Paul Cammarota

Paul Cammarota, Renowned Bassoonist and Devoted Family Man, Dies at 94. 

Paul Cammarota, a distinguished musician whose contributions to the world of classical music spanned more than five decades, passed away on March 10, 2025, at the age of 94. A respectedmember of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra for over three decades, Cammarota was recognized for his exceptional talent as a bassoonist and his deep dedication to his craft. He died from complications related to Alzheimer’s disease.

A viewing will be held on Friday, March 14, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Yannantuono Burr Davis Sharpe Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon. A mass will take place at St. Joseph’s Church in Bronxville on Saturday, March 15, at 9:45 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Born on November 20, 1930, in South Philadelphia to Frank and Eva Cammarota, Paul grew up in a close-knit family. An only child, he was surrounded by the love of eight aunts and uncles, many of whom were like older siblings to him. His early years were spent exploring the streets of South Philadelphia with friends, playing stickball, and enjoying time at the Melrose Diner. Music first entered Paul’s life through a friend’s piano, but it wasn’t until he was fourteen that he picked up the clarinet at South Philadelphia High School for Boys. Under the guidance of his high school music teacher, Jay Speck, Paul quickly rose to the ranks of his most accomplished peers.

After considering a career in medicine, Paul switched his focus to music, studying at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. He married Carmella Licciardello in South Philadelphia on September 27, 1953, before leaving for Manhattan to embark on a life in music. Their early days in a tiny Upper West Side apartment were the humble beginnings of what would become a remarkable journey.

Paul’s career as a freelance musician in New York Cityflourished as he performed in Broadway orchestras for West Side Story and The Pajama Game, with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, and in numerous television and concert orchestras. He also began teaching and earned a Master’s degree from CUNY Queen’s College. The arrival of his children—Cynthia in 1961, Paul in 1963, and Susan in 1971—marked a period of stability, with the family settling in Flushing, Queens, and later in Mount Vernon, New York.

In 1973, Paul auditioned for and won the position of secondbassoonist with the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, a role he would hold for over 30 years. His work with the Met was a defining chapter of his career, as he performed under world-renowned conductors and traveled globally for performances. He witnessed the Met’s transformation into one of the world’s premier orchestras, and his years there were marked by legendary productions such as Zeffirelli’s La Bohème, Turandot, and Tosca, and the historic Wagner’s Ring Cycle productions and recordings. Despite the grueling nature of his work, Paul’s love for music and his colleagues was unwavering. The Met’s performances were also a source of joy for his family, who often watched him from House seats or waited for glimpses of him on the Live from the Met broadcasts.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Paul was a devoted family man. He was an adoring husband to Carmella, whom he celebrated daily, and a loving father to Cynthia, Paul Francis, and Susan. Paul cherished family road trips, lively dinner conversations peppered with his favorite lines from Mel Brooks films, and evenings spent watching movies or playing cards. His sense of humor and kindness were passed down to his children and grandchildren, who fondly remember his “dadisms” and his infectious laugh. Paul’s enduring love for Carmella was evident even as Alzheimer’s took its toll, with him often surprising her with thoughtful gifts, his memory fading but his affection never waning.

In his later years, Paul and Carmella enjoyed retirement in Bronxville, New York; they traveled together and participated in community activities. Paul volunteered with English in Action, helping immigrants improve their language skills, and enjoyed exploring his creative side through art classes. His love for film, a passion he shared with his children, took him to the Turner Classic Film Festival in Hollywood, where he revisited many of his favorite movies.

Paul’s legacy of music, love, and laughter is carried on by his wife, Carmella; his children, Cynthia Vega, Paul Cammarota (wife, Bea), and Susan Myers; and his beloved grandchildren, Sienna, Maia, Benjamin, and Daniel, and honorary granddaughter Brittney Hoffman. He was predeceased by his daughter, Camelia, who passed away in infancy.

Paul’s family takes comfort in knowing that his love for music and his remarkable spirit will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

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