* Frank (Pee Wee) Monte; Orchestra Manager

Frank (Pee Wee) Monte, former manager of the Harry James Orchestra, has died at Encino Hospital. He was 85.

A longtime Woodland Hills resident, Monte died Friday of complications of angina and diabetes, said his wife, Viola Montalbano.

Born Frank Montalbano in Brooklyn, N.Y., he began his music career when he was a youth, marching in street bands on the East Coast and performing in various orchestras, including playing the alto saxophone and clarinet with the Larry Funk Band of a Thousand Melodies. In 1934, Monte began working as a band boy for the Hal Kemp Orchestra, driving a truck and helping set up equipment. Two years later, Monte was hired as a road manager for the Benny Goodman Band and later became the band’s manager. He went on to manage the Harry James Orchestra in 1941, taking time to serve in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II.

Monte remained the orchestra’s manager until James’ death in 1983. Along with his wife, Viola, and brother Sal, Monte managed the current Harry James Orchestra under the direction of Art Depew, who played with the orchestra in the 1950s.

Monte is survived by his wife of 41 years; son Frank Montalbano of Woodland Hills; daughter Holly Krupnick of Canoga Park; brothers Sal Monte of Sherman Oaks, Al Monte of Folsom, Calif., and Fred Monte of Las Vegas; sisters Margaret Montalbano of Parsippany, N.J., and Angie Robinson of Union City, N.J.; and two grandchildren.

Visitation is planned from 1 to 5 p.m. today at Forest Lawn Mortuary, 6300 Forest Lawn Drive in the Hollywood Hills, which is handling the arrangements. A vigil is planned for 7:30 tonight at St. Mel’s Catholic Church, 20870 Ventura Blvd., Woodland Hills. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church with burial to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park, Hollywood Hills. Donations can be made in Monte’s name to the Right to Life League, Society of Singers or the American Diabetes Assn.