Carmelo Scaffidi

1957 – 2016

Carmelo Scaffidi, April 21, 1957–January 7, 2016 (trumpet), passed away peacefully, following a long and courageous battle with brain cancer.

Carmelo was the beloved husband of Jo-Anne Scaffidi (née Henderson) and cherished father of Laura and Sarah. His brother, guitarist Gino Scaffidi, is also a longtime member of Local 180.

Carmelo joined Local 180 in 1975 at the age of 18, and for over 40 years remained a committed and active member. He loved to share his ideas and philosophies about music, and he was unflinching in his support of the AFM and the Local. Carmelo was admired locally and internationally as a gifted professional musician and lead trumpet player.

His career was multi-faceted; he toured with bands, owned and operated Mike’s Music, and was an alumnus of the RCMP band. Music was his passion, and he worked with some of the world’s top performers like Tito Jackson, Gladys Knight and the Funk Brothers. He had high standards and a mind that moved seamlessly across interests that ranged from business to jazz.

Another of his great passions was hockey. Carmelo loved hockey. He had a long association with both the Senators and the 67’s, and a legacy that includes being the trumpeter on the Senators’ theme song, Trumpeter’s Cry, the fanfare that’s played dozens of times during a game.

As Corey Larocque of Sun Media wrote of Carmelo, “When trumpeter Carmelo Scaffidi belted out the Mexican Hat Dance at a Senators or 67’s game, it was like he was having a conversation with the crowds. He would play the first part of the tune, almost teasing the crowds, until they clapped back. He got a lot of joy out of being part of the sports-entertainment biz, and the crowds got a lot of enjoyment out of Carmelo. He entertained the crowds with his trumpet at the Senators’ home games for many seasons and later at the Ottawa 67’s games. Hockey fans can hear him play every time they listen to the Senators’ theme song.”

One of his most memorable performances for the Senators was during a game close to Remembrance Day. He was asked by the Senators to play the Last Post and O Canada during the pre-game ceremony and according to the Senators’ management, “the crowd was so silent listening to his haunting and perfect tones, you could hear a pin drop.”

Local 180 has lost a tremendous musician and friend, and Carmelo is mourned by many friends and family here and abroad. Special thanks to John Abbenda, John Chambers, and Dr. Brian Tansley for all their love and support over the duration of Carmelo’s illness.

Carmelo strongly believed in supporting local musicians and music education in schools. The continued operation of Mike’s Music is an important part of the legacy he left our community. Mike’s Music will continue to serve the Ottawa music community in Carmelo’s memory.

For those who wish, please consider a donation in Carmelo’s memory to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation.

Source: eNews Harp, March 2016