Anthony Carcione

Anthony "Nin" Carcione May 31, 1931 - February 28, 2011Life Long San Josean SMILE ~ This is a joyous remembrance of a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, and musician.Nin was the 2nd. born to Antonia and Gaetano (Tony) Carcione and his sister Mary on Memorial Day, 1931, in San Jose. Nin, like most youngsters in "the old days," had chores, which included, cleaning chickens and rabbits for his dad to sell.Nin, like most young Italians grew up playing the Accordion. He performed at many weddings, birthday, anniversaries, and parties of all kinds. He also had "gigs" at local clubs for many years, remembering their greetings, "Hay CAT what's new?"In 1951 Nin joined the Army and went to Korea for three years. He performed in the USO along with carrying his carbine, and when his tour was done his CO told him that before he could leave, Nin had to find his own replacement. Nin did his best to teach another musician the music, but it was not going very well. At last, the family got great news. Nin had a replacement named Dick Contino. Every accordion player knows who that is and so, finally, Nin got to come home.Returning from Korea Nin married his sweetheart Ruth. He became an accomplished musician that wrote and arranged his own music while attending the Candell Conservatory of Music.Around this time Nin and Ruth started their family and had their first child, son Tony and then their daughter Ruthie.When the children were young they would go camping and fishing, getting out in the woods and enjoying nature.Nin and his long time friend Nash D'Angelo became partners and open a music store in Mt. View in 1956 and expanded to a second store in Los Altos in 1963. His love of music kept him busy for over seven decades teaching, entertaining and his enthusiasm that there was an instrument for everyone.There were other sides of Nin like "The Little Old Instrument Fixer". He was good with his hands. His pricing on repairs was modest, his work priceless. In his world, part of the value he received, was from saving the instrument that otherwise would have been unplayable.Nin always had that boyish smile on his face, always saw the good in people, ready to help, and was a great person to know. Family and friends will miss Tony-Nin and his welcoming SMILE.~~~SMILE, HE IS~~~Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 26th at 2pm at Chapel of Flowers, San Jose.