Clement Volpe

Volpe, Clement, age 95, of Edina, passed away peacefully with his family present on May 22, 2025. He was preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 67 years, Ephie, in October 2023. He is survived by his four children: son Mark Volpe (Martha), son Christopher Volpe, daughter Rebecca Carroll (Darren), and daughter Stephanie Stone (Steven); and grandchildren Francesca and Madeline Volpe, Nathan and Sonia Carroll, and Isaac and Maiya Stone. He is survived by his sister Ellen Rie and preceded in death by his sister Jeanette Vedrinski. Clement was a kind and loving husband, father, brother, and friend. He was strong, yet understated, intelligent, and a true gentleman. A child of Italian immigrants, he was raised in Cleveland, Ohio, and attended parochial school, where a teacher helped him to discover his musical talent as a trumpet player. He attended the Cleveland Institute of Music before being drafted into the Army during the Korean War. When he returned from Korea, he realized that he had been living only one block from the love of his life, Ephie, who was the best friend of Clement's sister Ellen. Clement and Ephie had a whirlwind romance, which led to their marriage on Christmas, 1955. After playing in the Army's Second Division Band, Clement spent the early years of his professional career playing in the trumpet sections of the Baltimore and Denver orchestras. He then spent the next 41 years as the second trumpet player of the Minnesota Orchestra and was quickly recognized as one of the leading trumpet players in the United States. Beyond the orchestra, he was part of the musical ecosystem in the Twin Cities, teaching at various universities and performing in multiple venues, including weekly masses at the Church of St. Agnes in St. Paul until the age of 90. After raising their four children, Clement and Ephie, always a team, traveled the world together. In between trips, they volunteered at a food shelf and attended college courses during their retirement. Their home of 60 years was a beehive of activity with children, spouses, grandchildren, relatives, and friends frequently visiting. A family funeral was held on May 27, 2025. He is interred at Lakewood Cemetery alongside his beloved Ephie. A Celebration of Clement's Life will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, at the Volpe House, 4007 Grimes Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota 55416. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Minnesota Orchestral Association.

Tributes

Clement Volpe

October 26, 1929 - May 22, 2025

Tributes

Clement Volpe

October 26, 1929 - May 22, 2025

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