev., hospital. He was 79.

A former San Fernando Valley resident, Fotine died Nov. 25 of an aortic aneurysm, according to mortuary records.

Born Lawrence C. Fotinakis on April 27, 1911, in Camden County, N. J., he was leader of Larry Fotine and His Orchestra, which played nationwide from 1929 until 1955.

A member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, Fotine wrote “You Were Only Fooling” in 1947, in addition to feature songs and background music for animated television specials.

He also arranged music for the bands of Lawrence Welk, Sammy Kaye and Jan Garber, and wrote several books on music theory, including “Contemporary Musician’s Handbook and Dictionary.”

Three months ago, he moved to Minden, Nev.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Dorothy; son Donald Fotinakis of Minden; daughter Barbara Atkins of Upland, Calif., and four grandchildren.

Visitation is planned from 4 to 9 p.m. today at Utter-McKinley Mortuary, 11071 Columbus Ave., Mission Hills, which is handling the arrangements.

A Mass is scheduled to be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday at San Fernando Mission Chapel at the mission cemetery, 11160 Stranwood Ave., Mission Hills. Burial will follow.