There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Monday, October 24 2011 at 10 am at St. Dominic Church Youngstown, with Father Gregory Maturi officiating, preceded by a 9:15 a.m. prayer service held at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman for Albert D. Caldrone, 97, who peacefully died at St. Elizabeth Hospital Youngstown surrounded by his loving family. Albert Dominic Caldrone was born in the village of Barrea Provincia di L'Aquila near Abruzzi, Italy on September 15, 1914, the son of Salvatore and Petronilla DeFelice Calderone. Al began his musical career at the age of seven in Italy. He became so proficient on the clarinet that he turned professional, traveling with the Barrea Concert Band, and also played in the Roma Opera House before the age of 12. In 1926, 12-year-old Al and his family came to America and settled on the East Side of Youngstown. The first band he played with was the Lowellville Band. During his years at East High School he taught himself how to play saxophone. He began earning extra money playing gigs at bars, jazz clubs, and ballrooms around Youngstown. After his graduation in 1935, he played clarinet and sax with the Ohio Leather Factory Band in Girard. Al played nightclubs, vaudeville, circuses, and burlesque. He was the most sought after lead alto saxophonist with many dance bands. Starting in the 1950's, Al performed as principal clarinetist with the Youngstown Symphony, the Warren Chamber Orchestra, the Warren Packard Band, and the Allegheny Summer Symphony Orchestra. He was a highly regarded clarinetist, saxophone, and flute teacher who taught at the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University and Westminster College in New Wilmington, PA. In addition, he privately taught at the former Strouss' Music Center in downtown Youngstown. In the early 1960's, Al opened Caldrone Music Studio on the South Side of Youngstown. At that time, he played with several local bands including Benny Jones, Bob Furney, and Bernie Regazzo. In the 1970's, Al closed his Studio and began teaching privately at his home in Boardman. Throughout his career, Al shared the stage with several acclaimed musicians, including Benny Goodman, Lee Castle, Artie Shaw, Perry Como, Myron Floren, and other members of the Lawrence Welk Orchestra. In 1995, he was honored "Man of the Year" by the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest for his contributions to the Youngstown community. Al was a member of St. Dominic Church. He belonged to the American Federation of Musicians' Union Local 86, and was a charter member of the Ellis Island Foundation. His hobbies included sailing, remodeling homes and creating various paraphernalia. Al has touched many lives as a teacher and a performer. Some of his students became highly successful musicians. Even at the young age of 97, Al was still playing sax with the Carmen Mico Band. An appreciation for music and the desire to share it with others inspired Al. He has been quoted to have said "When I play my music, I'm in heaven, and I don't need anything else. I'd advise every person to pick up music. It's the greatest therapy in the world, and creating music is the greatest feeling of self-satisfaction." Besides his parents, Al was preceded in death by his sister Maria Assunta "Sue" D'Amico, a brother Armand "Armie" Calderone, and Al's wife Carol Dinard whom he married May 4 1940. Al is survived by his brother Civeo James "Bogie" Calderone of Lauderhill FL; son Albert S. Caldrone of San Diego California; a daughter Patricia Caldrone (Gregory Tierno) of Poland Ohio; Sally Caldrone (Thomas) Mahan of Pittsburgh PA; and many nieces, nephews, and friends whom he dearly loved. Al's family would like to extend their appreciation to the dedicated staff at the Assumption Village (North Lima) and St. Elizabeth Hospital (Youngstown) for their compassionate care. Calling hours will be Sunday October 23, from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and Monday from 8:45 a.m. until 9:15 a.m. all at the Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home, 4700 Market St., Boardman, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the famiy requests that material contributions be made to the Albert D. Caldrone Scholarship Fund for the Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University, 1 University Plaza, Youngstown Ohio 44555. Family and friends may visit www.rossisantuccifh.com to view this obituary, sign the guest book, and send condolences to Albert's family. "CIAO" Rossi & Santucci Funeral Home Dedicated To Your Loved Ones