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Carmel Signa Obituary
Carmel Signa, 83, of Greenville, MS and formerly of Old Greenwich, passed away on May 29th.
Born August 3, 1937, in Greenville to Dominick Emile Signa and Mamie Brocato Signa, Carmel graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School and attended Delta State University. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a degree in music and furthered his education at the University of Louisiana, Monroe, receiving a Masters of Music.
Carmel taught instrumental music at Greenwich High School from 1967 through 1992. As director of the jazz ensemble he introduced his students to outstanding professional musicians such as Dick Hyman and Gerry Mulligan who served as mentors to some students. His marching band, a fixture at football games, participated in regional competitions in addition to performing in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
He is survived by his siblings: Martha, Charles, Sr. and Dominick, Jr.
Memorials may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Greenville, MS or the charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carmel Signa
Roy Blomster
February 14, 2023
Carmel was not only a talented music teacher but a very good piano player who I was lucky enough to play with many times. Just a great person all around. He will be missed.
Roy B Blomster
June 10, 2022
Carmel was at times part of the faculty five playing group and it was always a pleasure to work with him. He was not only a nice guy he was very talented. It all goes by too fast.
Roy Blomster
July 10, 2021
Carmel was a great guy to work with. He was quiet and was an outstanding piano player and a joy to have playing in the faculty band on occasions. Carmel was forever young in spirit and heart. He is missed.
Robin Guerrieri (Bradshaw)
June 18, 2021
I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Signa at Greenwich High in the early 1970's. He was passionate about his music and students, which informed his personality with infectious enthusiasm. Perhaps short in stature, but big on personality and with a huge, generous heart. His legacy lives on in the many students whose lives were enriched by having him as their teacher--myself among them. Deepest sympathy to Mr. Signa's family.
Joel Kaye
June 17, 2021
I was fortunate to get to know Carmel long after GHS, although I knew of him back then as part of our truly outstanding late 1960s/1970s music department. Although many years have passed since we last met, I can still see Carmel's warm smile. A kind, calming and gentle spirit. My condolences to Carmel's brothers and sister.
Eileen Gallagher Harrington
June 16, 2021
What a wonderful personality and talent. When Carmel looked at you, you knew you had his full attention. There was joy in his music and in his teaching. How lucky GHS music students were to have him as a teacher all those years. How lucky we were to have Carmel as a colleague and friend. He introduced me to Southern soul food and never lost his Mississippi roots, returning there in retirement.
My condolences to his family and many other friends.
Kevin Fitzpatrick
June 16, 2021
He always had a smile that lit up the room, I will always remember that. The world is a darker and quieter place with Carmel missing from it. Rest well my friend
Tom Gorin
June 15, 2021
Nice guy, Carmel. He came to Greenwich High following Ken Wendrich and began a great marching band program. I was in music school at that time and would sit in during his summer band camps. I saw him last year at The Tully Center gym; we had aged. RIP
Sandra Pendergast
June 15, 2021
My prayers and thoughts are with Carmel's family.
I have fond memories working with Carmel at GHS.
Sandra Pendergast
Dana Marie (Hughes) Semos
June 15, 2021
My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Signa's family. I have so many wonderful memories from marching band and music class with him. He always had high expectations of his students and set the bar for what I expect from my own music students. He touched many lives and will be dearly missed.
Kevin Fox
June 14, 2021
Mr Signa’s Family I didn’t ever take band or music class but always saw Mr Signa around school he was always a good person and friendly I’m sorry for your loss may he be at peace. God Bless
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
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