Robert J. Carabillo

Robert J. Carabillo of Middletown, died peacefully, Thursday, December 5, 2013 at Middlesex Hospital in Middletown, surrounded by his loving family members. Born in Hartford, on June 17, 1947, he was the son of the late Julius R. and Rose (Di Fazio) Carabillo and he also lived in Wethersfield and Middletown. He received his Bachelor's degree from UCONN and his Master's degree from the University of Hartford.

He was a professional musician, composer, bandleader and an educator at Trinity, UCONN and Loomis Chaffee. He played trumpet for the Downbeats; tenor saxophone, trumpet and flugelhorn in the Norman Gage 13-piece Big Band; was recorded by Capitol Records for his Sunship album, also owned and performed in his Mainstreet Band. Sunship was the opening act in 1974 for Steely Dan at the Waterbury Palace Theater. He was mentored by Jackie Mc Lean and was a fundraiser for Gary Craig's, 'We Are The Children ' Program. He was a stomping jazz tenor! He often performed at the 880 Club in Hartford, and he played at the Copacabana in NYC. He had a very engagingly sweet and fun loving personality. After becoming very ill, he still continued to always be there for anyone. Bob is survived by his son, Michael Carabillo of Wethersfield, his sister, Julie Karas and her husband, John of West Hartford, his brother-in-law, Peter Neidle of Wethersfield and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Rosemary. A memorial service will be held Saturday, December 14, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the West Hartford United Methodist Church, 1358 New Britain Ave., West Hartford, CT 06110. Burial will be private. Calling hours will be Saturday, December 14, 2013 from 10:00 A.M. To 11:00 A.M. at the church prior to the service. D'Esopo Funeral Chapel of Wethersfield is assisting the family with arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.