Search by Name

Search by Name

Eugene Amaro Obituary

EUGENE AMARO Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 in his 74th year. Beloved life partner of Halena. Dear father of Colette. He will be lovingly remembered by his brother Jimmy (Agita), as well as his niece Justine. Eugene will be sadly missed by his many dear cousins and their families. Friends may call at the TRULL 'NORTH TORONTO' FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, 2704 Yonge St. (five blocks south of Lawrence Ave.), on Friday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held in the chapel on Saturday at 11 o'clock. Interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery. If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to Humber College Jazz Studies Scholarship Fund in memory of Eugene Amaro. Online condolences can be made at www.mem.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Toronto Star on Mar. 25, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Amaro

Not sure what to say?





39 Entries

PETER SMITH

February 23, 2021

Loved Eugene from the first time I heard the fabulous Boss Brassy in 1979.
Great saxophonist and such a valuable member of the BB.
RIP great man.

Peter Smith

March 18, 2019

Who can ever forget the great Eugene's marvellous playing with Rob's Boss Brass, the greatest Big band ever. Will always bring a big lump to my throat whenever I listen to the many albums they made together. Superb jazz at its very best.

John McLelland

November 6, 2017

What a marvelous musician and person Eugene was ! His many wonderful performances with Rob McConnell's Boss Brass will always be fondly etched in my memory. * Thank you Eugene - may you always rest in peace.

Peter Smith

May 14, 2015

A great musician playing in the finest big band I have ever heard. RIP Eugene (and Rob).
Peter Smith,
Torquay, UK

Michael

November 18, 2012

Owl, you are clearly sorely missed. You're with the ages now.

Derek Dreizen

August 8, 2012

One of the greatest things about the Boss Brass was Eugene Amaro. He and Terry Clarke, Sam Noto, Ed Bickert, Ian McDougal, Don Thompson, and Guido Basso really highlighted the band, and I was, and still am, totally in awe. If he didn't receive an OC, he certainly should have. I was so very sorry to hear about this. Thanks for letting me say something.

Patrick Tuzzolino

April 28, 2010

Eugene, I will always Remember, and have great appreciation for your friendship, and push you gave me when I needed it most. You'll forever be in my heart.

Colina Phillips

April 7, 2010

Eugene was one of the very first musicians to welcome Peter Nichol and I into the Toronto music scene, always with great playing and a warm and generous smile. I'll remember Eugene fondly.

Brian O'Kane

April 5, 2010

I only had the pleasure of meeting Eugene Amaro a couple of times, the first being when I was in Barrie playing with Bernie Senesky's Quintet. He was living near Orillia at the time. Eugene was extremely warm and very complimentary- a real gentleman. It was an honour to meet (and play in front of) him, especially after admiring his musicianship for many years. I know he will be missed by many, musicians and non-musicians. Rest in Peace, "Owl".

Fred Napoli

April 3, 2010

What I will remember and celebrate about Eugene Amaro is his quiet strength. The measure of his genius was in how he used the talent he possessed. He wore it quietly and kindly in the presence of others. His friends of which I was proud to be one, called him the “owl.” In retrospect he fitted his name with dignity and a genuine sense of humour and how wise is that! I don’t know anyone in the music community of which he was a leading member who wouldn’t admit how volatile and unkind it could be at times, but never for Gene. In forty years I don’t recall ever hearing an unkind word from him about anyone.
Talent and virtuosity are wonderful things and Eugene Amaro possessed each in abundant measure, but the thing which distinguishes him from others was his character and his kindness, his loyalty and his tolerance of others.
If Canada were a country as good as it could be, artists like Eugene Amaro would have statues raised in their honour while they live, if not after.
To Gene, sarai sempre il mio amico.
To Jimmy, his brother, and to his loved ones my deepest sympathies and condolences.

Fred Napoli

April 3, 2010

What I will remember and celebrate about Eugene Amaro is his quiet strength. The measure of his genius was in how he used the talent he possessed. He wore it quietly and kindly in the presence of others. His friends of which I was proud to be one, called him the “owl.” In retrospect he fitted his name with dignity and a genuine sense of humour and how wise is that! I don’t know anyone in the music community of which he was a leading member who wouldn’t admit how volatile and unkind it could be at times, but never for Gene. In forty years I don’t recall ever hearing an unkind word from him about anyone.
Talent and virtuosity are wonderful things and Eugene Amaro possessed each in abundant measure, but the thing which distinguishes him from others was his character and his kindness, his loyalty and his tolerance of others.
If Canada were a country as good as it could be, artists like Eugene Amaro would have statues raised in their honour while they live, if not after.
To Gene, sarai sempre il mio amico.
To Jimmy, his brother, and to his loved ones my deepest sympathies and condolences.

Brian Murphy

March 30, 2010

Eugene was a stellar, highly respected saxophonist/flautist, a great person and a friend. He was a top session man on the Toronto scene for decades. He will always be remembered for his outstanding contributions to the Canadian Jazz scene.
I'll miss Eugene and his spirit but the beautiful memories of him are forever!
I send my deepest condolences to Jimmy and all the family.

Jan Steel Holiff

March 30, 2010

Eugene will be remembered as a great musician but also as someone with a kind and generous heart.

He will be missed.

Peter DiCresce

March 29, 2010

Remembering today Gene (and Jimmy) who were our good neighbours and friends many many years ago at Bathurst and Bloor.
Very fond memories indeed.
Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
Peter DiCresce

Salvis

March 29, 2010

So sad...
God bless your brother Eugene!
Be strong Jimmy!
The deepest condolatories from Latvia!

BILL BERGEN

March 28, 2010

DEAR FRIENDS AND FAMILY OF GENE..WHAT A BRAVE SOUL AND WHAT A FIGHT HE PUT UP TO LIVE, AND SHOW US ALL THE WAY..I SAID TO HELENA THAT HE MADE THE EXPRESS ELEVATOR TO THE TOP IN RECORD TIME..
A REAL TALENT IN LIFE..AND VERY LIFE SIZE..
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS TO ALL..
I THINK I HEAR HIS MUSIC NOW..
BILL AND DIANA BERGEN..
TUCSON,AZ.

Jack & Cecilia Zaza

March 27, 2010

Our deepest sympathies

March 27, 2010

I will miss my brother and he takes some of my heart with him, I know He would be very impressed with all the wonderful people that expressed their love for him. Thank you from all our family for your comfort and support.

- Jimmy

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

March 26, 2010

Jimmy--Very sorry to hear of the loss of your brother Eugene. Accept my condolences.--Harry Flood (S.M.C.'57)

Fernndo Gelbard

March 26, 2010

My deepest condolences to the Family. Gene was a gentleman and a superb musician, It has been an honor and a privilege to have worked with him with the Boss Brass.--Fernando Gelbard

Rick & Carolyn Wilkins

March 26, 2010

We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of our friend and musical colleague Eugene.
Condolences to his loved ones.

Ken & Sharon Goodyer

March 26, 2010

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Donna Day

March 25, 2010

I am so sorry for your loss. I never knew Eugene, but my parents were friends over the years (June and Jim Fowles). They were both great fans of his music. Condolences to the family.

Ann Amaro

March 25, 2010

With profound sadness ... my heartfelt sincere sympathy.

March 25, 2010

Nobody played "Body and Soul" like you did Eugene.

Rest in peace and may God bless you.

Rose Marie (Pillo) Scholes

xoxo

Al Stanwyck

March 25, 2010

I've lost a dear friend, Condolences to his family.

Chris Abougoush

March 25, 2010

Jimmy, Collette and Justine,

My thoughts are with you and all of your extended family at this sad time of great loss.

I will always treasure those happier memories when we were all together in King City with family and friends. Much music and good times were shared. I loved listening to him play. He had such a special gift.

Lynne Deragon

March 25, 2010

What a privilege it was to have received Gene's music and friendship in the 70's and 80's. He was a Prince among men, and a powerhouse on the stand. His lyricism swept your soul away. Deepest condolences to all the family.

Dan Bodanis

March 25, 2010

Hey Eugene,

Thank you for the gift of friendship, the incredible inspiration, making music with me, encouraging, supporting, and helping me in all the different ways you did, and most of all; for those great meatballs!

I always looked forward to the times you would call and say: "Hey Dan, i made some meatballs, and these ones are the best batch ever! Come on over, we'll eat like Kings!!!"

Thank you for everything.

You have always been an important part of my life and that will continue.

Rest in peace Eugene.

Helena, Jimmy, and Collette, may i please extend my most profound condolences for your loss.

With the highest respect,

Dan Bodanis

Bruce Cassidy

March 24, 2010

My sincere condolences to you at your loss of this prince of a man and giant of a musician. His energy and spirit live in all of us who knew him and had the privilege of playing with him.

Showing 1 - 39 of 39 results

Memorial Events
for Eugene Amaro

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.