Noel M. Kaletsky

With great sorrow and bittersweet gratitude we announce the peaceful passing of Jazz musician Noel M. Kaletsky, 85 of Clinton CT. At his home with his wife by his side Noel raised his white flag after a long arduous fight with peritoneal cancer. Noel fought his illness with an endurance of those half his age, working his music gigs up to mere weeks before his passing, still cracking jokes and a smile, few knew what he was up against.

Noel Kaletsky is survived by his soul mate and wife of 29 years, Martha Flanagan Kaletsky. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Mandi King and Jennifer Grant, his sister Deanna DePino and nephews Glen and Mitchel DePino, his stepchildren Jennifer (Chambers) Panza and Robert Panza, Casey (Chambers) DeFeo and Nicholas DeFeo, Amy Chambers and David David, and son In-law Donald Izzo. His grandchildren Ben and Sam King, Maggie and Matthew Izzo, Catherine and Cameron DeFeo, Lillian Panza, and Jackson, Kayden and Josh David will all cherish the fond memories they have of their “Pop Pop”.

Noel was preceded in death by his oldest step daughter Susan Chambers Izzo who passed away in 2022. We know she met him with open arms in his afterlife.

Born August 10, 1937 to Mother Miriam Bernstein and Father Nathan Kaletsky, Noel was raised in New Haven CT where he attended public schools. Noel joined the Armed Services branch of the Army and also served in the Army Band from October 1961- September 1967. While Noel continued with an extensive higher education, music was always what made him happy, it was his passion. In 1968 he received his bachelors in Psychology from Quinnipiac, followed by a masters in personal service and guidance from University Of Bridgeport in 1972. He spent several years teaching in the field of special education at Aces school in Hamden, CT.

Noel’s prior work history includes Kuper Corp as a production manager from 1984-1986, a supervisor at Anixter Communications, production manager at SouthPort Industries and Administrative Assistant at Sikorsky Aircraft .

As a child Noel was drawn to music, he learned to play guitar, piano and many other instruments but wanted to play the drums professionally. That was until his father brought home his first clarinet and it was love at first trill. Then came the saxophone. For Noel and the reeds there was no turning back; he became quite a virtuoso on his clarinet and saxophones (alto and tenor.) He earned himself the title professional musician throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, long after establishing himself with many bands throughout New England and the US. When Noel married his wife Marty he made the decision to leave his teaching career and devote himself to being a full time musician.

Noel’s career as a jazz musician flourished as first chair clarinet and saxophone as well as a guest performer in many bands. To mention a few starting with the most recent, Bill’s Seafood Jazz All Stars, Galvanized Jazz Band, Bearcats Jazz Band, Jean Kittrell’s Jazz Incredibles and Tex Wyndham’s Rent Party Revelers, Hot Cats Jazz Band and the Saint Louis Riverman. Jeff Barnheart and Joel Schiavonies house party bands and the house packing jazz that played well into the night at many places having created the best of memories for all who had the pleasure to hear it. Noel has traveled much of the world performing and recording at music festivals. He also entertained at sea on cruises throughout Europe. His kind demeanor and natural performers talent has earned him quite a following in the world of dixieland jazz. He was a mentor to many aspiring musicians, and a brother to all his bandmates who will miss him dearly. He cherished the great times he had with so many talented musicians and we all know he will be playing with all the greats of the past in a place where no one gets out of breath or hits a note off key. A kind, brave, caring and talented man Noel M. Kaletsky, a husband, father, grandfather, brother, bandmate and friend will be missed by so many but the memories of a tune will stay in our hearts forever. “The song has ended, but the melody lingers on.” Rest easy sweet Noel.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, June 11 from 2pm until 5pm at Swan Funeral Home, located at 80 E. Main St, Clinton, CT. A military service and honors will take place at 5pm.

In lieu of flowers please consider a small donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html?sc_icid=header-btn-donate-now