Stephen Negri

Stephen Negri passed away peacefully on April 18, 2021 in Guilford, CT while surrounded by his loving family. Stephen was born at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven CT on April 18, 1957 to the late Carmine Negri and Thema Zsiga Negri.

Stephen was a musical child prodigy.  He began playing violin at the age of 3 and piano shortly after. Stephen had perfect pitch and loved telling people about it!  Stephen was the concertmaster (first chair violin) under Leonard Bernstein’s Tanglewood Youth Orchestra when he was 17 years old. 

Following his graduation from Lee High School in New Haven, CT in 1976 and some time spent at college, he began teaching private piano and violin lessons at Chuck’s Music in Brookfield in the late 1980’s. Stephen was known for teaching his students their favorite songs while primarily teaching them classical piano and violin.  He was also an original member of Bethel’s Fiddler’s Brawl. Stephen played the keyboards in many bands including Mercenary, Limelight, Cinema and Higher and Higher for nearly 25 years. Stephen was a devout member of the Haven of Rest Baptist Church in West Haven.

A lover of puns and all things comedy, Stephen loved to laugh and make people laugh. He was a master storyteller and could always captivate an audience. He will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched with his music, joy for life, and charismatic laughter. 

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Apple Rehab in Guilford, CT for their compassion and care for Stephen. In lieu of flowers donations in Stephen’s honor can be made to Music Haven online at https://www.musichavenct.org/donate

Stephen is survived by his two beloved children: Stacey (Abraham) Cordero of Hamden, CT and son Stephen Negri of Hamden, CT. Three grandchildren: Shawn Negri, Grace Cordero and Benjamin Cordero. Four siblings: brother Paul (Mary) Negri of Meriden CT, brother Carmine Negri of Orange CT, sister Victoria Negri of New York City NY, and sister Tiffany (Marley Dowell) Negri of New York City, NY. As well as his stepmother Deanne Negri of Orange, CT, and many additional family and friends. In addition to his parents, Stephen was predeceased by his sister Lisa Negri.

Family to hold private services. To light a candle or leave a condolence in Stephen’s memory please continue to the Tribute Wall. 

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