The Unforgettable Beat: Remembering Cleto Escobedo III, A Life Lived in Rhythm

You know, some lives just seem to hum with a certain rhythm, a kind of internal melody that pulls others in. And for Cleto Escobedo III, that melody was undeniably a drum solo—a powerful, intricate, and deeply soulful beat that resonated with everyone he met. It is with a profound sense of loss, a quiet sadness that feels too soon, that we mark his passing on November 11, 2024, at the age of 54. Truly, a light has dimmed, a rhythm has fallen silent, and the world feels a little less vibrant without him.

Born on a crisp November 22, 1969, Cleto made his entrance in the place he’d long call home, Fitchburg, Massachusetts. He was, from all accounts, a force of nature even then. His early years were filled with the everyday joys and trials of growing up alongside his brothers, Eric and Sean, under the watchful, loving eyes of his parents, Cleto Jr. and Maryjane. It was a foundation built on family, on shared moments, and on a deep-seated connection to his roots, including his dear grandmother, Rita Rix.

But the drums, oh, the drums called to him with an irresistible siren song. Cleto, you see, wasn't just a drummer; he was the drummer. A virtuoso, a natural, someone who understood the very heartbeat of music. He’d hone his craft at Fitchburg High, graduating with the class of 1988, but his true education came on the road, in countless clubs, and on stages both grand and humble. He toured relentlessly, playing with an incredible array of bands, each gig a stepping stone, each beat a declaration of his passion. He loved to entertain, and honest to goodness, he was brilliant at it.

Then came 2003, a pivotal year that would cement his legacy in popular culture. He joined the burgeoning Jimmy Kimmel Live! house band, known affectionately as Cleto and the Cletones. It was a perfect match. His infectious energy, his unparalleled talent, and his innate ability to make every moment on screen feel personal and engaging, quickly made him more than just a bandleader. He became a fixture, a familiar and beloved face whose smile and rhythm were a nightly comfort for millions. He was the kind of person who could make late-night television feel like a casual jam session with friends.

Yet, for all his professional success and the bright lights of Hollywood, Cleto’s heart, in truth, remained firmly rooted in the simple, profound joys of life. His family—his cherished wife, Kristin, and their children, Cleto IV and Ava—were his universe. They were the melody to his rhythm, the quiet harmony that underpinned his extraordinary life. And, honestly, his warmth extended far beyond his immediate kin. He was a constant presence for his aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, always ready with a laugh, a story, or a helping hand.

Beyond the drum kit, Cleto found solace and exhilaration on the golf course, a passionate, often competitive, player who loved the camaraderie as much as the challenge. And, as a true New Englander, his loyalty to the Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics was unwavering—a testament, perhaps, to his steadfast nature in all things. He was, to put it plainly, a truly good man. Someone who touched lives, who offered support without hesitation, who radiated a positivity that was almost tangible.

His passing leaves a void, of course. A quiet where there was once a vibrant beat, a stillness where there was once laughter. But Cleto Escobedo III’s legacy isn’t just in the music he made or the smiles he inspired; it’s in the countless lives he impacted, the friendships he forged, and the indelible rhythm he etched into the hearts of those who loved him. While private services will be held, his spirit encourages us to give, perhaps, to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, causes close to many hearts. Because, you could say, that’s just the kind of generous, caring man he was—always thinking of others, always giving a little more of himself.