This column salutes the lives and careers of recently departed colleagues. It is the way NJMEA and NJRMEA can express appreciation for the work that they have done and the lives that they have touched. We mourn their passing and salute their contributions, which are the basis for music education in the state of New Jersey.
Marvin Fine Marvin Fine, 80, of Verona, N.J., passed away on Oct. 12, 2015. He was a graduate of the Juilliard School and Columbia University. He taught instrumental music in New Jersey public schools for 37 years. As a trumpeter, Marvin enjoyed a freelance career performing with big bands, concert bands, and the Colonial Symphony.
Patsy P. Filippone Patsy P. Filippone of Millington, N.J., passed away at his home on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015, at the age of 82. Patsy was born in Glen Ridge, N.J. and lived in Bloomfield, N.J. before moving to Millington, N.J., 55 years ago. He was an Army veteran serving in the 7th Army Symphony from 1956 to 1958. He then served in the Army Reserve until he was honorably discharged in 1962. Patsy received both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from Manhattan School of Music and was employed as a music teacher for the Plainfield Board of Education for 38 years before retiring in 1995. He was also an accomplished violinist.
N.Y. After high school, he was drafted into the Army, where he served with the Army engineers at the nuclear test sites in the Nevada desert; he also played trumpet with the Army band. After being discharged, Ray began his formal music education at the Juilliard School of Music, then later transferred to Columbia University’s Teachers College, where he earned his B.S. and M.S. in Music Education in 1958. After graduation, Ray was recruited to work as a music teacher in the Rutherford school system by Bill Hutzel, the current music department supervisor and Rutherford High School band director. Ray started out teaching in the elementary schools, where he met the love of his life, Betty Heller, who was teaching second grade at Lincoln School. They soon married in 1960. Ray also became involved with playing trumpet in both the Rutherford Community Band and the Waldwick Community Band. After Bill Hutzel’s untimely death in 1963, Ray moved up to become the R.H.S. band director, Music Department supervisor and leader of the Rutherford Community Band. Ray conducted, managed, and ran the community band for the past 52 years, conducting over 600 concerts. He encouraged both young and old to come together to make great music together. Ray thought there should be a proper performance venue for the community in Lincoln Park. He was the driving force behind funding and building the Hutzel Memorial Band Shell in the early 1970’s.
Marilyn M. Grisham Marilyn M. Grisham (nee Means) passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on September 12, 2015. She was 81. Born in Akron, Ohio, she resided in Cherry Hill before moving to Mt. Laurel three years ago. She retired from the Cherry Hill School District after 32 years as a music teacher. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and cheering for her beloved Philadelphia Eagles.
Raymond L. Heller Raymond L. Heller, 86, of Rutherford, N.J., passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015, in Hackensack University Medical Center, after a brief illness, due to complications from a mitral heart valve failure. Ray was born in and grew up in Flushing Queens,
Harold (Ron) Magee Harold (Ron) Magee, age 73, of Sayreville passed away Friday August 21st. He was born in Palmerton, PA and grew up in Summit Hill, PA before ultimately moving to Sayreville. Before his retirement, he was employed as a music teacher for Carteret for 2 years and for Rahway for 37 years. Harold served as Cub Scout Leader of Troop 69 and Boy Scout Leader of Troop 96. He was also a member of the Community Advisory Panel (CAP) for DuPont and Hercules, a member of the Cultural Arts Council, an Elder in the Presbyterian Church and also served as a bugler for both the VFW and the American Legion. Harold was a very accomplished musician throughout his life.
TEMPO 74
JANUARY 2016
