Thornwood, New York
Age 91
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.
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.
Roddy Kopera
June 13, 2024 | Other
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...
Charles Kiederer
July 08, 2013 | Yorktown Heights, NY
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...
Cesare Civetta
July 07, 2013 | New York, NY
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...
Gerard Kopera
July 02, 2013 | Briarcliff Manor, NY
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.
Verna & Leo Kwiatkowski
June 29, 2013 | Croton-on-Hudson, NY
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
June 28, 2013
2004 AAA @ Boston
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.
Yin Zheng
June 25, 2013 | Tampa, FL
I had the honor of being in his master class at the American Accordionists' Association festival in 2004. He was a legend.
Brian Wong
June 22, 2013 | Washington, DC
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
Jim Mullins
June 20, 2013 | Wilmington, NC
