Cesare A. Pascarella; Cellist, Instructor

Cesare A. Pascarella, a renowned cellist and classical music instructor who spent more than two decades of his lengthy career educating students at CalArts in Valencia, has died. He was 85.

Pascarella, a longtime Los Angeles resident, died Wednesday after suffering a stroke, said his brother, Gabriel Pascarella.

Born in Naples, Italy, Pascarella began his education in music as a child under the tutelage of his father, Ignazio Pascarella, a famed violinist and professor at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Naples.

In 1921, he traveled with his family to the United States, settling in New York. Six years later, Pascarella and his brothers formed the Pascarella Trio and the Pascarella Chamber Music Society, performing throughout the United States, Europe and on radio broadcasts across the country.

He moved to the Southland in 1946, joining the faculty of the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music, where he taught cello.

Pascarella also lectured in the UCLA music department, where he became a member of the Roth Quartet in 1953. As a soloist and principal cellist, he had performed with the UC Chamber Orchestra since 1967.

From its inception, Pascarella was a member of the faculty of CalArts, where he taught chamber music for more than 20 years. In addition, Pascarella also coordinated the institute’s Youth Music Group, which offered high school-age musicians college-level orchestral training along with chamber music and theory courses.

Pascarella’s greatest joy was the loyalty of his students, many of whom have gone on to distinguished careers in top orchestras, his brother said.

In addition to his brother, Pascarella is survived by a sister, Cecilia Pascarella Stouffer of Los Angeles.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. next Saturday at the Blessed Sacrament Church, 6657 W. Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. Pierce Brothers Valhalla Mortuary in North Hollywood is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Pascarella’s name to the CalArts School of Music, 24700 McBean Parkway, Valencia 91355.