Musician and teacher
Eric Thomas DeAngelis, 24, of Middlebury died Dec. 4, 2016, after a difficult struggle with the disease of addiction, for which he was receiving treatment.
Eric was born on March 17, 1992, in Waterbury, Conn., and was raised in Middlebury, Conn. He was a graduate of Pomperaug High School (PHS), class of 2010. He studied music theory at Yale University during his senior year of high school, attended New York University (NYU) and graduated cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in music education from Western Connecticut State University (WCSU) in Danbury, class of 2014. Eric was honored to work as a music teacher and bandleader at Holy Cross High School from 2014 to 2016. Music was Eric’s passion. He loved being part of the Litchfield Jazz Program, first as a camper and later as a member of the staff.
Eric was an accomplished jazz saxophonist. He enjoyed a wonderfully diverse musical career, playing venues in New York City; Florence, Italy; and across his home state. He was a proud member of the Connecticut-based band, Mid Atlantic Title. Eric also was privileged to have studied under many jazz greats, including Jimmy Greene, Andrew Beals, Claire Daly, Albert Rivera, Andrew Hadro, Mario Pavone, Avery Sharpe, Matt Wilson, Gary Smulyan and Ralph Lalama.
Many of his educators had a strong influence on Eric’s music and teaching career, including Robert D’Angelo of PHS Dr. Dan Goble of WCSU, Professor Michael Breaux of NYU, and Dr. Cory Ganschow of WCSU. When Dr. Ganschow asked Eric what he wanted his legacy to be, Eric wrote, “I want to be a man that my students will remember for making people feel something.” Eric’s legacy will live on in those he taught and those with whom he had the privilege to play.
In addition to music, Eric loved to travel with his family, hike, ski, camp and read. He also was involved in theater, first earning lead roles in his community theater and later as a musician in various orchestra pits. He was especially proud to have climbed all 48 of the 4,000-footers in the White Mountains. Many fond memories were made hiking alongside his father, sister and the Dwyer family of Middlebury.
Eric is survived by his loving parents, Thomas and Patricia DeAngelis of Middlebury; his cherished sister Eve; his beloved maternal grandmother, Eleanor Cappello of Middlebury; and his beloved paternal grandfather, Armand DeAngelis of Waterbury. He was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, John S. Cappello and his paternal grandmother, Elizabeth Seiser DeAngelis.
He also is survived by his aunt, uncles and cousins: Theresa and Richard O’Connor; Jon, Lauren and Eleanor Elizabeth O’Connor; Ryan O’Connor; Kathryn and Garret Pollard; John Cappello; Christen Cappello; Julianne Cappello; Mark, Marie, Allie, Claire and Ted Mitchell; Diane, Jesse, and Jessica Ortega; Maria, Eddie and Isaac Civitello; Armand, Susan, Sarah and Michael DeAngelis; and countless friends who have generously shared fond memories of a humble, caring and extraordinarily talented young man who accomplished much during his lifetime. He will be remembered, celebrated, and deeply missed by all who were privileged to know and love him.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 10, at 12 p.m. at St. John of the Cross Church at 1263 West St. in Middlebury, Conn. Everyone is asked to meet directly at the church. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.
Calling hours with the cremains present will be Friday, Dec. 9, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Chase Parkway Memorial/The Albini Family Funeral Home at 430 Chase Parkway in Waterbury, Conn.
His family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to either Ana Márquez-Greene Music Scholarship Fund, c/o Western Connecticut State University Foundation Inc., 181 White St., Danbury, CT 06810 or Litchfield Jazz Camp Scholarship, c/o Litchfield Performing Arts Inc., P.O. Box 69, Litchfield, CT 06759.
For more information or to send e-condolences, visit www.chaseparkwaymemorial.com.
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