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Bob Catapano Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Bob Catapano
Steven Hurt
October 29, 2007
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 flawless precision and deep feeling was impressive to say the least. I had the feeling this was something he had played a long time ago but he was able to bring it back, or maybe he was able to go back to that previous time? I don't think he even realized I was in the room during this, he was "elsewhere". It was a very cool thing to watch! I spent the half hour watching him play and sing, mostly with his eyes closed. When he stopped I got up to leave and said good-bye, see ya next week, but he still seemed a bit "elsewhere." The next week I came back and he apologized for forgetting I was in the room the previous week. I said no problem as I thought it was a beautiful thing to witness the power that sweet music has a persons soul. I will go home tonight and practice up my minor pentatonic scales, as Bob thought I had a way with them and always encouraged I explore it further. I'll miss ya Bob!!
David Toth
October 14, 2007
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 my prayers.
Sammy Hooff
October 12, 2007
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 that it's not enough to "learn" an instrument. You have to "live" that instrument. And "live" it you did, Bob.
Grief, prayers, and hope for the Catapanos.
Stevie Graves
October 12, 2007
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 for you buddy for as long as we are able. Keep on rockin!
Mark Chatfield
October 11, 2007
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!
Chris Kolb
October 10, 2007
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.
John Durzo
October 9, 2007
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
Tonya Fornash
October 6, 2007
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...
steve frank
October 6, 2007
Bob was my best friend and I miss him very much. My heart goes out to his family.
Randy Adkins
October 5, 2007
Bob was a good friend...he will be missed very much. Rockin' and rollin' on the 'big stage'...see ya soon!
Matt Mees
October 5, 2007
I
met Bob in the mid 80's, but I didn't play music with him until about
1997. I subbed on bunch of gigs with him. I always enjoyed his work
ethic and straight forward approach.He did the best version of "Whiter
Shade of Pale" with just guitar.....it blew my mind, and I always
pestered him to play that song, and he would, even on nights when he wasn't in the mood. Thanks for the memories Bob, I'll miss you man.
Shane Sheaf
October 5, 2007
Bob and I played together in several bands over the years and I ejoyed him as a musician and even more as a great person. I appreciated how much he loved his son. God bless Bob. Sincerely Shane Sheaf.
michael mann
October 5, 2007
Bob was my best and closest friend in life, and his loss is a personl tragedy for me and a loss for everyone who knew him. But knowing Bob so well, i know he has survived life on this planet, and has moved on to a better place, and is no longer suffering. For that we can all be happy.
Carl Shelor
October 5, 2007
Everyone, so eloquently expresses their memories and fondness of Bob. Here, when it's difficult to translate feelings and emotions into words, I feel a need to at least try.
Although I don't believe I've ever met his family, my condolences go out to them.
I had the pleasure of playing music with Bob for a short time and knew him as a gentle and caring soul. I am saddened by the news of his passing, but I raise my glass in celebration of his life!
Keep On Rockin' Bob
Tom Bloomer
October 4, 2007
I played in a band with Bob & Alan Boggs in the late 80's. We played every hole in the state that Alan could find. Great time, great guys.
I'm sure those too are already forming their plans to tour the party spots in Heaven. Rock on my brothers!
Chuck Marcum
October 4, 2007
Bob was a good friend who I played music with for several years. He was a great musician. His friendship,talent,and music will be greatly missed. Chuck Marcum
Mildred Larsen
October 4, 2007
Bob was truly a very inspiring man, a wonderful father and husband. He had a very strong presence when he entered a room. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I'm sure he's watching over all of you, of that I'm certain. The physical world has lost a great human being. Rest in peace, Bob. Love, Mij
Randy Goin
October 4, 2007
I was very sad to hear about about our friend. I met Bob in 1989, enjoyed his friendship, guitar playing, and great attitude.
He is already missed.
Frederic Werner
October 3, 2007
Thank you for all the theory that you taught me. I will never forget your patience and kindness as a teacher.I will miss your smile and stories from the road. But you will live on in every note, every verse, every solo, every time I play guitar. We will miss you forever, but the Lord gained a great person and guitarist. Love is forever, seperating us never, live in my heart till we meet again. Great line my friend, I get it. Love ya, man.
Sylvia Werner
October 3, 2007
Thanks Bob, for showing me all the theory. At first, I was TOTALLY lost, but you helped me out a whole lot. Thanks! Also, you did a great job showing me Man on the Silver Mountain. I play it all the time with my dad.Thanks for being a great teacher. Rock on, dude!!!
Robert Reeves
October 3, 2007
I had the pleasure as well to play in several bands with Bob and he was truly one of the best guitarists I have had the pleasure to work with. He was a real perfectionist with great ears and great writing talent as well. We had a blast playing together and I will never forget those times thru-out the years - thank you Bob you will truly be missed. God Bless,my prayers are with you all.
Bryan Saums
October 3, 2007
I was out bike riding on Sunday after I heard of Bob moving on to another place. A hawk soared down beside me a flew with me for about thirty yards. I thought Bobcat was saying, "Au revoir."
Bob the teacher prodoundly changed the relationship my wife has with music. He increased her knowledge and understanding of composition and arrangement and truly increased her appreciation for music. She will never listen to music as a passive, unknowing listener again. Bob made Jane a musician.
Bob the teacher changed my relationship with the guitar. I am a better player thanks to Bobcat.
Bob was so much more than a teacher. He was a political philospher. He was a warrior. He was a shaman--a spirit guide through and between the stone circles of this ephemeral life.
Bob taught me another important lesson when his body left us. When you meet a special person, make as much contact as you can because you just never know how short our short lives can be. Live rich. Live full. Live now.
Bobcat changed my life. I hope that part of my soul that went away on Sunday comes back when I pick up the guitar...
My love and prayers to all of Bob's family and friends, especially that Little Warrier Michael...
And as Bob would say, "Be safe."
Beth McCrimmon
October 3, 2007
I was greatly saddened to learn of Bobs death. I have known him for a very long time and we have had some great talks over the years. I will never forget his friendship, excellent guitar playing, mind and laugh...To Carri and Michael I wish to send my most sincere condolenses. He spoke of you very proudly. The last time I saw him, he spoke of how proud he was of you. He will never be forgotten.
May You Find PEACE in these difficult times.
Sincerely,
Beth McCrimmon
Chris
October 3, 2007
Bob was an amazing, gentle man and I am sure will be greatly missed by his family. I knew Bob well and he had drive and vision you don't see very often. I have not been in contact with Bob for twenty years but I remember his voice and laugh. My heart goes out to his wife and son, they are fortunate people.
Chad Rager
October 3, 2007
I met Bob when I was around 19. I had the pleasure of working with him in a couple different bands. I always found him to have great insight about music and life. Bob had a great laugh which I can hear as I write this. My prayers are with his family. Bob you made a mark here. You will be remembered for your music and as a very interesting person.
Jane Landwehr
October 3, 2007
Thanks, Bob, for listening to songs you didn't like over and over again just to tab the bass lines for me. Miss you. Love to your family.
Josie & The Light, Bag of Nails Pub 2004
October 3, 2007
Bob and Andrew in Josie & The Light
October 3, 2007
Josie Gonot
October 2, 2007
The Columbus State College Lifelong Learning Institute & The Bexley Mansion Club hired Bob and I several times last year and this year. The directors & staff have requested me to forward their sympathy & high regard of his talent. These institutions are highly respected and so was Mr Catapano. I was proud to stand beside him.
Mona Gable
October 2, 2007
I was 15 when I first met Bob.
By the time I was 21, I had the great pleasure of writing songs & playing music with him. We were the closest of friends throughout my college days, and I was so glad that we had found each other again and started corresponding about a year ago. When he told me that he had been ill, it was in an offhanded way, preferring to speak instead about the people and things he loved most. He told me about Carri and Michael, his love for martial arts and of course, as always...music. Yes, there was always the music!
Bob was truly one of the most wonderful, talented and gentle souls on earth.
My heartfelt sympathy to Carri, Michael and all those who loved him, and whose lives have been made better by having known him.
There will always be a very special place in my heart for Bob.
Randy Reynolds, Lynnette Stephenson and the Further Lo Band
October 2, 2007
Bob's dedication, passion and his unbelievable musical talent will continue to live on in the many lives he touched. He was an inspiration and such a positive role model to so many musicians today. Our thoughts are with the family and will miss him greatly.
Jeff Flegler
October 2, 2007
Carri and Michael,
I am so sorry for your loss. Bobby was my closest and best friend growing up in NJ. We spent much time together. I will always Love him. If there is anything I can do to help out, don't hesitate to call on me.
Bobby's Cousin,
Jeff Flegler
Cathy Nesselrodte
October 2, 2007
Carri and Michael,
If you need me for anything please don't hesistate to call me. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Love You
Cathy
Sue Chapman
October 2, 2007
I am sure you are playing music, wherever you are. Bob, you and your music will be greatly missed. An old friend and fan
October 2, 2007
Cari and Michael I love you my deepest thoughts are with you and will be always. love Joannie and Bert
Kris Krzyzanowski
October 2, 2007
My prayers go out Bob and his Family.Bob was one of my closest friends and a great musician and a great person.I will miss him very much!
Kayla Hanocka
October 2, 2007
My deepest Sympathy on the loss of Bob Catapano, an amazing musician and very cool dude. From an old aquaintance from the Miami days in the 70's.
Diana Wheeler
October 2, 2007
Mrs. Catapana,
I am so sorry for your loss. You won't remember me but our late husbands were friends from Shannons for years. My Jim (Big Daddy the bartender) passed away 5 years ago and i know what you are going through. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sending all of the positive energy i have and things will get better.
Val Ciardelli
October 2, 2007
Deepest condolences to family and friends. Indeed, Bob and his music will be greatly missed. "Rock On" Bobcat....
Bill Michel
October 2, 2007
I'm sorry for your loss. I didn't really know Bob but I knew of his work. He will be missed.
Jody Bukey- Jones
October 2, 2007
You will be missed and remembered forever! I guess the "Gods" must have needed music up there. To the family- no one is gone..unless forgotten.
clarence highfill
October 2, 2007
Our deepest sympathy to you and the family. Bob and his music will truly be missed.
Toddd Page
October 2, 2007
Bob love ya Bro!
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