Obituary - Anthony L. Pasquerelli - February 3, 2011

[Dr. Nelson Harrison]

Anthony L. Pasquarelli

Mt. Lebanon

Anthony L. Pasquarelli, 95, of Mt. Lebanon, affectionately known as "The Boss" by his former students, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011. Mr. Pasquarelli was born June 13, 1915, in Pittsburgh, to parents Guy and Maria Pasquarelli. Mr. Pasquarelli is survived by his wife of 71 years, Alice May Pasquarelli; his daughters, Terry McDonald and Suzette (David) Foster; granddaughters, Dawn (Daniel) Richardson and Gretchen (Clay) Caroselli; grandson, David (Megan) Foster; and great-grandchildren Jordan and McKenzie Richardson and Mia and Jake Foster, all of Pittsburgh. Three sisters, Mary Elizabeth Pasquarelli, Jean Cataldo and Irene Copenhaver preceded him in death. For many years, Mr. Pasquarelli was the most sought-after trumpeter in Pittsburgh. He studied trumpet with Ottavio Ferrara and Charles Vecchiolo. In his long and successful career, Anthony played first trumpet for the Civic Light Opera of Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Grand Opera and the Ice Capades and Ice Follies. Mr. Pasquarelli was also a staff musician with radio and television stations of Pittsburgh and theatre orchestras including the Nixon, Penn and Stanley theatres. He played under such conductors as William Steinberg, Andre Kostelanetz, Karl Kritz and Richard Karp. In 2004, Mr. Pasquarelli was named the School of Music's first Artist-Lecturer Emeritus in trumpet by Carnegie Mellon University, where he taught for 47 years. He also taught privately until age 93. Many of his former students occupy principal trumpet chairs in major symphony orchestras around the world. With his help, guidance and love many others have become successful private teachers and music instructors who continue to carry on his legacy. Through the years three trumpet concertos were commissioned by his students to commemorate his many years of teaching at Carnegie-Mellon University. A teaching studio at the University bears his name, funding was raised by his grateful students. At one point nine of the 11 trumpet players of the River City Brass Band were Pasquarelli students. Annual luncheons were held to bring his students together; they came from other states and other countries as well as the Pittsburgh area to greet and honor him and share "Boss" stories. The stories were filled with gratitude and were usually funny, as he taught with a firm hand and a sense of humor. He was a great trumpet player and motivator and father figure and friend to many who were fortunate enough to know The Boss. The Boss was a man of honor, loyalty, and devotion and these are the traits for which he will be remembered. Funeral arrangements by BEINHAUERS. 724-941-3211. Friends are welcome from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday and from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at 2828 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at Our Lady of Grace Church. Entombment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers memorial donations be made to The Anthony L. Pasquarelli Foundation, c/o The Pittsburgh Foundation, 5 PPG Place, Suite 250, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. Please add or view Tributes at www.beinhauer.com. 

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