WESTFIELD, Mass. — Robert “Bobby” Caban, husband of “Mimi” Thiel Caban, Huntington, Mass., formerly of Sharon, died unexpectedly on Thursday evening, July 19, 2007, in Noble Hospital, Westfield. He was 50.

Mr. Caban was born in 1957 in Manhattan, N.Y.

A highly sought-after drummer, he performed with many jazz and swing bands throughout the northeastern United States. Most recently, Bobby taught drums at Falcetti’s Music and Holmes School of Dance, both Springfield, Mass.; and at Springfield Public School System. In addition, he performed at many Christian venues with his wife Mimi, who is a vocalist.

Beginning when he was only 15 years old, Bobby started working with young people, positively impacting their lives and serving as a mentor as he gave private drum lessons to children who would study him and want to play with him. In 2006, he was honored by the Boston Celtics in their Key Players Ambassadors Program for his quiet and selfless work with many inner-city youth.

He was loved and respected by all who knew him and was a tremendous husband and father.

In addition to his wife Mimi, whom he married Jan. 13, 1996, he is survived by: his son, Michael, 9; his daughter, Hadassah, 4, all of Huntington; his mother, Marie Caban; his father, Fred Caban; and his brother, Richie Caban, all Norwalk, Conn.; his in-laws, John G. Thiel, Hermitage; and Fran and Frank Chrastina, Greenville; his brother-in-law, John S. Thiel and his wife Lori and their sons John and Ryan, all Sharon; and a sister-in-law, Stephanie Thiel and her daughter Shelby, Pittsburgh; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

A memorial service celebrating Bobby’s life was held on Thursday, July 26, in Huntington.

Memorial contributions may be made to a fund established for his family through United Bank, Attention: Caban Family Fund, Box 456, Huntington, MA 01050.