David Patrick Tartell, 89, passed away peacefully at Waveny HealthCare Center of New Canaan, with his family by his side on Sunday, June 12th, 2016. Born in Stamford on September 23, 1926 to the late Patrick and Rose Zacarola Tartell.
His love of music began at the age of nine, when his father Patrick Tartell, trained David to be an accordion player. This musical talent continued throughout his lifetime.

Mr. Tartell began his career as a local musician in Stamford, CT. He had been a member of the New York, 702 and Stamford, 626 Musicians Unions which enabled him to play and conduct for many events over his lifetime.

He enrolled in the United States Navy in 1944 and served on the USS Amsterdam in the Pacific, during World War II. He was stationed in the Pacific and was a Gunner on the Ship. He attributed this to his manual dexterity, from his expert Accordion playing. In addition to his wartime duties, David played and conducted in the Navy Band, on the Amsterdam, for many Military Dignitary visits.

After his discharge from the Navy, Mr. Tartell continued his music career, playing for local events. He enrolled at Columbia University and graduated from Teachers College B.A and an M.A. for Music and Conducting.

David met his wife Helen (Logis) Tartell, while working as a musician at the “Sunshine Club” in Norwalk, CT. Helen was hired to sing and David to lead the band and play piano. They began a courtship and were married, in 1953.
David and Helen had four children: David Jr., Nicholas, Elaine and Rosemary. They raised their family in Glenbrook and later moved to Springdale.

He began his teaching career for the Stamford Public Schools at Rogers Elementary School; Teaching instrumental classes for performances to elementary school children.

His Instructional methods were diversified with concern for each student’s skill level. Mr. Tartell made sure every student had a place in the orchestra. If there was a desire to learn he made sure they had the opportunity and worked diligently to create a unique crowd-pleasing concert sound.

Mr. Tartell, along with his father, Patrick and brother, Frank, opened a music store, The Tartell Music Center, on Main Street in Stamford.
The store was a place for local musicians to buy various musical supplies for their work i.e. Music, Instruments, Amplifiers. Yet the favorite place to be were the music studios, that David, Patrick and Frank, taught young students their craft; music.

Mr. Tartell was promoted to Band Director at Westhill High School In 1971, where he was instrumental in bringing the High School Band to Award Winning Competitions.
Because of Mr. Tartell, “Band Fever” came to Stamford in the 1970’s all three High Schools became proud to compete. He enlisted the help of the Blue Devils, Drum and Bugle Corps, expertise in Marching, Color Guard and drew from their knowledge to build the Award Winning Westhill Marching Band.
“Band Fever” continues in Stamford today and it makes our community proud.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Tartell conducted and arranged music for concerts in Scalzi Park for which he was honored by his peers in the summer of 2001. See Advocate Article: http://advocate.fergusonlibrary.org/advocate1/2001/july/07312001pa3.pdf

Through decades of concerts, weddings, performances and teaching, David gave his music to others.
His students remind us, through their music, his legacy is here today.
David Patrick Tartell’s kindness, generosity ,determination and musical expertise will stay in our hearts forever.

United States Navy-WWII-Gunner and Musician-USS Amsterdam-1944
Music Teacher- Stamford Public Schools-1954-1983
Band Director-Westhill High School-1971-1983
Band Leader-The Dave Tartell Orchestra
Business Owner-The Tartell Music Center
Graduate of Columbia University-B.A., Teachers College and an M.A., Music and Conducting

He is survived by his Son David Tartell Jr. and his wife Jackie and their children John Tartell and David Tartell III, Son Nicholas Tartell. His daughter Elaine Zehren and her husband Paul, and children Nicole Farzam and Michael Mahoney. His daughter Rosemary Tartell Knabe and her husband Fred, and daughter Gabriella Fiordelisi, also surviving are three Great-Grandchildren, along with several nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents David was predeceased by his wife Helen Logis Tartell and his brother Frank Tartell.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, June 17, 2016 at Sacred Heart RC Church, 37 Schuyler Ave., Stamford at 9:30AM with Military Honors following mass. Interment will be private.
Family and friends may call at the Nicholas F. Cognetta Funeral Home & Crematory, on Thursday, June 16, 2016 from 4:00-8:00PM
In lieu of flowers please make memorial donations in David’s name to the Westhill High School Marching Band, 125 Roxbury Road, Stamford, CT 06902
For online condolences please visit www.Cognetta.com

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