Joseph Anthony Cacibauda

Mr. Joseph “Mr. Joe” Anthony Cacibauda died peacefully at his home in Ocean Springs on Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, with his loving wife and children at his side. Mr. Joe – as he was known to most – was born in New Orleans, La., as the youngest child of the late Lillian and Joseph Cacibauda Sr. A musician from the very beginning, his father purchased him a set of drums when he was 10 and by the time he was 12, he was playing in weddings with a group of his cousins who were in need of a drummer. By 15, he was playing in nightclubs in the New Orleans area with his cousins. Joe would go on to know and play with some of the greats, including B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Leon Kelner, Joan Rivers, Rich Little, Don Rickles, Regis Philbin, Mel Tormé, and The Platters, but teaching music to generations of students would become his life’s work. Joe earned both Bachelor’s and Masters degrees in Music Education from Southeastern Louisiana and, in 1972, became the band director at Bay High School in Bay St. Louis, Miss. – starting what would become a 43-year career sharing his passion for music. Stints with St. Martin High School and Michele Junior High in Biloxi would follow. Joe left an impact everywhere he went, but his greatest legacy will forever be at Ocean Springs High School. When he took over the program in 1984, there were 38 students in the high school band and just 85 in all grades. By the time he retired in 2015, there were 274 in the high school band, with nearly 700 in the band program in grades 6-12.The Blue-Grey Pride band -- a name Joe coined himself after arriving in Ocean Springs -- received All-Superior recognition, the highest a band can achieve, in 28 of his 31 years at OSHS. Additionally, the All-Superior sweepstakes award was launched in 2007, and Joe's band earned that distinction all eight years prior to his retirement. In addition, 100 percent of the students who came out of Joe's band program had the opportunity for junior or senior college scholarships, if they chose to pursue them. In May of 2015, when Joe conducted his final concert at OSHS, it was announced the school’s band hall would be renamed in his honor. Away from school, Joe was an avid baseball fan and a lifelong New York Yankees fan. He also loved all things Disney and particularly enjoyed his many trips to Walt Disney World, both with the band for performances and with his family. But for all Joe’s passions and interests, there was no greater love in his life than his family. He and his wife, Rose Van Acker-Cacibauda married in 1986 and are the parents of three children: son, JT and daughters, Alexa and Zoe Cacibauda of whom he was immensely proud. At the time of his retirement, Joe was asked about his plans. “I’ll be around,” he said – and he was right. Every time a student walks into the band hall bearing his name, every time a former student passes along his or her love of music, every time a band director at Ocean Springs High School collects an All-Superior trophy or other award, it will be because of Joe Cacibauda’s lasting impact on his school, students, and community. He is preceded in death by his parents, Lillian and Joseph Cacibauda Sr.; and his sisters, Eliza Loyacano and Antoinette Harper. He is survived by his wife, Rose; his children, JT, Alexa, and Zoe; his sister, Patricia Harder; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Joe’s family will be holding a private service, but recognizing the number of people who want to honor and celebrate his life, details regarding a public memorial service will be announced at a later date. The family would also like to thank Dr. Brian Persing, Nicholas Pendleton, Hospice of Light, and all those who provided for Joe’s care. In addition, in lieu of flowers, a band scholarship in Joe’s honor will be established, with details on that also to follow. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, Ocean Springs is honored to serve this family. Thank you to a dear friend, Warren Kulo, for writing this obituary.