Peter J. Carrabba

Peter J. CARRABBA On 7 October 2004. Born 24 April 1927, in Olympia, WA. Third child, son and namesake of Pietro Carrabba, Licodia-Eubea, Catania Provence, Sicily, Italy and Mildred Nelson Carrabba of Fall City, WA. Peter is survived by his ex-wife, Dorothy Buchanan Carrabba, to whom he was married for 21 years and had four children, and is also survived by Reba Shangrow, with whom he shared a 30 year life-partnership. Beloved father of Cheryl Carrabba (Leaf), Rafael Peter Carrabba and wife, Louise, Marco Carrabba and wife Angela, and Dina Carrabba McCarty. Cherished grandfather of Brandon and Jordan Leaf, Salvatore McCarty and Nathan and Alexander Carrabba. Loving brother of Lucy (Carrabba) Johnson Mitchell, Salvatore (deceased), William Carrabba and wife, Bonnie, and Annetta (Carrabba) Porter. Treasured uncle of Lou Clare, Peggy and Eric Johnson, Ida, Jim, Stella, and Stephanie Porter, and Lisa Carrabba, and grandnephews and nieces. Raised in Rainier Valley, a graduate of Franklin High School, and life member of the Musicians Association, Local 76, Peter's life revolved around music and the arts. He was a renowned Seattle jazz musician, a master trumpet and saxophone player, who also played string bass. He played professionally from the age of 15 in numerous nightclubs, private parties and throughout the Seattle/Bellevue area as well as statewide. As a youth he enlisted in the Army and was bugler for General Stillwell at the San Francisco Presidio. He was also in the Army Marching Band at Fort Ord. In the early 50's he made a living as a trumpet player with the Clyde Beattie Circus, and in a band playing at the Arthur Murray Dance Studios with his sister Lucy and brother-in-law Clarence (Curly) Johnson. Besides public venues, he played at the Elks and Swedish Clubs, yacht clubs throughout the state, and private parties including those for Governor Rosellini. He was still playing publicly until shortly before his death. A welcomed and invited guest artist, also playing with Gil Conte and his band at various restaurants and venues. Peter was also skilled craftsman in addition to his musical skills. His music and art skills live on through his multi- talented family. Celebration of Peter's Life will be held at the SWEDISH CLUB, 1920 Dexter Avenue N., (206) 283-1090, Seattle, WA, on 23 October 2004 at 6:00 p.m.