Wethersfield and Rocky Hill, Connecticut
CASSARINO, Ray Ray Cassarino, 86, of Wethersfield, died, Friday, (February 22, 2008) at Elm Hill Nursing Home. He was born in Hartford, son of the late Santo and Frances (Romano) Cassarino and had lived in Wethersfield for over 50 years. Ray was a noted professional keyboard player. He was a graduate of Randall School of Music, and a longtime teacher at the Hartford Conservatory (Hartford School of Music) for over 25 years. Ray was a respected jazz musician who performed with some of the very noteworthy artists in his day including Woody Herman, Jack Teagarden, Hot Lips Page, Louis Prima and Pee Wee Russell among others. His methods of reharmonization are perhaps his most influential creative writings, he was the author of several books on music theory. Ray was Past President and Business Agent of The Hartford Musicians Association, Local 400 for 12 years. He was co-founder of the Jazz Workshop and taught private lessons to many local musicians. He was a member of the Jazz Association of Greater Hartford. He is survived by a son, Raymond S. Cassarino and his wife Jill of Wethersfield; three daughters, Corrynne Paarracino of Arizona, Cynthia Cassarino and her special friend, Michael Pracon of Rocky Hill and Sandra Datallio of Arizona; a sister, Connie Orsini Greenlaw of Farmington; six grandchildren, Leah, Julie, Kendra, William, Nathaniel and Kailee and five great grandchildren and many friends, among them Tom Nazziola. He was predeceased by his former wife Dorothy (Carroll) Cassarino and a grandson, Curtis Cassarino. The funeral will be Thursday, February 28 at 7 p.m. at The Dillon-Baxter Funeral Home, 1276 Berlin Tpke. Wethersfield. Entombment will be private and at the convenience of the family. Visiting hours will be prior to the funeral, Thursday, 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. Contributions in his memory may be made to: Hartford Conservatory, 834 Asylum Ave. Hartford, CT 06105.To share a memory with the family, please visit, www.dillonbaxter.com.
Read MoreRay was my piano teacher when I was in high school. I'm taking jazz piano lessons again as a 75 year old, and my teacher keeps saying how good my basic knowledge of chords was. That's thanks to my teacher. I wish I'd looked this up earlier! Ellen Rosenfield (took lessons around 1962 or so)
Ellen Rosenfield
February 09, 2023
Randy Jon Plude
Randy Plude
October 27, 2008 | MIddlefield, CT
To everyone in the Cassarino Family I send my sincere condolences. I studied with Ray for two years in the early eighties after graduating from the Hartt School of Music. Ray was without a doubt the greatest musical influence in my life. I learned more applicable techniques and theory in two years with Ray than in my entire four years at the college.
I now teach what I consider the Ray Cassarino method to my own piano students and use the knowlege learned form him every time I...
Albert Clogston
June 13, 2008 | London
I just heard about Ray's passing. My deepest condolences to everyone in his family. I took lessons with Ray 1962-68, until I left for college, and have been a part-time jazz and pop piano player ever since. When people ask me how I learned to play, I simply say that I had the greatest jazz piano teacher in the world. Reharmonization, block chord stylings, chord scales, improvisational exercises, he taught me all I know about the piano. He was a tremendous musician who, through his music and...
Ned Rosen
April 01, 2008 | Newton, MA
My condolences to you and your family. I studied with Ray for more than four years and can still credit so many of the chords, phrases and songs that I learned from him.
I saw him at the convalescent home last fall and told him how much he and his teaching meant to me. Also mentioned that I was also playing sax and he said "I bet you're a good horn player". It pained me to see him as he was, but I was so grateful that I was able to see him once more and tell him how important he was...
Dan Fine
March 06, 2008 | West Hartford, CT
Dear Ray,Cynthia,Sandy and Corinth,
My deepest condolences to all of
you on the passing of your father.
You should all be very proud of
his accomplishments.He was much more than a teacher to me. I considered your father a friend
since he helped me immensely in
my formative years.
Being in Atlanta with your mom and
dad and having them come to our
home for an entire Sunday in l976
were moments that I'll always remember.
You will always be in my prayers.
...
John Brighenti
February 29, 2008 | New Britain, CT
Very sorry to hear of Ray's passing. His reharmonizations of classic jazz tunes live on-my aunt took lessons from him many years ago. We often play the arrangements and she copies them for me. I then pass them on to my guitar students. Great stuff!!
Dave R.
February 28, 2008 | CT
To the family of Ray Cassarino
I am saddened to hear of your father's passing. Although we spent minimal time together years ago, we enjoyed each other's company. Your father was a great pianist, and I often heard about his music from other musicians.
Cousin Frank Cassarino, formerly of New Britain, Connecticut
Frank Cassarino
February 28, 2008 | Clearwater, FL
Cynthia and Ray:
I'm sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. I never did meet him but your Mom told me a lot of stories when I lived with you on Oakdale St. What a wonderful woman she was! Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Morgan Carroll
February 28, 2008 | Wethersfield, CT
