James H. Remley

Passed away at Maine General Rehabilitation and Nursing Care at Gray Birch in Augusta on Nov. 1, 2007, at the age of 95. He was born Jan. 21, 1912, to Sarah Ellen and Frederick Lloyd Remley of New Castle, Pa., the town in which he grew up. His entire career was devoted to music education. He graduated from Indiana State Teachers College in Indiana, Pa., with a bachelors degree in music in 1933 and received a masters degree from New York University in 1938. He taught music in several Pennsylvania school systems and finally accepted the call to be supervisor of music in the Newton (Massachusetts) Public Schools in 1940, from which he retired in 1970. He was instrumental in establishing a for-credit music curriculum in the schools that received national attention. In addition to his school activities, he directed local choral groups and church choirs and was invited to direct All-State Choruses in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Long Island. He was a part-time faculty member at New England Conservatory of Music in Boston and Lasell Junior College in Newton. He inspired both students and adults with his conducting skills, charisma, and passion for music. He married Inez Virginia Hysong in 1938. They were parents to Virginia Elaine (Perachio), Sarah Jane (Southmayd), and James Howard Jr. Inez died in 1969. In 1970 he married Geraldine Seaver who preceded him in death on April 26, 2007. He is survived by his three children, all of whom attended the Newton Public Schools, (listed above); their spouses, Adrian A. Perachio, Willliam W. Southmayd, and Deborah M. Remley; seven grandchildren, Nancy Alice Perachio Clough, Elise Virginia Perachio, Daniel, Glenn Christopher Perachio, Susan Remley Southmayd, David Webster Southmayd, Katherine Inez Remley, and Lauren Elizabeth Remley; and three great-grandchildren, Madison Ann Southmayd, Kyle William Southmayd, and Carson James Perachio. The family wishes to recognize and thank the kind souls at Granite Hill Estates, Maine General Medical Center, and Maine General Rehabilitation and Nursing Care at Gray Birch for their care and devotion during their fathers last months of life. Anyone wishing to honor his lifelong commitment to music may contribute to the Lasell College Annual Fund (in memory of James H. Remley), 1844 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466. Those wishing to commemorate his longtime and beloved summer residency on Lake Cobbosseecontee may contribute to the Friends of Cobbossee, P.O. Box 5003, Augusta, ME 04332. Services and burial will be private. " Music hath no other end than the glory of God and the recreation of the soul". J.S. Bach.