Neil Sedaka cause of death revealed after 'sudden passing'

Neil Sedaka, the vocalist and songwriter whose signature hits see “Calendar Girl” and “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,” died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

The information is caused by the buildup of plaque — meaning fats, cholesterin and different substances — successful and connected the artery walls, which tin pb to events specified arsenic bosom attacks, strokes and aneurysms. According to the American Heart Assn., atherosclerotic cardiovascular illness is the starring origin of decease worldwide.

The musician’s decease certificate, published Wednesday by the New York Post, besides listed kidney nonaccomplishment arsenic a contributing factor.

Sedaka died Feb. 27 successful Los Angeles astatine property 86. The songwriter’s household antecedently told The Times that his decease was sudden.

“Our household is devastated by the abrupt passing of our beloved husband, begetter and grandfather, Neil Sedaka,” their connection read. “A existent stone and rotation legend, an inspiration to millions, but astir importantly, astatine slightest to those of america who were fortunate capable to cognize him, an unthinkable quality being who volition beryllium profoundly missed.”

Born and raised successful Brooklyn, N.Y., Sedaka was a Juilliard-trained classical pianist who translated his accomplishment to popular stardom successful the 1960s. His popularity arsenic a performer waxed and waned implicit the years, but helium maintained a dependable vocation penning hits for different artists for decades, collaborating with lyricists specified arsenic Howard Greenfield.

“Songwriting is simply a hard undertaking that gets harder and harder due to the fact that you person to apical your past work,” Sedaka told The Times successful 1996. “You person to support proving yourself. ... It’s fantastic to sing ‘Calendar Girl’ and ‘Breaking Up Is Hard to Do,’ but you request much than that. You person to interruption caller ground. As an artist, I person to take what I consciousness is bully and anticipation that the nationalist volition spell on with it.”

Sedaka is survived by his woman Leba; children Dara and Marc; and 3 grandchildren.