Frank L. Carabetta

Frank Carabetta, 71 Sam the Sham and the Pharoahs saxophonist, mentored young musicians Lifelong Staten Islander, self-taught musician, accomplished songwriter, author and composer, arranger and band member Frank Carabetta, 71, of Westerleigh, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 28, 2016. Frank was the oldest child of Nicholas and Alda Carabetta and was born and raised in Concord. Frankie, as everyone knew him, was a musical prodigy from a very early age. He began his musical career at the age of four playing the accordion. At the age of 10 he appeared on the Ted Mack Amateur Hour and won. He then became very passionate about his music and proceeded to teach himself to play many instruments. He became proficient in all varieties of the saxophone, his signature instrument being the tenor saxophone, which he began playing at the age of 12. Frankie attended New Dorp High School, where he starred as the band's solo saxophonist, then attended the Brooklyn Conservatory of Music. After forming and playing with numerous bands, including Frankie and the RamRods, he joined the 1960's rock and roll band, Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs. He achieved Gold and Platinum record success as the saxophonist for the band, and received a Gold Record from the RIAA for "Little Red Riding Hood" in 1966. The group appeared on the Johnny Carson Show and toured the United States and foreign countries playing their greatest hits, "Wooly Bully" and "Little Red Riding Hood." Later, Frankie played in many clubs in the metropolitan area, taught music and helped many bands record music in his home recording studio. He particularly enjoyed mentoring young musicians, where he gave generously of his time. He was a member of ASCAP and Local 802. He continued playing music up until the time of his death. Frankie was an avid Yankees fan, enjoyed watching movies at home, and was a big fan of the "Rocky" films. Frankie was a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Marie; two loving daughters, Nicole and Lisa Carabetta; two brothers, Nicholas Jr. and Louis Carabetta; and a sister, Joan Ostrowski and her husband, Paul. He is also survived by sisters-in-law, Linda and Patricia Carabetta; nephew, Nicholas Carabetta III and his wife, Kerri; niece, Vivian Santomauro and her husband, Bill; great-nieces, Ava Carabetta and Sofia Santomauro, and great-nephews, Nicholas and Joseph Carabetta and William Santomauro. A gathering of family and friends will take place today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. at Casey Funeral Home, 350 Slosson Ave., Todt Hill. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 366 Watchogue Rd., Westerleigh. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.