I'll never forget when I first joined band in 6th grade, I was legitimately so scared. I had heard so much talk about how lonely and cold the band room was, and how grouchy Mr. C was. I walked into my first class, eyes all wide trying not to make my presence known...then in walks our band teacher, Mr. Carasea. I'll never forget how happy he was to introduce himself to the class. The "grouchiest, stern, grump", was a jolly, eager, and incredibly astounding teacher. After the first day, I can't recall much after, but I ended up in his Music Theory class my Junior year. I ended up switching classes in the middle of the trimester. It was very difficult transitioning from Spanish to Music Theory, and he could definitely tell. Him and I battled so much with me being so behind and not catching on as quick as the rest of the class. He was so dedicated, and determined to make sure I did not fail that class. He didnt give up, even when I did. Mr.C was motivational and was always so clever with his work. I'll never forget how his drum tapping to the beats I never understood, still ring in my ears and play in my brain.  "Rattatatattata brrrrrrummmmm ratttatttata". You will never be forgotten Mr.C, your rhythm will carry on forever. Rest easy teach.

Thursday morning, before I knew that Mr. C had passed away, I saw an OMEA colorguard adjudicator at her day job. I told her that he was in the hospital, she was sympathetic, and said that she should let another judge and an area band director know... In that moment, I paused. It made me realize that Mr. C's legacy was far more widespread than just our Cloverleaf community. Northeast Ohio's musical family has lost a Titan.

I was in the 8th grade, and in the flute section in concert band, therefore right in the front row underneath Mr. C’s podium and baton. As you all know he was very witty. He was his usual teasing self, and I said something in response that (I so wish I could remember the conversation) but his response to me was uncharacteristic shock. He said I was snarky and needed to change my attitude. I was so hurt, because I somehow offended someone I truly admired. It taught me a lesson on how to manage others and their feelings. If I didn’t respect him So much, his comment would not have stung. I think about that often and how he “checked” my snotty snarky 8th grade self. The best part, all was forgiven and we moved forward, a lesson in grace. May God hold him and his family is the palm of his hand.

Kristine Weiss Adams, snarky 8th grade and class of 1988

Another story.  My freshman year, the show was “A Darkened Theater”. There was one set that was particularly tricky (it was the rotating box move for those who remember). The problem was that we would constantly cut the corner off the box which ruined the scene. And Mr C would get livid at us for doing it. One after school practice it was late and we were tired but we had to do it until we got it right. And at one point he was so mad that when a student cut the corner right in front of him he yelled “if you cut that corner again I’ll throw a Barry  sax at you”. That unlucky sole was me.  After practice he came up to me and apologized and said “sorry. I just needed to yell and get my point across. And hey you’re a tough guy I knew you could take it”. And would ya know it, we got that move down perfect. Mr C would then go on to bring it up many time over the rest of my high school year to poke fun at me. He’d be like “hey Zacho remember the Barry sax thing?” And we’d laugh.  He had that relationship with all his students. Every time you talked to him you felt like you were his only student and even years later he remembered every little thing from every student.  You couldn’t have asked for a better man.

There is not a single teacher or mentor in all my life that has held such a lasting impact as Mr. C. If there were more people like him in the world, it would truly be a beautiful world. My condolences go out to his family and friends. I hope you find peace in seeing how many lives he touched.

This morning the world lost a true hero. Mr C. Was an incredible teacher, an amazing mentor and a caring friend.  He meant the world to me and the thousands of students that he worked with. He was so much more then a teacher and director.  He was always quick with a joke, or a snappy saying. He was also brutally honest and didn’t pull punches when things really mattered. He would tell you what you were doing wrong but more importantly he would bend over backwards to help you get it right and wouldn’t leave until you were confident enough to do it right each time. He was one of the most caring people I’ve known and even though I didn’t go into a music career I still carry the inspiration and lessons he gave me.  Wether he was happy with us or yelling at us we always knew he had what was best for us in mind, and I know he took heat on many occasions because he wouldn’t agree to anything that wasn’t the best for his students. He touched so many lives and helped so many people become who they are.  He was an amazing person and the world is a bit darker with out him in it. Wether it was water balloons, his pink hat, slipping in mud, losing, or wining he always had a smile and words of encouragement to keep us going. You will be missed Mr C. Rest In pease and thank you for believing in me and for all the memories.

Mr C was probably the best teacher that I’ve ever had in my life. He was always there for you, always had a bad joke to tell and if you messed up he would make you know it but in a good way. I don’t know what to say about a world that doesn’t have him in it besides the fact that wherever he went just got a lot better. Gonna miss you Mr 

I’ll never forget meeting Mr. C. for the first time in the fall of 1990 at the 5th grade band screening night. Little did I know at that time how much of an impact one individual would have on my personal and professional life. As an educator, he was inspiring, encouraging and had a way to connect with every student. He had an amazing ability to find the good in every student and able to dissolve  stressful situations with funny Italian comments or jokes, most I always didn’t get