Bob Catapano

Bob was my guitar instructor and I'll never forget one particular lesson. I'd brought in a Beatles songbook and wanted to learn how to play a few songs. Bob opened up this book to page 1 and immediately started playing a song (one of those early Beatles love songs). He had a far off look, like he'd been transported to some place from long, long ago. I just sat back and watched him play. They way he could just read a few notes from the book to get started then rip into the song with...

I just found out that Bob passed today. I am sad that he is not with us because I wanted to get to know him and learn more from him. Bob inspired me musically more than anyone has in my life. Bob was a great player, and a great person. Through music Bob has brought joy to my life that will last forever. The most important thing I have learned is take your knowlege and be as creative as you can never stop learning or finding new ideas.
Thank you Bob
For Bob's family I will keep you in...

I got to work with Bob quite a bit, both onstage and in the studio from the late '80's into the early '90's. He had this "quintessential New Yorker" vibe in his manner that you just had to love the guy for. Bobcat, also, was always very passionate about the things that were of most importance to him. (Family, kendo, and the like.)

On guitar, he had a style, to which the degree of refinement that he had attained can only be reached by decades of continuous development. It's been said...

I had the privilege to work with Bob Catapano in the mid 80s when he hired me to play bass for his band “Cheetah”. A few years later we got together with Sammi Hooff and Carl Shelor and formed a band called Rockerbox. I have many great memories. What a great guy and what a remarkable guitarist. If Bob couldn’t play the tune, it was something you didn’t need to be playing anyway. Today my thoughts go out to his family that unfortunately I have not had a chance to meet. We will carry the torch...

I met Bob in 1975 or 76 when I worked at Whitey Lunzar Music in downtown Columbus. He had just started a band called Gutter Kids with Dewey Campbell. I think I still have a tee shirt! Bob & I remained friends throughout & eventually played together in the last 70's version of The Godz & the beginning of Rosie (Streetheart at the time). My prayers go out to his family. He will be dearly missed. He was a great guitar player & friend. See ya on the other side bro!

Bob was my guitar teacher. Sometimes we would talk the entire session, and not play a note. He was a great man, and I am proud to say that he was my mentor.

Our deepest sympathy to the Catapano family. I have known Bob since the early 80s. He was truly one of the nicest people I have ever met. He will be sadly missed.

John and Betsy Durzo

Dear Carri and Michael-
My thougths are with you everyday and I am here for anything you need. Bob was a great man and he watches over you both always-
Love you both...

Bob was my best friend and I miss him very much. My heart goes out to his family.