David Carreon

David Carreon, proud and loving father, husband, son, brother, cousin and friend to so many, passed away on July 12 at his home in Catonsville. 

David was born in Harvey, Illinois and grew up in Sauk Village, south of Chicago. He graduated from Bloom Trail High School in 1978 where he exceled athletically--- lettering in baseball, football, and wrestling---and played trumpet in the school band. Dave discovered his passion for blues music while in Chicago and spent his lifetime playing guitar, arranging music, and singing. In 1984 he moved to Maryland and began to set roots as a musician on the Baltimore blues scene, asserting himself with his snappy dressing and soulful sound. While pursuing his music career he ‘daylighted’ for 30 years at GEA Niro. 

In addition to playing the Blues, David, known widely as ‘Automatic Slim’ explored many types of music with a particular love for old country tunes and Mexican ballads and rockers. His repertoire expanded to all types of music, and he listened intently to and appreciated all genres and artists. At Christmas time he regaled us with both classic and “Slim picked’ Christmas songs, and put on many holiday shows in the Baltimore area. He spent decades performing and was a great promoter of blues music and musicians. Slim produced several recordings for

 CD over his career and would often invite young musicians onstage to help build their confidence and experience.

Dave was an avid gardener and a lover of birds and wildlife. Upon settling in Catonsville, he cultivated his grass covered yard into beautiful flowerbeds and organic vegetable gardens and spent much of his time enjoying the many birds and the variety of wildlife that came to visit and inhabit his space. If you stopped by, he surely shared a gardening tip or two with you. From his garden he created amazing Mexican dishes, hosted many a friend to fabulous feasts, and was always called upon to make his famous enchiladas at family gatherings. He spent months perfecting his beloved hot sauces, all ingredients straight from his garden, and loved to share every new batch in his personalized bottles with friends and family.

While shy as an adolescent, Dave grew into one of the most gregarious and hilarious people to be with. He loved to chat with just about everybody and had vast knowledge of the history of Blues and Blues artists as well as so many other musicians. He could talk endlessly about sports, particularly baseball and hockey, always with a plug for his hometown Chicago teams. He kept up closely with current events, knew his history, and always took an open-minded interest when new ideas crossed his path. His sense of humor spoke for itself. He had a way of seeing the world through a humorous lens and entertained us endlessly with his levity and impersonations. Dave was always fun to have around and he loved his people--- whether with a few close friends, the band, family gatherings, or out on the music scene-- you would find him right at home enjoying the comradery. 

Above all, Dave was a family man. He adored his children so very much and had a blast coaching Jake’s floor hockey team and watching his lacrosse games. He found such joy in watching Emma play soccer and excel at school.  He was a proud and loving father in every way, always making time for family dinners and ‘gardening’ time with the kids (like it or not), and never missed a school concert or event.  Jake and Emma were his pride and joy, and since the day they were born he was a devoted Dad in every way. Dave was the most loving and supportive husband one could imagine and just celebrated 21 years of marriage with Cara. Though living on opposite coasts, Dave’s love and concern for his mother and brothers was abiding, and his close cousins and loyal friends were truly cherished.

Dave is survived by his wife Cara Duffy, and his children Jacob, 16, and Emma, 14, whom he always said were the best thing he ever created. He leaves behind his mother Catalina Carreon, and brothers Daniel, Gary, and Anthony (all of central California) as well as many adored cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Cenobio Carreon, close cousin Robert Carreon, and mother-in-law Carolyn Duffy.

Dave was an enormous personality, a talented musician, a gregarious, kind, thoughtful, funny, passionate, and generous man in all respects. He leaves a tremendous absence in his passing and will be so very missed, though his music and his pride in Emma and Jake will live on. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Audubon Society or to a charity of your choice