Carmen Carrozza Obituary

Carrozza, Carmen

July 20, 1921-June 17, 2013

Carmen Carrozza, 91, was one of the most accomplished and acclaimed concert accordionists' to grace concert halls for many years throughout the world. He was born in the village of Solano Reggio di Calabria, Calabria, Italy in 1921 and emigrated to America with his family at age 9, settling in the Thornwood, NY, where he lived until his death.

Much has been written about the unique artistry of Carmen Carrozza but one critic established the position in the world of the classical accordionist when he wrote "the violin had its Paganini, the piano its Chopin, the accordion its Carrozza."

Mr. Carrozza is survived by his wife, Jean; brothers, Patrick and Anthony; sister, Jean; children, Marianne and Carmen; and four grandchildren, Joseph, Sofia, Derek and Lucas.

Visitation: Tuesday, June 18 from 7-9, Wednesday, June 19 from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at Cassidy-Flynn Funeral Home, 288 East Main St., Mount Kisco, NY 10549. Funeral Mass 10 am Thursday, June 20 at Holy Rosary Church, 170 Bradhurst Ave., Hawthorne, NY 10532.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Journal News on Jun. 19, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Carmen Carrozza

12 Entries

Roddy Kopera

June 13, 2024

I think of the Maestro often. The memory of when once, during an accordion lesson, he told me, "I no longer mind listening to you play" will stay with me forever.

Charles Kiederer

July 8, 2013

I had the distinct pleasure of having Carmen as my accordion teacher for six years, starting in Mt. Vernon in 1959 and then going to the studio in New Rochelle. He was always patient and kind and instilled a love of classical music in me. I enjoyed those years and still play to this day. When we moved to Yorktown in 1983, it was a pleasant surprise to find Carmen with his music school in town! Both of my children then took piano lessons with him. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing and extend my deep sympathies to Jean, John and Pat. We'll always remember him in our minds and hearts as a great and gentle man with a wonderful talent!

Cesare Civetta

July 8, 2013

I have two fond memories of him: one was when he conducted an accordion orchestra of his brother's one night at a rehearsal of Liszt's Les Preludes. Wow! I was playing in the group and have a vivid mental image of how he majestically he conducted the fortissimo music near the beginning. The other was when in 1975 I invited him to be featured as the sole artist speaking and playing a marathon three hour live radio broadcast at WFUV in the Bronx. I also walked him through the Fordham University campus to dinner beforehand, and back. His brother told me about how completely exhausted he was when he walked in the door later that night! I always thought the best word to describe his persona and musicianship was MASTER!
Cesare Civetta www.beethovenfestivalorchestra.org www.therealtoscanni.com

Gerard Kopera

July 2, 2013

The world will always have its Paganini, its Chopin and its Carrozza. They all belong to the ages now.

However for me, Carmen was first a gentleman who was willing to make time for a middle-aged never-has-been musician. In me, he helped to rekindle a love of making music. My time with him was a source of pure joy and I guarded our time together very selfishly. The time we spent together while he patiently tried to teach me how to play the accordion was truly music for my soul. Even though in later years his body let him down, he still played with verve, passion and joy that others can only hope to aspire to. The greatest compliment I have ever received from anyone who has ever heard me play came from him. When he said "I finally don't mind listening to you play..." it meant everything to me.

My most heartfelt condolences go out to both his immediate family and to all of those he touched with his music, his laughter and his wit over the years. I feel extremely luck to have known him as a teacher and a friend if only for a short time.

God bless you, Maestro.

Verna & Leo Kwiatkowski

June 29, 2013

To the world, Carmen will be remembered as a great musician. To those of us who were priviliged to know him he was a humble, gentle compassionate man. He brought much joy and music to both of our lives and for this we will always be grateful. Our condolences to Jean, Tony, Pat, and other family members. Though he is no longer with us, his love will forever remain in our hearts.

June 28, 2013

To the world Carmen will be remembered as a gifted Musician. To theose of us who had the privilege of knowing him, he will be remembered as a kind, gentle, compassionate. man. He brought much joy and music into both our lives and for this we will always be grateful. Our condolences to Jean, Tony, Pat and other family members. Though he is no longer with us, his love will forever remain in our hearts.
Verna and Leo Kwiatkowski

2004 AAA @ Boston

Yin Zheng

June 25, 2013

Mr. Carrozza was a truly inspirational man. I had the privilege of meeting him at numerous AAA and AAMS festivals. My most distinct memory of him was of his hands. He always mesmerized the audience with his blazing fingers, effortlessly stroking each key with precision and efficiency. He was such a candid and approachable man. Mr. Carrozza will be missed.

Brian Wong

June 22, 2013

I had the honor of being in his master class at the American Accordionists' Association festival in 2004. He was a legend.

Jim Mullins

June 20, 2013

God Bless Mr. Carrozza...I had my first guitar lessons from him in 1967 to 1969. I'm still playing today because of him..and still learning

Erik Meehan

June 19, 2013

My sister and I took lessons from "Papa" Carrozza for years. (About 12 in my case.) What an incredible man! He not only taught about music, but about having fun, finding true joy, and about myself.

Tonight, I hoist my accordion in honor of Papa Carrozza, in gratitude for all that he did for my sister and me. The world is a better place because of men like him!

Lori Romanchik(Lawther now)

June 19, 2013

I took lessons from him in 82-83 for only 9$ for half hour a week, I was about 14 yrs old and I paid for it from my own paperroute. I remember he was very nice and drove me home once.

Phyllis Longhi

June 19, 2013

I had the privilege to take lessons for many years at Mr. Carrozza's music school in New Rochelle and studied with Pat and Tony. Carmen was a legend in the music world and an incredibly gifted musician. His contributions will live on for many years to come. Sincerest sympathy to the Carrozza family.

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