HARTFORD --- Richard Caselli, 80, died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2013 at his home with his family as he had requested.
Music was his passion and life's work. As a child in Woonsocket, RI, where he was born, he sat at the Italian Working Men's Club at the edge of the stage engrossed by the bands. His parents, Domisio and Cecil Caselli, were not surprised when, at the age of eleven, he begged for a trumpet when the "music man" came to the school hawking instruments. Before long he was on that stage, the beginning of almost 70 years in music, always first chair.
The Korean War interrupted. He immediately signed on, volunteering to serve in the Army band. When he went for his audition, he was surprised to find his former student was waiting to audition him. He was fortunate to spend his three year duty representing our troops in parades throughout New England, entertaining residents in most every town and city. His other duty was to play the bugle calls.
The GI bill gave him the means to go to Boston University School of Fine and Applied Art where he completed an accelerated program in just two and a half years. This is the place where he met Judith Dixon, his future wife of 56 years.
His early playing career consisted of big band music, shows and jazz as well as formal concerts. Inspired by his teachers John Coffey and Armando Ghitalla, both members of the BSO, he went on to share his talents with numerous students in Salem, Saratoga and Glens Falls schools. From 1982 to 2005, he played as principal trumpet and served as assistant conductor for the Glens Falls Symphony and was the music director for numerous Glens Falls Community Theater shows. He was a member of the American Federation of Musicians Local #506. As a musician, he had the opportunity to play for many great entertainers including Bob Hope, Natalie Cole, The Temptations, Frankie Avalon, Perry Cuomo and Dion Warwick. He also had the opportunity to meet Harry Truman and Martin Luther King Junior and was a friend of Charlie "Bird" Parker. Composition became his favorite pastime. Much of his music can be heard in summer park concerts throughout the area. He was commissioned to compose for band, orchestra, and soloists.
Compassion for others was felt in every aspect of his life. A sense of humor sustained him and brightened the lives of all around him.
Richard was predeceased by his parents, Domisio and Cecil Caselli, and his brother Robert Caselli.
He is survived by his wife, Judith; his son and family, Michael and Denise Caselli, Josh and Ben; his daughter and family, Lindy and Joe Losowski, Susan and Dan; his daughter and family, Ellen and Bob Edwards, Elizabeth, Kalli and Emmalee; his daughter and family, Lisa Caselli, Eric, Adam, Jonathan, Amber Dunkley and great granddaughter, Norah Caselli.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, Dec. 22, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury.
A memorial service will immediately follow at 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to High Peaks Hospice, 79 Glenwood Ave., Second Floor, Queensbury, NY 12804, or Peg's Angels, 34 Sky Parlor, Salem, NY 12865, or any food pantry.
Condolences may be mailed to Maynard D. Baker Funeral Home, 11 Lafayette St., Queensbury, NY 12804, or emailed through bakerfuneralhome.com.