CARL AZZARA

AZZARA CARL SALVATORE AZZARA Of Reston, Virginia passed away Thursday evening March 23, 2017. He was 88 years old. Carl is survived and will be missed by his loving wife of 34 years, Judith Woolsey Azzara; his children, Carl Daniel (Wendy), Michael Dennis (Cynthia), Christopher David (Lisa), Patrick Timothy (Paul) and Ann Marie Morasco (Robert); his stepson, Michael Sean Ryan (Shannon); and his grandchildren, Alexandra, Nicole, Kyle, Evan, David, Amy, Kristen, Anthony, Tyler and Molly. Carl was born August 13, 1928 in Yonkers, New York to Charles Salvatore and Anna Beningasa Azzara. After graduating from Yonkers High School, Carl enlisted in the United States Army where he had the opportunity to play piano in the special services. After serving his country, Carl was awarded a music scholarship at Concord University in Athens, West Virginia. Carl graduated from Concord in 1954 and then accepted the position of band director at Marion Senior High School in Marion, Virginia. While in Marion, he spent summers at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana completing his Master's Degree. In 1960 Carl was awarded "Young Man of the Year Award" by the Marion Chamber of Commerce to recognize his positive impact on students and the community. After 10 years directing the band, Carl left Marion for new opportunities in Fairfax County, Virginia. In Fairfax County, Carl spent several years as the band director at Robert Frost Intermediate School. His career continued as High School Counselor, Guidance Director and Assistant Principal. Carl was chosen by the superintendent to be a Human Relations Specialist to serve schools in troubled areas of the county. He retired as the Assistant Principal/Guidance Director of Thoreau Intermediate School in 1983. After retirement, Carl taught computer skills and trained employees in both the private and government sectors. Carl was a member of St. Leo the Great Catholic Church and active in their CCD program. After moving to Reston, he continued his faith journey at St. John Neumann Catholic Church where he played piano at Daily Mass, was active with the High School Youth Ministry Program and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. A lifelong pianist, musician and teacher, Carl played in the same trio for over 20 years and inspired others with his love of music. He enjoyed sharing conversation, spending winters in Florida, watching Dodgers and Nationals baseball, and traveling with Judy. Last August, Carl found great joy celebrating his 88th birthday to match the 88 keys on the piano. A gathering of family and friends to commemorate Carl's life will be held on April 7, 2017 at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 11900 Lawyers Road, Reston, Virginia. Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass at 10:30 a.m. A reception will follow the Mass in the Church Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Carl S. Azzara Memorial Colloquium Fund, Concord University Foundation Inc., PO Box 1405, Athens, WV 24712-1405. www.concord.edu/cufoundation/node/17 www.concord.edu/cufoundation/node/17