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Louis Negri Obituary
Louis Salvatore Negri, 77, of Cheshire passed away on February 1, 2018 after a long battle with cancer. He was born in New Haven on November 9, 1940, son of the late Luigi and Clementina Negri. He graduated from Notre Dame High School in West Haven and went on to receive his bachelor's degree from Southern Connecticut, MA Fairfield University, BMEd University of Hartford, MA University of Bridgeport, and his PhD in Music from Walden University. Lou was the Choral Director at West Haven High School (1963-2002) and Hamden Hall Country Day School (2005-2016). He also worked as a Music Director at many churches over the years including St. George Church, Guilford (1986-2004) and Saints Peter & Paul Church, Wallingford (2004-2017). In addition, over the years Lou was Music Director at the American Shakespeare Theater, Chorus Master for New Haven Opera, created Teen Opera New England, he was an accomplished pianist, singer, composer, and directed more than 100 musicals and operas. His choirs performed for the Pope at the Vatican, the White House, the Kennedy Center, as well as multiple European tours. He was named Italian-American of the Year for West Haven in 2001. As a teacher, he inspired thousands of students to perform to their highest potential and taught them valuable life lessons. He was a fan of the NY Giants, Yankees, loved crosswords, and was devoted to his dogs. He leaves behind his wife Cynthia Morgan, his two children Alana Negri (partner Rob Kowalczyk) of Glastonbury, Louis M. Negri (fiancée Nicole Anastasio) of Saco, ME, and two step children Katie Morgan DePasquale (Tony) of Boston, MA and Patrick Morgan (Abigail) of Ellington. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Carmine Negri. A special thank you to the doctors and nurses at Smilow who cared for Lou over the years, especially Dr. Michael Hurwitz, Kristen Crowley, and Donna Andruskewic.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, February 7 at 11 a.m. in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Hamden. Friends are asked to go directly to the church. Burial will be in All Saints Cemetery. Calling hours are Tuesday, February 6 from 4-8 p.m. at Sisk Brothers Funeral Home, 3105 Whitney Ave, Hamden. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Smilow Cancer Center-Closer to Free, Office of Development, YNHH P.O. Box 1849 New Haven, CT 06508-9979. To leave an online condolence please visit www.siskbrothers.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
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Christian Stahl
September 11, 2019
Doc Negri had this wonderful gift of focusing on a single persons when talking to them, giving him or her his attention, then zooming back to the whole group. His gift of encouragement was quite exceptional. He was highly gifted, yet at the same time liked common people. He was accessible, tangible and rather made himself vulnerable than alienating one of his students. Yes, he must have been difficult at times, and I surely didn't always share his opinions. But what a lovable, talented and enjoyable person. As an exchange student coming from Germany, singing in his choir was a sheer streak of luck. Some of his encouragements (which were a bit exaggerated, I must admit) stayed with me to this day.
Doc Negri was like a medieval knight, always ready to engage in battle for a noble cause, with a lot of stance and poise.
Gesmundo Angelo
February 20, 2019
I remember well the many gigs we played together Lou. Charlie Williams, my brother Mike myself and several others. The common denominator being the Hartt School. I also remember rehearsing with the 18 piece big band at Charlie's house in North Haven...Mr. Williams playing bass. Most of these memories took place around the early 60's. Last time I saw you was at the Goodspeed...a fun conversation. Rest in peace my friend...and may God guide you to your rightful destiny...(choral director of the 200 piece Eternal Choral Ensemble). God Bless...Angelo and Carol
Laura Blake
January 30, 2019
I truly cannot believe you have been gone for a year. I think about you often and how you impacted my life. You helped me be strong and confident with my talent. You always kept things real and ALWAYS told me the truth even if I did not want to hear it. Rest peacefully with God.
Neal Schull
February 9, 2018
Louis Negri was one of the greatest inspirations in my life. I studied piano and voice with him and still play and sing today for my church. He was full of life and a true friend. My deepest condolences to his wife, children and family. We have hope of seeing him again in heaven because I know Louis loved Jesus who gave us this great hope of being reunited again with him in heaven for eternity. Neal Schull
John Straub
February 7, 2018
I met Lou Negri while a student at WHHS back in 1970. We all called him Mr. Negri. He got me and several others involved with the various high school singing groups like the Madrigals, Accapella Choir and the Devil's Disciples. He also had several students join the choir for the church on the green in the center of town. He told us they needed some young blood to help with the singing. He also got me involved with the Summer Theater group and the Community Theater group. He helped with the productions of Kismet, the Fantastiks, and Barefoot in the Park. He inspired many of us to sing and enjoy ourselves. Some of us continued a career in music and theater. I went into the military, but maintained my love of acting for my first assignment after basic and tech school. I performed in several plays while stationed in Minot AFB ND. Actually repeated two of the plays I was in with Mr. Negri, the Fantastiks and Barefoot in the Park. I went to Belgium after that and had one more shot at acting with the play, The Mousetrap. All thanks to the inspiration provided by Lou Negri. He will be missed for all that he helped provide us when we were kids. Sorry to see he has passed. Prayers to his family and friends. John Straub class of 71 WHHS
Linda Lewis Lyon
February 7, 2018
Cindy, I am so so sorry for your loss. You certainly have had your share. Just think of the beautiful music being made in Heaven as they all reunite! Please keep in touch and let us know if we can help you in any way.
Michael Nigretti
February 7, 2018
My sincerest condolences go out to the Negri and Anastasio family. Dr. Negri, you have touched so many people including myself and I am honored to have known you. Although I am absent in body I will keep you in my prayers God Bless you and your whole family. Sincerely, Michael A. Nigretti
Laura Baziak-Blake
February 6, 2018
Thank you for pushing me, believing in me, and always inspiring me to be the best I could be. It is an honor for me to say you were my favorite teacher, a father figure, mentor, vocal coach and a force to be reckoned with! Heaven has gained an extraordinary angel. Until we meet again ....
Jon Russell
February 6, 2018
This man embodied the essence of optimism. He always pushed you hard because he saw things you were capable of that you often didn't see in yourself. Like most great men, his presence made you strive to be more than you thought you could be, because failure brought about more emotional hardship in the fact that you were disappointing Lou than it possibly could have in disappointing yourself.
Love and true caring is defined in many ways. Lou's gave you hope.. because he believed in you. And it made you soar because he earned your respect.
See you on the other side my dear friend!
Amy Pressley
February 6, 2018
Doc, you will always be the reason I love music. Thank you for always believing in me when I couldnt. Ive learned so much from you. You werent just a teacher you were a mentor, a friend, and a father figure. You always gave me great advice even if I didnt always listen. You will NEVER be forgotten. I cant wait to sing for you tomorrow because I know youll be listening from up above. I love you Doc..heaven has gained another angel
Sharon Rose Cappella
February 5, 2018
Dr. Negri, I wish I could have seen you one more time. You made a huge impact on my life and made me find the passion, artistry, and music within myself; because it was in you--and still is. Thank you for believing in me. (And to Dr. Negri's family: he was very loved. My heartfelt condolences go out to you, especially his wife and 2 children whom I met years ago when I was in West Haven High concert choir.) Love, Sharon Rose Cappella
Stephanie Bertrand-Jirowetz
February 5, 2018
Rest In Peace Doc and sing with the angels. You were an inspiration and a driving force for so many of us. Your family and friends are in my thoughts as they grieve.
Becky Baker
February 5, 2018
So many memories of singing in your choir. To this day, my favorite musical memory was singing Mozart's Requiem. It had to be 100 degrees in that auditorium, but we all had goosebumps! Thanks for all you have done for the students of WHHS throughout the years! May you rest in peace.
Lori Casbarro-Perolla
February 5, 2018
Such sadness hearing of this GREAT man, Lou's passing. I have wonderful memories of my teen years spent at WHHS as well as being in a social setting with him & fellow Westies. He was the epitome of class, let alone an incredibly talented & giving teacher. WHAT a wonderful, successful life he led. What a legacy he leaves. ! My heart aches for his family & those who loved him.
Karen Riccio
February 4, 2018
Rest in peace Lou. God blessed you with many gifts, thank you for sharing them. I'll never forget you.
February 4, 2018
My Uncle Donald's nephew. Calagari, married to Sue COSTELLO. He always spoke highly of you.
May you all rest in peace.
Mario's daughter.
Dawn Papagoda
February 4, 2018
Extending my deepest condolences to the family from a former student & music aficionado. Dr. Lou was and will continue to be a most meaningful inspiration for many.
Maryanne and Aaron Strindberg
February 4, 2018
Thinking of you
Joan Knurek
February 3, 2018
Lou was my son-in-law Pat Morgan's stepfather. I enjoyed my time with him immensely. He told great stories and had a tremendous musical and vocal talent. Lou and I also shared a great love for our dogs. Lou fought ferociously against his cancer his last few years. He was my HERO. I will miss him very much. Rest in peace Lou.
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