Michelle Coletta Kissane
Charlie - I just learned from a friend that you have passed over...I didn't realize it had been over a year since we had last spoken. Thank you for being the Grandpa I always needed. Thank you for your brutal honesty when I sounded bad and your smiles when I made music. Thank you for teaching me and getting me that awesome scholarship at Hartt for 7 years...you were the reason my family was able to afford sending me to college for music, and my sister Christine as well. Thank you for helping me audition and play with you at the Waterloo Music Festival, the Festival at Sandpoint Idaho, and your very own Le Mont chamber festival, and introducing me to the professional world and wonderful musicians. Thank you for being the most precious musical mentor I ever had, the long conversations, the stories. It was not about playing the clarinet - it was about making music. You were honest, you could walk the talk, and you would 'walk the plank' for your students when something went down that wasn't right. You were an amazing mentor and ever since I graduated Hartt in 1996 you stayed in touch with me, and I always knew you were there for me in a special way, like a Dad that listens and gives advice. I am happy to see that you had this special relationship with so many that have written here as well - this shows your dedication and love for people. You were unique. You are greatly missed. Thank you Charlie Russo. Funny memmory: at Sandpoint Music Festival, we saw Charlie take a french fry off a strangers tray in line at the cafeteria...when he sat down with us and we all smiled and told him what we saw, he just shrugged and said, 'that's the French Fry rule. You've never heard of the French Fry rule?" I'm sure many friends/family here have similar stories of you...how did you get away with that? :) You had a unique charm that I believe was charismatic and made people around you feel special and a part of something grand. You were 'old school' in the best way possible, and made me feel a connection to other great artists of the past, many that you were friends with. You subbed for Benny Goodman. You studied Three Pieces with Stravinsky. I saw you perform Jitterbug Waltz with BB King. You had the most gorgeous warm tone on the clarinet that I've ever heard. You lived a full life, and left your mark on many people's hearts. Thank you Charlie. Hugs and Prayers to your family.

