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Sam Pasco Obituary
HARTFORD - Sam Pasco, 89, of West Hartford and St. Croix passed away peacefully on March 23. Sam was born in Hartford, the youngest of three sons of the late Gertrude and Herman Paskowitz. He is predeceased by his brothers Fred (Estelle) and Harold (Lillian) Paskowitz. He graduated from Weaver High School and taught himself to play at least four instruments. His first gigs at age 16, were dances for returning WW2 veterans recovering from severe injuries. As a partner of Al Jarvis Orchestras, he was the master of ceremonies and purveyor of smiles and handshakes for thousands of events throughout central Connecticut. In 2012 he was honored by the Rotary Club's highest and most important "Paul Harris Award" for his community service: "For 30 years the gifted saxophonist and his musicians have made visits, in December, to 50 facilities such as area hospitals, nursing homes, schools, libraries and Sisters of St. Joseph Convent to uplift and brighten patient's lives." He continued this to the age of 88! Sam and Shirley were coming up on their 64th wedding anniversary. Sam was blessed with a full life and a peaceful passing. He left a glimmering trail of warm personal and musical memories. Sam is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Shirley Pasco of West Hartford, by his brother-and sister-in-law Bob and Lynne Miller, by his daughters Amy Pasco and Mindy Pasco-Anderson--and her husband Jay. Sam inspired his love of music and family in his five grandchildren Zachary, Jesse, Benjamin, Emily and Julia, and in his many nieces and nephews. A service for Sam will be held at 3 pm on Sunday March 26 at Temple Beth Israel, 701 Farmington Ave, West Hartford CT, immediately followed by burial at Beth Israel Cemetery in Avon CT. Sam's family thanks Dr. Scott Fectdau and staff at St. Francis Hospital for their compassionate and professional care. Donations to continue Sam's troupe of holiday music may be made to the Bloomfield Rotary Foundation, P.O. Box 442, Bloomfield CT 06002. Arrangements are entrusted to Weinstein Mortuary, Hartford CT. For information, directions, or to sign the guest book, please visit weinsteinmortuary.com/funerals.cfm
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Memories and Condolences
for Sam Pasco
Sponsored by the family.
May 14, 2018
Yesterday was one of the saddest days ever. I was watching HGTV one of my favorite shows. It featured house shopping in St Croix and I immediately thought of Sammy/Shirley. I would google him often just to keep up with his musical performances and to see what amazing things he was up to and I came across this. Sammy made the world a much better place. No one was a sranger to him! I am grateful to have met Sammy/Shirley and I believe we have been touched by 2 beautiful angels...Sammy/Shirley Forever in our hearts.
Stacia Filipiak Falkowski
May 4, 2017
Dear Shirley, Amy and Mindy,
I was very sorry to read the sad news today in the "AFM Musician" magazine. Sam hired me to play violin with the Jarvis Orchestra. This led to gigs at Bushnell, Hartford Civic Center, Country Clubs, synagogues, etc. I was impressed by Sam's musical talent and was happy to learn Jewish music. Through the years, he often spoke of all of you whom he loved very much. My condolences go out to all. Rest in peace, Sam.
Jim Halloran
April 5, 2017
I was fortunate to be hired by Sam to play with the Al Jarvis Orchestra back in the seventies. Sam was nothing but kind to me as I struggled to pay my way through college. Without Sam I never would have gotten in the door of so many country clubs and synagogues. Thanks for the work Sam! Thanks for helping me get my degree! My sincere condolences to the Paso family. Rest in peace Sam.
Howard A. AL Doty
April 5, 2017
I attended Hartt College of Music from 1958-63 and was employed as a bass player with the Jarvis agency. I was Al's bass player the first year of his trio along with John Oblon on drums - we played at Jug End Barn in 1960-61 and many other jobs. This is when I first met Sam...and worked with him as well. Al, Sam , Jack Turner and Joe Ronan were super good musicians and also very good people to work with and for.Sam especially was a kind gentlepofessional on the and off the bandstand. My deepest sympathies to all who knew and loved him. I have many fond memories of Sam and that time in my musical career. May his soul rest in the eternal light, peace and glory of God forever.
Pamela Elliott
April 3, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Pasco family. My husband, Russ Elliott, (bass player) worked many musical jobs with Sam at the local hospitals and nursing homes. After Russ died in 2004, Sam was very kind to me by calling several times to see how I was doing. He was certainly an inspiration to many of the Hartford area musicians and will be missed by those who enjoyed his music.
Pam Elliott, South Windsor, CT
Barbara Gelinas
April 2, 2017
Sam has played for many years at Alumnae Banquets for Hartford Hospital School of Nursing. It is extremely impressive how he and his fellow musicians could name any tune and get together in the same key to play the music. Talented and kind. We are grateful to have known him, and appreciate his gift of music.
Steve Cox
March 27, 2017
I am saddened to learn of Sam's passing. My Mom, Peggy Cox (she passed in 2014) was the secretary in the 60's and 70's for the Al Jarvis Orchestra when they had an office on Huntington St. in Hartford. She loved working for Sam and the other men in the office. Sam was always very nice when this "kid" (me) would stop by. My condolences to all of Sam's family and friends.
Ted Simon
March 26, 2017
I am saddened to read of Sam's passing and add my condolences to those of his other "old friends." My heart goes out to you, Shirley, and to your family in the hope that you have the strength and peace of mind to overcome your loss.
Karen Frisk
March 26, 2017
Dear Shirley, and family...
Sam has left a warmth in my heart. I loved the gleam in his eye, and passion for music & life.
It was a pleasure to sing with him at his last gig... and stroll down memory lane within our conversations...
May his spirit continue to put smiles upon us all! Sending your family comfort.
Hey Sam...."Thanks for the memories"
Kevin and Karen Gagnon
March 26, 2017
Kevin and I met Sam as DJs who joined the band at many weddings and parties. We both fell in love with him immediately. He was such a kind, funny, generous soul. We have thought of him often over the many years since we saw him last. The world lost a great one. Our love and sympathy to his lovely wife Shirley and his family.
March 25, 2017
My dear Shirley and family.
I worked with the Al Jarvis Orchestra for over 30 years and our relationship was
always with mutual respect, both musically
and personally. He will be sadly missed by
his many friends.
Roy Newell.
BOB WASSERMAN
March 25, 2017
Sam was my dad's first cousin. We loved him so much. In addition to his music he was always there for you. A good soul.
March 25, 2017
To Shirley and family, our heartfelt prayers and condolences. Sam was a loyal friend whose musical impact and humanitarianism through the years will be sorely missed.
Joe and Cres Giangrasso
Jeffrey Acqua
March 25, 2017
When my mother was in Saint Francis Hospital, battling Leukemia, we were greeted by Sam and associates, near the holidays. With all the worry, and uncertainty, it was so nice to have Sam playing a tune or 2, right in her room. I even suggested a song, and Sam had me join in with the tambourine. We all had a good laugh, and it kept you distracted. What a wonderful and generous man.
Rest in peace Sam, and I hope there is music up there. Thanks for your kindness.
Kim Yaffa
March 25, 2017
My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley and the entire family. Sam was certainly family in my family
Kim Yaffa
March 25, 2017
Sam was a generous and concerned man for all the people that he came in contact with. AS a wonderful musician and entertainer,he was loved by young and old.
His family will always remember his kindness to all
Lynne and Bob Miller,Pamela and Garrett Sickles and family,Ryan,Jessica,and Zachary,Scott,Sam,and Aaron,Steve Kerri,and Camden.
Lisa Petersen
March 25, 2017
Our wedding was one of many where Sam played (and provided great entertainment). We remember him fondly. May he rest in peace from a life well lived.
Scott Miller
March 25, 2017
Uncle Sam will be deeply missed. He was a very giving and talented musician, loving father, and role model to all of us.
Scott Miller
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