MICHAEL MARCUZZI

MARCUZZI, Dr. Michael David
1966-2012
Born in Windsor, Ontario on September 23, 1966, after a lengthy battle with cancer, on September 27, 2012 at 46 years of age, Michael passed away. A passionate, humourous man with endless enthusiasm for, and a love of, music, learning, research, and a good conversation. Loving and cherished dad of Daniel, Sofia, and Danica, son of Colleen and the late Larry (2012), brother of Lisa and husband Av Maharaj, Leslie and husband David Boutet, Daniella and husband Kevin Brown, and the late Ryan Kathleen (1996), loving partner of Melissa Noventa, long-time friend of Bernardo Padron, and a cherished friend to so many others. Also he will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Michael was a Professor of Music, as well as an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Education, at York University. Prior to joining the full-time faculty at York University, Michael taught for ten years at the university and secondary school levels and in community settings in Windsor, Toronto and California. He was a graduate of F.J. Brennan high school, the University of Windsor (BMus), and York University (BEd and PhD). Michael was a performer, arranger, composer, ethnomusicologist and a teacher with vast experience in classical, jazz, Cuban, Latin, and popular music. He served as a graduate student advisor to many who describe him as a completely devoted and formative educator, brilliant, quick witted, and above all, generous with his time. A man of many hats, who fought the bigger battles to lessen the load of others. Michael joined the Regent Park School of Music (Toronto) in 2011 and its program flourished directly due to his countless volunteer hours and relentless spirit to ensure children had access to music education. He performed with symphony orchestras in Windsor, Detroit and Mississauga and as a freelance trumpeter with numerous artists in Canada, U.S. and Cuba. His credits as an arranger and composer include work with the Canadian Brass, University of Memphis Jazz Orchestra, and Toronto-based Latin ensembles Orquesta Fantasia and Pacande. He was a global authority on both Cuban popular music and Afro-Cuban sacred music, lecturing and publishing around the world. He collaborated in curating the Afro-Cuban exhibit of The Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) in Phoenix, Arizona, and later became a valued consultant for their Latin American gallery. Special thanks to the doctors and nurses at Princess Margaret Hospital, Beth Reid at the CCAC and all the wonderful help she put in place, and Dr. Gall and the Hospice staff for the gift of their time for Michael. If you so desire, donations to the charity of your choice or to Holy Name of Mary Food Fund, c/o Frank Chauvin, 892 St. Mary's Blvd, Windsor, ON, N8S 2T9 would be appreciated by the family. Visitation Tuesday, 3:00-5:00 p.m. and 7:00-9:00 p.m. Prayers and a time for remembrance and sharing memories Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at
Families First,
3260 Dougall Ave., South Windsor
519-969-5841.
On Wednesday, family and friends are invited to meet at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 120 Munger St. W., Harrow, after 9:30 a.m. followed by Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Luncheon to follow. A memorial to be held at York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, in The Winters Dining Hall (Winters College, 53 Winters Road) on October 10, 2012. The event will begin in the Dining Hall at 6:30 p.m. with the program beginning at 7:00 p.m. A reception will follow at 9:00 p.m.in the Senior Common Room. Share memories, photos or make a donation at www.FamiliesFirst.ca.