Stephen L. Comi
July 13, 1924 ~ September 26, 2005
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Stephen L. Comi, 81, of Pueblo, Colorado, passed away September 26, 2005. Survived by his wife, Caroline; mother, Louise Comi of University Park Care Center; brother, Ted (Wanda) Comi of Pueblo; children, Stephani of Pueblo; Tom (Connie) of Tucson, Ariz., Julie (Jayson) Dansdill of Castle Rock, Colo.; grandchildren, Todd and Troy Comi of Tucson and Scott Young of Broomfield, Colo.; cousin, Dominick (Theresa) Comi of Pueblo, Ted (Judy) Calentino of Colorado City; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his father, Joseph Comi, in 1964. Steve was born July 13, 1924, in Pueblo. He was a well-known retired Pueblo musician, businessman and educator. Steve was a decorated WWII soldier and a member of the Centennial Hall of Fame. Viewing, Friday from 1 to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral service, 2 p.m. Sunday, October 2, 2005, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel with Reverend Deacon Ken Butcher officiating. Private family interment, Monday. Those who desire may make memorials to Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, c/o Montgomery & Steward Funeral Directors, 1317 N. Main St., Pueblo, CO 81003. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com.
Dear Mrs. Comi,
My sincere condolances to you and your family, including Mr. Comi’s mother, for the loss of such a talented and generous man. After loosing my own husband in 2003, I know what you and your children are going through. It might help to keep Mr. Comi’s picture in every room, so you won’t miss him quite so much, and also remember that we will all meet again.
With deepest sympathy,
Janette Stern
Pueblo
The passing of Steve has broken many hearts and it is going to be difficult to be without him. Words cannot express what he meant to so many of us who were blessed to have him as a teacher and friend. He may never know the positive impact he had on our lives and how much we’ll always love and adore him. I am SO PROUD that his music and teachings will continue to live in all of us. He was joyful, energetic, and his laughter was OH SO contagious! My goodness, I STILL have his caricature displayed in my office to this day! I don’t know who drew it, but Steve gave it to me years ago….it’s the cartoon about “Comi’s Technique Straps” as he’s playing his clarinet. It has always been proudly displayed on my wall and will continue to do so. Steve, I miss you so much that my heart physically aches. I cannot wait until the day when I may be able to play duets with you again….and if Rosie, Lenny, and Mikey want to play with us….I guess we’ll have to let them! All my love, Suzi
Dearest Caroline, I’ll always remember your joy and happiness when you met Steve. But then, you were one of those rare people that brought joy to everyone around you always – especially me. Even every student was enriched by your talent, enthusiasm and “gifts” for teaching. (One, Kevin Olsen came from Arizona this year just to see his “favorite” music teacher.)
It was meant to be that you and Steve found each other, I believe, since he also was an exceptional music teacher whose students appreciated him also.
I watched with joy as Steve and your special projects transformed your home into such a warm cottage. (your “English” touch apparent)
I hope it is consoling at this time to feel peace that you, I’m sure, made your time together wonderful for Steve. When I saw you together he just beamed.
I’M SORRY FOR YOU LOSS and please know that I’ll always be available to you if I can help in any way. Love and prayers . . . Pat [I was out of town this past week & will be gone from Thursday for a few days – but will be back by Monday].
Dear Mrs. Comi, my name is Brandy Hubersbger, you were my musical teacher when I attended Sunset Park. You were one of my best teachers and I am sorry for the loss of your husband. My family and I wish you and the best, the prayers that you will be OK.
Love,
Brandy Hubersberger
Tom, Connie, Todd and Troy,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you as you go thru this difficult time. There is no easy way to lose a parent. I know he was a fine man based on the quality person that Tom is.
I send my deepest sympathy to your family. Mr. Comi taught me at Centennial from 1965-1967. I have such fond memories of our marching band days and when we played the 1812 Overture. He was a great teacher. I still come to Pueblo to visit family and friends and on ocassion I would run into Mr. Comi at the grocery store. He always remembered me and we had such good visits. He left behind a legacy and wonderful memories for me. May God comfort you and give you peace. With fond memories and sympathy. Kathy Askey Nix “Class of ’67.
You started me playing the drums here on earth now you are teaching the angles. May god be with you.
Please know that Marie and I wish to extend our most sincere condolences to the family in Steve’s passing. Steve and I shared the duties of student conductor of the ROTC band and high school band and orchestra while at Centennial HS. We were close friends while in college in Pueblo and at CU.
Dear Steve’.
Both Paul and I are so sad to learn from Caroline’s Mom here in Wales, UK, of your sudden passing. We are praying for the repose of you Steve and our love goes out to Caroline and all your family. On Saturday Oct 8th, I am due to hold my first sacred Icon exhibition here in Monmouth UK. It will now be dedicated to you Steve.
Both Paul and I met you in Clydach, Abergavenny South Wales at Caroline’s Mom’s home many times and was graced with your company. We are so sorry that you have passed to the Lord.
May God shine on you Steve and our tribute to you reads as follows:
“WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT”
Julian Armanis BA.Th
Paul W R Riley
Monmouth.
http://www.chrysostoms.com
Dear Steve.
We’ll meet again.
Love. Mom
It isn’t often that one man has the effect on people that Steve had during his full, full life. He was a genuine, consummate Educator, Colleague, Performer, Conductor, Mentor … and above all, a Friend. In all of these ways and more, Steve entered into people’s lives with grace, compassion, and the wherewithal to know exactly what each person needed or was seeking.
I had the great pleasure and fun of knowing, learning and working with Steve for over 40 years … since I was a young high school kid, then up to follow in his footsteps as the Band Director of his beloved Centennial H.S. … and the old “mataratz” never changed : )
He was as consistent and steady as they come; not predictable … but reliable.
The passing of Steve is a loss to Pueblo, to music, and to many, many hearts, but his legacy will continue every time I pickup the baton and continue teaching young musicians the many things Steve modeled.
I humbly headed to conduct my current Wind Ensemble the day Steve passed, and it was a joy to continue his legacy and tell the great “Steve stories”.
My wife Brenda and I send our deepest love and sympathy to his wife Caroline, his family and his many, many musician friends.
The bands in heaven are playin’ now!
Love ya Steve,
Ray Iniguez
Conductor, Winds Across the Bay
San Francisco, CA
Director_ray@yahoo.com
Tom, Stephani, and family,
I was so sorry to read of Mr. Comi’s passing. He was a great teacher and great friend to me and to so many others. I can’t forget his big smile and his love for life. I hope that being with family and sharing the many good memories will lighten your hearts. Best wishes and blessings for the days ahead. Darryl Godinez
Steve your teaching and friendship meant the world to me. You will never be forgotten.
Musically
Vance Barrett…Tuba student and Friend
Dear Caroline and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all in your time of sorrow. When I heard the news of Steve’s passing I was deeply saddend and know that the world has lost one of the most loving and caring humanitarians, teachers, mentors, and musicians. Steve was one of the most influential parts of my musical career. He drove every week to teach us at Adams and EVERY student he taught absoutley loved him. I can remember waiting every week for him to come to have my clarinet lesson–they were all memorable just as he will be to everyone he touched. I will truly miss him.
Mrs Comi,
Our prayers are with you in this difficult time. I remember all the wonderful smiles and your husband was the sweetest man. I also remember him picking you up at our elementary school (HAAFF) in your big blue Caddy and his old truck. Everytime we would see you both shopping he always remembered us being your students from the 80’s. He’s legacy will always be with us, and never forgotten. He was a great man. May GOD be with you and your family, and our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
We Love You
Tara, Scott Trujillo (Haaff Elem.)
Gerri, Ben Trujillo (Parents)
What a fine man! I was furtunate to have worked with and around Steve for over 30 years, and over those years we never had a single cross word. Steve just got along with everyone, all the time. He was an inspiration to teachers as well as to students. God bless him!
There’s a song that says “it’s not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it’s what you leave behind you when you go”. Knowing just which part of his and Caroline’s life I was fortunate enough to be a part of, Steve left an amazing legacy of music and musicians behind that will continue his work for generations. He is the primary reason I stayed with my private studies as a child (twenty five years ago) and, amazingly enough, he was among the very first to welcome me back after my ten-year+ hiatus. He will be missed more than he knows. One more thing: Steve, I know, I know…the inside of that slide was beyond nasty… I don’t know what the green stuff was, either…thanks for always making it work no matter what!
Tom, Connie, Todd and Troy,
I am so sorry to hear the news. I guess the day we have to bury a parent will come to most of us, and I dread that day and feel for you.
Best wishes,
Robin and Susan Jervis.
It was interesting to read Steve’s obit. He led a well rounded life that obviously had a positive impact on many. I know you’ll miss him. Please know our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Dearest Caroline and family,
When I read of Steves death it brought me great sorrow, but also a flood of wonderful childhood memories. I remember Steve from the big holiday productions McClelland School would do. He was truely a magical man, and I will miss him greatly. You are in my thoughts.
Steve was an amazing teacher. He helped me go farther as a musician than I ever thought I could. He was always patient, kind and understanding. He drove from Pueblo to Alamosa every week to be with us and it always made your day better when you’d walk up and see that big blue Cadillac parked in front of the music building. Steve and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom, Stephanie and family,
When I learned of your father’s death it brought great sorrow and tons of great memories – from band at Somerlid and Centennial to spending time (though not a lot) at your home. Your Dad touched a lot of lives and left a lot of fond memories and great musical experiences. My deepest sympathies. I know there will be lots of people there but hopefully knowing yet another person knew and cared will help with the loss. Blessing always – Rusty Brown Wright
Mr. Comi was a wonderful man. He inspired so many students. Both my daughters just loved him. Mr. Comi gave my daughter Jennifer priviate bassoon lesson and he encouraged her to be the best, he taught her how to be the best. She is now in high school and has decided to continue on with her music into college.
Steve was a very passionate and compassionate man, and I was always glad to see him. The last time I saw Steve was in the hospital. I had just found out he was terminal, I walked into the room, only to discover that this “poor” man was giving instructions to the nurse (in Steve’s own way, of course) on how to select the perfect dinner wine to go with pasta. God bless Steve, he will be missed.
In Memory of the late Mrs Olive Jones, of Clydach, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire (1916-2006) Steve’s Mom in Wales, who passed away exactly a year to the day Steve passed away. May you both have a great time together.
I will never forget you Olive..thank you for everthing! Thank you for above all, teaching me liturigcal music.
Always in our thoughts. Julian & Paul. Monmouth.