Gerald J Carasea Jr. - "Mr. C", (1951 - 2019) - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Let me hear you GROWL!!!

68 years old
Born on January 1, 1951
Passed away on July 11, 2019

Marching to the Beat of Mr. C.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

Jerry Carasea has left this life before the rest of us were ready to let him go… typical of him. Anyone who knew him was aware that Jerry could leave a conversation mid-sentence if he thought he knew how it would end. When you had his attention, it was 100%, but you had better talk fast and with few words.

Jerry’s high energy, sharp focus, and love for everything musical were instrumental in his success as a father, husband, friend, musician, music teacher, band director, music contest judge, and educational music consultant.

As his wife, best friend, and mother to our children, I realize that Jerry knew we would be okay. Jerry believed all of us to be capable of more than what we thought we could. Jerry marched to the beat of his own drum, and he made sure we all followed him. He made it fun, and he made us better people because of it.

On June 13th, 2019, Jerry took Matt and I to Isle of Palms, South Carolina. We had two special weeks at the beach before medical symptoms forced his return for testing. Jerry’s family and friends held his hand and talked to him during his last five days with us. He was never in any pain and was aware of everyone around him. On July 11th, 2019, Jerry passed away from this earth due to organ failure from pancreatic and liver cancer. We will never forget his life and his love for all of us, as his spirit lives on.

Mrs. C.

Tributes

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July 12, 2019

Mr. C was a great teacher. He believed in us a student's. He was hard on us, but in a good way. He knew we could achieve more than we lazy teenagers wanted to give. Especially in those hot summers doing 8 hour drills. He will always be my favorite FBI (fat bald italian)! Praying for family and friends dealing with this saddening loss.

July 12, 2019

I drive bus for Cloverleaf and I would do a lot of the band trips, Mr. C would ride my bus, and he always called me by Norma, another drive. I would tell him my name is Linda, and he would just laugh and say I know just like teasing you. I would say about 98% of the times would not sit in a seat, he would stand by the steps and talk to me. He would tell stories or tell jokes, we would talk about places to go eat. He will be greatly missed. He made a difference to many peoples life. Keep the music going!!

July 12, 2019

I’ve had a heavy heart all day after my wife Alissa (Yannayon) told me Mr. C passed away. I was a student of his from 1985-1987 and she was from 1987-1991. When she told him that she was dating me, he shrieked “NO?!” I felt bad. I knew then that my ‘playful shenanigans’ had caused him some real consternation. There are some stories behind that, but they demonstrate my inconsiderate nature back then more than it does his frustration with me.

Rather, I choose to recollect his wrinkled-nose smile and him laughing at his own jokes as if he just heard it for the first time. We laughed too, but more because of his amusement than the joke itself. He inspired us to perform to the best of our ability and treated us as if we were professional musicians playing at Severance Hall instead of a bunch of kids playing in a school gymnasium. Because of him, I have a love of jazz and classical music to this day. I don’t know anyone that was better suited for their chosen profession than Mr. C was for his. I'm a better person for having known him, if only for a couple years.

Rest in peace, Mr. Carasea.

July 12, 2019

Mr. C was probably the best teacher I had. He knew how to see potential in his students and bring it out. He help me fulfill one my childhood dreams of playing drumset when he asked me one day when I was in 9th grade if I was interested in learning to play the drumset. He help set me up with lessons and a practice kit. In investing in me he got a consistent drumset player for 4 years and I got a skill that I have kept on using since. Playing drumset was the median that got me involved in campus ministry in college that I was apart for 5 years. Being involved in the ministry is a how I met my wife and made lifelong friendships. Playing drumset became my niche for several years. If it wasn’t Mr. C I don’t know if I would have ever picked up playing the drumset or just went on with regular percussion. My life would probably be very different if it wasn’t for Mr. C. Thank you Mr. C, you’ll be missed.

July 12, 2019

Mr. C was my Cloverleaf band director and he was one hell of one at that. The passion he had for music you couldn't help but feel. I remeber when a type of music class was mandatory. Those that were afraid or could not sing got to learn to play music as one with the best teacher and friend you could ever ask for through your toughest years of fitting in. I along with many others was very lucky to be in the presence of this great man. You really made an impression on me Mr. C. Thank you to his family for sharing him for so many years with us!

July 12, 2019

Mr C was the best band teacher around! He always encouraged us to be our best (and by that I mean Practice Practice and Practice some more), which instilled a strong work ethic in us. It's true we worked hard, but when we stepped out onto that field we had pride in knowing that we would perform to the best of our ability because of how much he cared! I'll never forget taking the trip to AZ and performing in the Fiesta Bowl Parade and at the Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe!!! He and his beautiful wife had just gotten married, and she came along with all of us (what a honeymoon! Lol), that's how dedicated he was to his band students. I will forever remember how much fun he made band, how he laughed so hard he cried, and how much he truly cared for all of us. ❤

July 11, 2019

No one person is more responsible for my musicianship and character more than Mr. C. I think I spent more time on a marching band field and in rehearsals with him over four plus years than I did with my parents. He was extremely funny, intense, down to earth, real, and able to inspire his students to give 110% always...even in rehearsal. He truly cared and before his wife and kids, we were his family...and we truly were a musical family. We didn't mind he was hairy and sweaty, yelled at us through a bullhorn, and wasn't satisfied until he knew we had done our very best. We loved him unconditionally and wanted more than anything to please him.
He didn't just teach me to be an amazing bassoonist and a so-so mellophone player (that was my fault), he taught me and so many thousands before and after me, what kind of person to be. I became a professional musician thanks to him, always striving for excellence and seeking his approval. I always sent him my CDs, would occasionally stop by the school to see him, and begged him to sell me one of his bassoons, which he always refused.
I will forever remember my bassoon lessons with him when he would whittle on my reed, wipe the shavings on my pants, and say "So, Galbraith...how's your love life?" just to catch my awkward teenage self off guard. I will never forget the feeling when our band was the first Cloverleaf band to qualify for state competition. Some of my best memories were on that marching band field and on our many trips.
The world became a darker place today without him, except that those like me who carried their music with them into adulthood might brighten our own torches a little more, knowing that in remembering him, we now carry the torch.
If I can't make it to the services (I am in New York), my heart will be there. I know there are so many people I would love to see again...my true childhood friends, my band rat family. My heart and greatest sympathies go out to his family.
Signed, Pam Galbraith, class of 1986 (aka Angel Pam West)

July 11, 2019

Mr.C was a wonderful band teacher. I only had him when I was in 5th and 6th grade band, just learning how to play trumpet. He would always tell me how talented I was. It was after my 6th grade year I quit band cause I was told he would not be my teacher in 7th grade. He was upset with my decision. That is how much he thought of me. Years later I regret my decision to not keep up with band especially when he believed in me so much. You will be missed Mr C!

July 11, 2019

Mr. Carasea: Mr. C! Was one of the first inspirational people in my high school career. He took me from a flute playing pain in the @$$, to a tenor sax, bassoon, oboe, Key of "C" playing band member. He literally changed the coarse of my life. After graduation, worked as a commercial printer in pre-press for 22 years. I was always missing something in my life. Music has always been a big part of my life, just not as big as band. Mr. C pushed me to be bigger, and better than I ever could have dreamed. I started on Wadsworth Fire and EMS 25 years ago as a fluke. I always worked second or third shift. So, no one was ever home that i knew, they all had normal jobs. The drive Mr. C instilled in me came welling back up, when I was given an opportunity to try out for the fire/ems department. I found what I had been missing for so many years. A bigger purpose! Not about me, but WE! Being a part of a bigger group with a common goal is what gets me going! I have made friends through band from other countries, Takashi Itahara. I have bonds that can never be broken, Tim Lawrence. I met my wife through friend from band, Allen A. Rom. She did exactly the same things I did in high school. A common bond formed in band, and music because a teacher took the time to see potential, and a different path for a student. He did not just do his job, he is a teacher that shapes young peoples lives, now and forever more! Thank you Mr. "C" from the bottom of my heart for believing in a skinny little blonde haired "Pest of the year", and making me "The outstanding band member" that you knew i could become! Rest in peace, and keep inspiring, and "conducting" peoples lives from heaven. Forever great full, Scott Vallant

July 11, 2019

Oh Mr. C,
What a great teacher and supportive person! I graduated in 1982, Mr C's first years at Cloverleaf! Marching band, jazz band and concert band. He made it all great. I felt like he taught me so so much! R. I. P.

July 11, 2019

I met Mr. C when my oldest son, Matt Fisher, joined band at Cloverleaf. What a great teacher and inspiration he was to Matt! He encouraged Matt to switch from trumpet to tuba, and Matt continues to play music to this day (he traded tuba for guitar though!). Our families thoughts are with Mr C’s family during this time of loss. But I can’t help but think that the great band in the sky was excited to gain such a talented bassoon player, and Mr C will keep a seat in the band for us!

July 11, 2019

I was a teacher at Cloverleaf, but at the Elementary level. There wasn't one teacher who didn't know Mr. C and respected him. Always upbeat and a great guy. Truly appreciated by both community and fellow teachers!

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was an incredible person. He was so important to so many of us and I just don’t think there is really any way to express how much he meant. He touched so many lives and will never be forgotten. We love you Mr. C! Thank you for all of the memories.

July 11, 2019

I had known Jerry since I started at Green 17 years ago. He was a great band director, a funny and accepting man, a friend who would listen, a mentor who could encourage, a honest character to respect and someone I grew to know and have the deepest respect for. “For all whose lives were touched by his, what has left us will never be greater than what was given to us by him.”

July 11, 2019

As a member of our building leadership team at school we have been tasked with reading a book about guiding learning. My job is to present a synopsis of the first chapter entitled "Leadership". I honestly can't think of anyone who embodied that more than Mr. C!! We all WANTED to be better because he knew that we could be! There is no way to post A memory of him because there are so many. The fact that he always remembered us - and our families - even so many years later makes him stand out (I'm happy when I can remember the ones in my current class )! And when he yelled at us, it never once felt mean. My deepest condolences to his family

July 11, 2019

My prayers go out to Mr. C's family. "It was just high school band" some might say but those few years made such a difference. Mr. C pushed me to do those things I didn't think I could do, and I did them well. The confidence he had in my ability was like nothing I'd ever experienced before. He was tough and he pushed and there were days I really wanted to quit because of that, but he taught me to persevere, push through the fear and the result was beautiful music. Thank you, Mr. C for giving all of yourself to all of us.

July 11, 2019

While I never experienced the opportunity of knowing Jerry as a band director, I did have the honor of working with him at Pellegrino Music Center. Jerry was not just a road-rep for the company - he was a straight-shooting, tell-it-like-it-is, audacious, hilariously-funny, incredibly-knowledgeable, hard-working, honest, caring, loyal, and generous friend - and all of us at Pellegrino Music Center loved him dearly. To say we are shell-shocked and devasted at his untimely passing would be an understatement.
As I struggle to comprehend that someone so pure in spirit....so unique...and so much a true role model could leave us so suddenly, all I can say is that no one ever completely dies as long as they live in the memory of those who knew him and perpetuate his legacy.
Every one of us fortunate enough to have known Jerry carry the seeds to plant his ideals, knowledge, humor, wit, and integrity in future soil. In that sense, Jerry is timeless and immortal. And, if he were to read this tribute his initial statement would be, "What a crock of s**t!" But, his private aside would be, "You're an okay cat, Jayne." That was Jerry...
My deepest condolences to Jerry's wife, Carolyn, and their children. The Pellegrino family (and I'm talking about the COMPANY family - the entire dysfunctional bunch of us) are here for you. We mourn the loss of one of our own....

July 11, 2019

I was the youngest of the five Carrell Kids. We all had Mr C for band at U L Light Jr High in Barberton. He was a great guy to all of us. Treated us like family. He will be missed. He judged many a competition for my kids in the Wadsworth and Cloverleaf bands. Truly sad to see he had passed away.

July 11, 2019

I shared an office with you for 11 years. You made me feel capable. You believed in me. You supported the choral program. Thank you. I loved every day that I worked with you.
   You told it like it was. No one could get away with saying the things that you said but the important part was; you really cared about the human being that you were talking to. They could feel you pushing them to be better.
   I will always remember how you would share a joke and then laugh at your own joke so hard that the tears rolled down your face.
    I have missed our relationship for awhile now. You made the world a better place. The world is definitely different without Jerry Carasea. See you later my friend.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was one of the most memorable, dedicated people on earth. His passion for our performances in band and marching band fueled us all. Words cannot express how much he has impacted the lives of his students, and he will be missed by everyone. Thank you for everything, Mr. C, and thanks also to your family for sharing you with us.

July 11, 2019

I am so sad to hear about Mr. C's passing. Participating in marching band was one of the best experiences I had in High School and Mr. C was one of a kind. Thank you for all the wonderful musical memories. My condolences to Jerry's family.

July 11, 2019

For twelve years, from Keith's start past Kurt's years in the music program, I had the opportunity of spending many hours with you. You were always a great leader who cared for the kids he had. You will be greatly missed! Rest in Peace Jerry.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C. , I was his neighbor at Cloverleaf for 11 years, right across the hall in my little office I got to hear and see him almost every day. He always had a joke for me when he stopped by and I don't know if I ever got to finish an entire sentence before he was on the move again, to me he was always in motion. He made marching band a wonderful place for my daughter and I will be forever grateful to him. He touched so many lives and we are the better for knowing him.

July 11, 2019

He had the best bands in the state. Cloverleaf was always proud of them. When Jerry came down to Westfield for the students he always would come to my door and say, " Hey Vozar, did you hear this one yet? And he would tell his joke, laugh louder than me, and get to his students. What a great friend. I know they have a band up there for you buddy.

July 11, 2019

It is truly amazing to see all the lives that had a positive impact because of this man! I was one of those people. I was shy and awkward, but I belonged...not because of who my parents were, the friends I had....just because everyone belonged in his circle. The highlight of my high school career was in 9th grade. Scared and small....walking into a big school...not many friends, sit down at band, he wasted no time organizing chairs. I made 1st trumpet with the big boys that looked twice my size! They looked at me like....a little 9th grader?? But Mr. C spoke, and that was that, and suddenly I wasn't a shy 9th grader, I just acquired respect and there was a place for me.....someone saw my talent, and that someone was Mr. C! I'm sorry I hit you in the head at practice with my trumpet....you were yelling at everyone to get the move down correctly. I sensed that you were right behind me....but thought....he wants us to do it right....and he made this up....he knows we have a 180* turn here. Well sure enough, I smacked him as hard as I could with my trumpet when I whipped around! I wasn't hurt, but he was mumbling "it was his fault" as he was rubbing his head. And I can't believe with all these comments, no one is mentioning the Monday band practice after a performance. The TV was set up, get in your seat, there was no time to spare watching and rewinding to all the spots that need improvement! He had all the mistakes memorized and he wasn't quiet about telling us what we did wrong and what was expected! Some kids grow up without adults believing enough in them, or caring enough, to yell at them, and it shows! We were awesome because of his instruction! It wasn't until I was an adult with my own children, and saw adults showing favoritism, squashing kids confidence, or just not really caring enough. I also saw HS bands and thought, oh my, they need a Mr. C!
Thank you Mr. C for all you did for us. I hope you have a big band in heaven to lead! For his family, many thoughts and prayers!

July 11, 2019

I was only at Cloverleaf for two years, but it was Mr. C's first years there. The band room was always open to anyone at any time. It was like a second home. Mr. C. expected the best you could give and he always made it fun. My condolences to his family and all who loved him.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C wasn’t my band director, he was a mentor. I started my career at Buckeye, and Mr. C was literally the first person to call me in my apartment and welcome me to Medina County. He was always supportive, and he kept an eye on me—supporting me throughout those first few years. This grew into an amazing friendship. He continued to be a generous support and a dear friend throughout the rest of my 30 years here in Medina County. He was a straight shooter, and had a hilarious sense of humor. Words fail to adequately share what he has meant to so many. My heart is broken. My prayers are with his wife and children. He was truly one of the “good guys.” I will miss him dearly.

July 11, 2019

I will always remember him for his dedication to the marching bad had the opportunity with my parents to volunteer and take of the bus. God bless you

July 11, 2019

My maiden name is Hamad. I was apart of Cloverleaf band from 1983-1986. Mr. C was the best teacher ever. He made an impression on everyone he touched. I remember having to work my way to play cards on his team and God help you if you made a mistake, you would never live it down. He was the best and most caring teacher I knew and a slave driver during marching season. Never was our proudest moment when we beat Brunswick in competition. Every school was out to beat us and I remember more than once, practicing late on school nights just to get a part right or play the rift correctly. I loved every minute of that time. We will miss you and your talent in this world but you left us all better for having you in our lives. He was a legend and there is no other like him. He will be missed. I hope you and dad are having a good time in heaven! My thoughts and prayers are with Carolyn and the children.

July 11, 2019

He made everything fun, and was loved by every student he taught. What a loss.

July 11, 2019

I cried so hard when I saw this news. I drove home and it was raining like crazy and I thought it was only fitting as tears poured down from heaven. I sat on my front step and watched it rain and the thunder rolled, and it so sounded like drums. It was just the perfect, but yet so sad, moment to honor Mr. C.
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I cried the whole time.
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The entire time I remembered his crowning achievement. My junior year we won grand champion at the Brunswick competition with a score of 272, I think it was. We were standing at parade rest on the field for the awards ceremony while Wadsworth was next to us and going crazy as they were awarded the first awards.
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They were cheering, hooping and hollering and some were mocking us as each of the first four or five awards went to them.
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But then the first of the big three awards came. The announcer said “Cloverleaf” as though he was surprised. Then the second was ours ... Wadsworth kids started to worry... and then the third..... and then GRAND CHAMPION!
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That, for me, was the pinnacle of four years as part of Mr. C’s band.
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I’m proud that my freshman class was the first to make it to State. And I’m also proud that we got a “1” all four years while in band.
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That is a testament to Mr. C.. That time was his magnum opus. Those of us who experienced that will never forget that accomplishment. And it’s Mr. C’s direction, hard work and will that led us to that incredible feat.
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And then later when I saw that Cloverleaf had gone to something like 25 or more years in a row to State, I smiled with pride.
THAT was Mr. C’s life’s work.
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Well done, our mentor and friend.
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We stand in attention to honor you.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C is the only teacher I truly remember and had the biggest impact on my life. You knew he really cared about you and it showed that even years later he would remember who you were. Prayers for his family.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was a very kind and supportive man, always pushing his students to do their best. Mr. C will always hold a special place in my heart and he will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Mr. C for all you have done for me and all of your students. You will be greatly missed. ❤️

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was a great teacher. He did so much more for us than teach. He fought for us. He gave us a safe place to be and to stay out of trouble.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was like family. I have so many fond memories of him. He taught we how to play the trumpet in 5th grade. I will miss him dearly. I am so torn apart by this news. I truly feel for his family.

July 11, 2019

Mr c was a great band director I played the French horn and always told me play louder he couldn't hear me... I always thought I wasn't good enough but he always encourage me .. he was a great man. He will be missed...

July 11, 2019

I and many others became band directors because of Mr. C’s example and influence. My husband and I were freshmen when Mr. C came to Cloverleaf and it was exciting to see the transformation of the band program and its continued excellence. The Cloverleaf band program is well respected in the music education community and that is a direct result of Jerry’s hard work and dedication. We all have countless stories to remember, usually funny ones (the man could cheat at euchre like nobody’s business), and I know that Nathan and I can say that our high school band years were some of the best ones of our lives. The entire Cloverleaf community mourns the loss of a truly great teacher who made such a positive impact on the lives of so many.

July 11, 2019

I don't remember the names of most of my teachers, but I will never forget Mr. C. He was an amazing teacher, and I always knew we had the best band around because of him and his vision (in fact, few compared in my mind). The days I spent on drill team immersed in band camp, practices, games, and competitions are forever etched in my memory, along with Mr. C.

July 11, 2019

Mr C was an amazing man with the patience that is truly inspiring. He was the reason my husband Ed stayed on as videographer as long as he did. We will miss him dearly. Prayers and love to Carolyn and the kids. RIP

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was a tough guy with a heart of gold, a passion for music, and a willingness to spend infinite amounts of time planning events that gave his students opportunities for growth and travel. He worked us HARD those hot summers of twice daily practices on a treeless slanted hill in the blazing sun. He sweated along with us in his striped tube socks. Mr. C meant alot to me then and still does now. He is missed and loved.

July 11, 2019

Mr.C pushed me he pushed all of us, but he did it with a confidence that made you also believe in yourself, the way he believed in you. I will never forget his stories, and the way that he laughed while we all just laughed because he thought it was that funny. I will miss the way you called me mindls, even in our correspondence through my college years. He built unbreakable bonds with many and will never be forgotten.

July 11, 2019

Mr.C was the biggest reason I joined marching band and also the reason I decided to ultimately join the Army band. I was nervous for my audition to get into the Army band but he encouraged me and told me I could do it! He helped so many of us young people become disciplined and work hard. We all knew when he meant business but we also knew when it was time to play when he would give that wrinkle nosed smile. He is the best! Love you Mr. C ♥️. My condolences to his family and friends.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was a living institution at Cloverleaf. He touched so many students' lives and always made us feel we each had our own special connection with him. He's instilled the love of musical performance in so many kids. His memory lives on.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was a part of my life for a long time. Both of my sisters were in marching band with him as the director, and my oldest sister played in the regular high school band as well. I remember when I was little, hiding under my mom’s chair at a band concert and thinking “man I want to be in that band. I want to do that too.” And I did.
I only had the privilege of him teaching me for a bit in elementary school, but I will never forget him teaching me alternative fingerings for the clarinet. He always called me “The Missing Lenk” as I was the final Lenk to go through Cloverleaf. He was a big part of my childhood as I was always around my sisters, going to band concerts and football games. Rest In Peace Mr. C and thank you for everything you’ve done.

July 11, 2019

Mr. C was a colleague at Cloverleaf as well as a very influential teacher to my daughter. I will be forever grateful for the time he spent with us. We are blessed that he was in our lives. My sympathy to his family in this time of massive change for them.

July 11, 2019

Mr C was more than a teacher to so many of us. The impact he had on my life cannot easily be put into words. Mr C was not just a teacher, he was a father figure. I grew up without a dad, but in the walls of that school I knew I had someone watching out for me, guiding me, and holding me accountable at all times. The way he could call you out without condemning you was so important as a teen. He could make the hardest moments humorous and bearable. The lessons I have carried with me are beyond music notes and rhythm. One year I threw my audition to be as far as possible from another student. Mr C knew what was going on. He always knew what was going on with us. He didn’t allow me to fall any lower than one chair position and placed one person between us. He pulled me aside and taught me that I could never let another person direct the outcome of my life and successes. He wasn’t mad, he understood. He also held me accountable for my side of things and guided me to a healthier mind set. This lesson guided the greater part of my life and allowed me to rise above all of my failures along the way. Thank you isn’t enough, but it’s all I have. I am so blessed to have been in his presence and taught by him.

July 11, 2019

I am truly sad to hear this. Mr. C was one of a kind. I still talk about the good ole days of marching band and playing euchre on the bus! There was a time for work and then play. And there was never any confusion. I remember being rather intimidated by Mr. C until I got to know him and beat him at euchre!!! I am sending my prayers and well wishes to his family. He will be missed. He IS a legend at Cloverleaf. At a time when NONE of the sports teams could win, here we were, the band rats, kicking butt and winning! RIP Mr. C.

July 11, 2019

Mr.C was always so very kind to everyone that he was around. When you were having a bad day and he saw you in the hallway his smile could light everything up and make your forget that you had a bad day. His humor and laugh was infectious to a room of people. He always saw the best in everyone and everything. He will truly be missed and always loved!

July 11, 2019

My life was forever changed by meeting and being taught by Mr. C. I started with the marching band as a sprout in 8th grade and immediately learned the lessons of hard work, dedication, teamwork, integrity and grit. Because of Mr. C, I was encouraged to learn a new instrument for jazz band and to try out for the field commander of the marching band- to go for the things I wanted. I learned how to win with humility, how to lose with grace. I learned that even when you think you are done... you aren't done. All of these lessons have shaped who I am and will forever drive me forward and I am a better person because of him. He was just the best... from his wrinkled nose grin to his love of jazz... his sayings (I've heard better sounds in the mens room) and his true passion for teaching. He will be missed, but was so loved during his time here.
My deepest sympathies to Mr. C's family. Peace to all of you and thank you for sharing him with us for so many years.
Jennifer (Slife) Morgan
Class of 1991

July 11, 2019

When I was in 7th grade he took me aside from the brass section and said "Martin (he always called me Martin) I need a bass player". I responded "Guitar?" He laughed and said "No. The Tuba. You'll pick it up quickly". He was the first person that ever told me that I was good at something. He encouraged me to play solos, try out for the youth symphony, and be a better person. When the band went to Disney World he roomed with my dad and they became good friends (as much of a friend as my dad would allow himself).
When my dad had a heart attack the following summer Mr. C was my rock. Mr. C made my teenage years bearable and always encouraged me to be better. This was before Glee when it wasn't cool to be nerdy and into band and drama.
He was a mentor to me and a father figure in so many ways. My appreciation of all music, especially jazz, is because of him. He was a great teacher and friend. The world got a little darker today...

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Recent Tributes

January 1

January 1st, 2024 would have been Jerry's 73rd birthday. Last night at 12:01, we toasted the New Year and Jerry. Caryn, Matt and I miss him greatly. In many ways he is so alive in our hearts. We have many wonderful memories of Christmas together with him. That softens the loss a bit. Blessings to all in 2024!

January 1

I miss Gerry so much. I hope this next year brings your family love and peace
Dennita

July 11, 2023

Tonight we were catching fireflies. Caryn said laughingly, "Maybe all the fireflies are sent from Dad to keep an eye on us!" I hope!

We miss him no less now than when he passed from this world four years ago today. It's still amazing to me how he is still so conscious and real to us in our daily lives.

Our family is blessed with so many good memories of our time together. Like the time he was driving us to our favorite ice cream place, Biggins on the Portage Lakes. He was going a bit too fast, slammed on the brakes while turning the wheel then slid on the gravel sideways into the parking lot yelling... "Yee haw! What a ride!"

And yes, now there are sad and tearful times knowing we cannot see him in this life again.
But while he was here, he enriched our lives with fun and laughter and the strongest love.

Then he slid into death sideways, worn out and screaming... "Woo Hoo! What a ride!" (George Carlin on a well lived life.)

God's blessings upon you all.

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Gallery

Although Pooh sat in for Jerry for Xmas Eve dinner, he didn't eat as much!

Who knew Jerry had a vase modeled after him?!

Toledo Museum of Art/Laughing Vase Robert Arneson

They called us "The Hole in the Head" Gang.

Bella has been staring at this photo of Jerry dressed like an admiral today!?7/11/22

I never knew saw Jerry without a full beard! Oh my gosh! He has a cleft chin! 1980s 7/11/22

Friday night dating Jerry during marching band season always included the band.

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His Life

Professional and Personal life highlights

July 22, 2019

Professional Life Highlights:

Graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Bassoon scholarship. Played in IUP marching band.

Worked summers during college in construction and at Sears.

Member of Music Tones, a polka band, playing sax in venues ranging from veterans’ clubs to weddings. Learned phonetic Polish so he could sing in the group. Recorded “Ashes of Our Love Polka.”

1st teaching position: One year as high school band director at a Pennsylvania girls’ Catholic school. Priest permanently cured him of inappropriate language on the practice field.

2nd teaching position: Four years as Jr. high school band director at Barberton U.L. Light.

Last teaching position: Thirty-four years as high school band director and instrumental music teacher at Cloverleaf Schools.

Mentored many students and teachers in many ways.

Many of his students became music educators.

Member of American Society of Band Directors.

Member of OMEA, Ohio Music Education Association.

Graduate of Akron University with a Master’s in Education Administration

Judge of statewide instrumental solo, ensemble, concert band and marching band contests.

Judge of marching bands for Festivals of Music.

Educational Music Consultant and road rep for Pellegrino Music.

Driver for Doug Chevrolet.

Personal Life Highlights

Son of Gerald and Catherine Carasea. Brother to Anthony Carasea and brother-in-law to Lori Carasea. Brother-in-law to Roberta (Ewart) and Robert Marchbanks and Glenn Ewart.

Eagle Scout: Completed a 33-mile hike in a day.

Married Mrs. C. in November of 1986 between the end of football season and the band trip to the Fiesta Bowl (also known as their honeymoon).

Father to three children, Lynn Todich, Caryn and Matthew Carasea. Grandfather to Michal and Emma Todich. He was very proud of Emma’s playing flute in Jackson Twp. School’s 5th grade band. Once left alone with the Caryn and Matt (ages 3 months and two years), he drew mustaches on them.

Mr. C. was a force to be reckoned with in advocating for our children’s needs. Both were diagnosed with autism at ages three and two years old. Caryn graduated from Kent State and is working. Matt is in the Bravo! Program at United Disabilities Services in Akron. Both reside at home.

Family has been members of St. Jacob Lutheran Church in Jackson Twp. for 32 years. Jerry started a Euchre group which enjoys fellowship and fun once a month. He loved to cook for the church, where his homemade pasta sauces were a great hit.

Excellent self-taught cook who prepared all his family’s meals. Grew his own tomatoes and herbs and canned his own spaghetti sauce. He stirred sauce like he directed the band. There are spaghetti sauce stains on the kitchen ceiling that will never come out.

Coached Matt’s Challenger Baseball team for 10 years. Jerry said being a father of our children and a coach of children with special needs taught him more patience in his teaching.

Jerry enjoyed taking Caryn for 13 years for lessons and riding at Pegasus Stables in Hartville.

Teamed with son Matt playing in a bowling league on Sundays nights.

Played Baritone Sax in the Stark Kent Community Orchestra and the Medina Community Band.

There’s peace in the promise that life is everlasting.

A New Year's Birthday as told by Carolyn Carasea

January 2, 2023

BK, that is "before kids," we always had a special celebration for Jerry's birthday. He and the New Year share a birthday of January 1st. My favorite was when we went to Washington, DC. Jerry made New Year's Eve reservations at Murphy's Pub in Alexandria, VA. The atmosphere was great as well as the food.

And then it got better. A group of bagpipers came into the pub. They played for awhile. I'm half Scottish on my dad's side and love to hear the pipes so I enjoyed it immensely. But it was the only instrument that Jerry could not stand. He said it was a weapon of war. This is true.

Then they piped themselves out of the pub through the cobbled streets of Alexandria and into the next pub. Numerous patrons, including Jerry and I, followed them through numerous pubs that night. It was definitely a night to remember.

When we called it a night (actually morning) and circled back to the car I was missing something. I took off my shoes while bar hopping as it was difficult to walk on cobblestone in heels. I had no idea which pub I left my shoes in!

January 1, 2023

Think of you Gerry so often. Carolyn, Caryn and Matthew, hope all is well. Happy heavenly birthday

July 29, 2019

I first met Gerry when he arrived in Barberton to interview for the UL Light band position. I was the band director at Portage Jr High at the time. We became good friends and colleagues. He was an amazing musician and a great teacher. He had the respect of all who knew him.

He helped me in many ways, professionally and personally. I valued his support. I’ll never forget the day he helped me move into my new home. He had a bad back, but still helped me move a very heavy refrigerator.

When it came time time for him to move on professionally, I called Bob Hofstetter, the Supervisor of Music in Wayne County to recommend he hire Gerry. He informed me that I was a little late since he already received many calls supporting Gerry and was indeed going to hire him.

i could relate many stories about Gerry that show what a fantastic band director, musician and friend to many people he was. Suffice it to say that he will be missed by all who knew him hope we’ll meet again on some “stage” performing with a heavenly ensemble.

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