Obituary of Daniel Francis Traisci

Daniel Francis Traisci Sr. September 21, 1921 - May 31, 2005 World-class jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist Daniel Francis Traisci, Sr., age 83, of Danbury died peacefully on May 31, 2005 at Danbury Hospital. Dan and his wife, Gloria, who had just celebrated their 54th wedding anniversary, are the proud parents of two daughters: Dian and Karen, and three sons: Daniel Jr., Matthias, and Edward. Well known on the local and northeast music scenes ever since he first picked up a clarinet as a fledgling member of the Danbury High School Band in 1936, Dan was best known nationally as a member of Billy Maxted's Manhattan Jazz Band. He was a featured performer on many Maxted recordings, including the band's trademark "Satin Doll" and his tenor sax solo on "How Long Has This Been Going On?" It will be said many times in the days to come that although Dan is gone, we still have his music. Anyone who'd ever heard this wonderful man make sounds from either his clarinet or tenor saxophone knew they were hearing greatness. What music, from his days playing at the Hollywood Café in the 1940's to joining up with the Maxted band in the 1960's, to just two weeks ago, when he was swinging with piano player Rodger Young, his colleague of the past two decades, during their regular Tuesday gig at Rosy Tomorrows. Born to Savina and Pietro Traisci, on September 21, 1921 in Newark, NJ, Dan moved to Danbury as a young child. He came from a musical home. His parents hosted and sang on radio's "Larosa Hours", a weekly musical program. In 1936 he joined the Danbury High Band. Although he wanted to play saxophone, he listened to his brother's advice and started out on the clarinet. His high school year book legend was penned by a prophet: "Music is my rampart...I shall not want." He was in the Army during World War II, spending most of his time in Copiene, France, entertaining the troops with his band, "Six Kits and a Mess". Dan carried Card No. 802 of what he described as the No. 1 music union in the country. "If you have one of those cards, people know you can play, " Dan would proudly say. Dan married Gloria Repko of Austin Street in 1951 in Danbury and settled down to raise a family. His tenure with Billy Maxted included dates in some of the premier jazz clubs in the country, including the legendary Nick's in New York City. Dan's music and his family were the two great loves of his life, and he proved which came first when he gave up his full-time gig with the Maxted band to spend more time with his family. But he continued playing at the River Boat Room at the New Englander Hotel in Danbury for years with fellow musicians Eddie Lasky on organ, Pete Mamaris on drums and Harry Thorpe on vocals. Another stomping ground was with The Clark Eno Big Band. Tuxedo Junction was a great place for Dan to swing in style with a group that dug his playing and respected the musician he had become. As wonderful as his music was, the greatest legacy he leaves is his love for his wife, Gloria, and his children: Dian and her husband, Robert L. Marandola and their children: Lizzie and Louie of New Milford; Daniel Traisci Jr. and his wife, Lori-Ellen and their daughter, Taylor of New Milford; Matthias Traisci and his wife Jodi and their daughter, Emily of Brookfield; Edward Traisci and his wife Sonya and their daughter Ava June of Bethel; and daughter Karen who lives in New Milford with her children Jessica, Lauren and Rudy; two sisters Helen Traisci Sanzini and Violet Traisci Davis both of Ocala, FL; and many nieces and nephews. As family and friends will miss their favorite musician, they know his love will never leave them. They will always be able to listen to Dan's music. What they will feel is his love. Funeral Information A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 4, 2005 at 1:00 PM at St. Joseph's Church, Danbury, with Fr. Matthew Mauriello officiating. Burial in St. Peter's Cemetery will follow. The family will receive friends on Friday, June 3, 2005 from 4:00 until 8:00 at the Cornell Memorial Home, 247 White St., Danbury. Donations Information A Music Scholarship Fund has been established at Danbury High School to honor our father and friend. In lieu of flowers, please send your contributions to: The Dan Traisci Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Robert Marandola, P.O. 867, New Milford, CT 06776. A Music Scholarship Fund has been established at Danbury High School to honor our father and friend. In lieu of flowers, please send your contributions to: The Dan Traisci Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Robert Marandola, P.O. 867, New Milford, CT 06776.