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Eugene Selesner Obituary

SELESNER - Eugene, passed away October 23, 2008 at age of 83 after a life-long love affair with music. Gene, or Gino, as he was known to his countless friends, family members and students, was born in 1925 in Newark, NJ. Trained as a classical musician, he got his Bachelor's degree from Miami University, Oxford Ohio, and then his Master's in Music from the University of Illinois at Urbana. He was an accomplished pianist, who played the Borscht Belt circuit in the Catskills with stars like Harry Belafonte, Barbara Streisand and Alan King. Gene taught as a music teacher in the Newark, NJ school system, and then relocated with his family to Long Island in 1968, where he taught for 20 years as a junior high school music teacher at Simpson and Finley Middle Schools, Huntington. Throughout his life he taught students of all ages and all walks of life to play the piano and appreciate music. While he retired from teaching school, he never actually retired and continued to teach music and direct the Choir at the West Hills Methodist Church. Gene, a composer in his heart, achieved fame late in life by writing scores for silent films shown at the Cinema Arts Center, which newspapers including the NY Times thought notable enough to write about. He was a life-long member of the Musician's Guild and parlayed a knack for moon-lighting into gigs at many Long Island restaurants, most recently a regular Saturday night job at Cooke's In, in Huntington. Gene was predeceased by his wife Thelma Selesner in 1987. He is survived by three children, Janet Ingraldi, Eric and Gary Selesner, his two sisters, June Fischer and Edith Hackel, and his best friend and long-time companion, Honey Wasserman. Services are at noon Monday at Gutterman's Funeral Home, Jericho Tpk, Woodbury, NY with burial to follow at Melville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders.

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Published by Newsday on Oct. 26, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene Selesner

15 Entries

Jacob Stebel

December 30, 2008

Gene,

I wish I'd gotten to know you better beyond our interactions at the Cinema Arts Centre. You were one of the customers/volunteers who make working there an incredible experience. You were an amazing musician and a wonderful human being to get to know. Quick-witted until the end, you will be missed.

Mark Hussey

November 10, 2008

Gene Selesner: You were one of a kind. Nobody could do deadpan humor like you, except maybe Gene Wilder. You playing piano like a master, like a magician in front of me at the age of 82 at your home, with Honey smiling a few feet away is something I'll never forget. The thumbs up you gave me on a few songs I wrote and shared with you will also be remembered and appreciated. You were the step- father of one of my very best high school friends, and from the minute Gary introduced me to you in 1970, I knew you were something special. Who else could get away with shaking my hand in a polite greeting and then turning to Gary to say--"So what's wrong with this guy?" I just burst out laughing! And I remember when you compared my beard to that of DH Lawrence. I still have no idea whether that was a compliment or an insult! But what does it matter? Nothing! I wish I had been one of your music students--and believe me, I know from music teachers...I married one! Gene, thanks for your gigs at the Cookes Inn. RIP, but keep playing your baby grand in the spirit world--because some day we'll be joining you, and of course we'll expect some first class entertainment, the kind only you could provide. Warmest Regards, In Memoriam

Steve Ingle

November 4, 2008

I met Gene Selesner at the ripe old age of 12 when he became my piano teacher. I am not exaggerating when I say that he was a major influence on my life in the subsequent nearly 40 years. He was one of the most nurturing, most “human” people I have ever known. Gene encouraged my early interest in classical music (especially the Russian and French composers). Piano lessons with Gene were much more than just notes—they were opportunities to talk and learn about poetry, art, politics, whatever…., all conveyed with a terrific sense of humor. He had that “Old World” charm and knew what was important in life. After I grew up, my wife and daughters also had the fortune of getting to know Gene and his wonderful companion Honey. Even though I knew his health was failing (though he kept active to the last possible moment), somehow I was unprepared for the huge emotional vacuum resulting from his passing. Gene, your memory and spirit will live on forever in our hearts, and you will be sorely missed.

Gene , rest in peace

Gavin Grey

October 28, 2008

Gene was a great source of joy for me and my family. His jokes were the main state of him. Always a joke , that was a mood every one got around him. He would call me Boris, chuck or "that boy". He would make me fall out of my seat with jokes such as " why were native Americans the first people here" why?" they had reservations" He was a very spirited man and never stayed quiet, He was so much fun to hang around with at parties. He will be very missed

Catherine,Rob, Gavin, Sarin, David and Ellie Grey

October 28, 2008

Dearest Gene,
you have made such an impact on mine and my family's life since we met you back in May 2004 when you started giving Sarin piano lessons, then followed by giving David my now 10yr old piano lessons - you always said he was your prized student!!!!
Gene we became such good friends over the next 4 and a half years that there is now a big hole in my and my family's life. You were no ordinary soul - you were quick , funny, intelligent, charming and most of all a really good friend to me. Our ages didn't matter - we just clicked and got on so well. We talked about so much - from poetry to movies to music to politics to arguing about everything and anything- always asking about my family here and in Ireland and always interested and never forgetting a name - my family in Ireland are all singing your praises as are my family in New York, DC and CA.
You introduced me to all the bargains from Fairway's to John's Farms when we went shopping together . I guess what I am trying to say is that I am going to miss you so much and will never forget you and will visit you often in Melville Cemetery - as now you are close to the dog park and then Ellie ,who also loved you and you loved her welcome when you came in the door , can come too. Don't worry about Honey - your love, as I will always be there for her .We will never forget you!
Love always Catherine and the Gang

Paul and Laurie Ehrlich

October 28, 2008

We are very saddened to learn of Gene's passing. We had the great pleasure of hearing him play the piano many times. His class and charm filled many of our dinners with special joy. Rest in Peace, Gene.

Kyle Crowley

October 28, 2008

I was a student of Mr. Selesner at Finley Junior High School in 1981, as were my four brothers preceeding me. His influence and joy of music upon our young lives will live on forever. May God be with him.

The Crowley Family

Joan, Greg & daughters Kristina & Emily Cergol

October 27, 2008

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Gene Selesner. We first became acquainted with Gene as Kristina's piano teacher, but over the years grew to love, appreciate and enjoy his company both in his home during lessons and also at the Cooke's Inn. We feel so blessed and privileged to have known Gene and his lovely companion, Honey. There are few people in life that have the ability to make an impact as powerful and positive as the one Gene left behind with all those who knew him. We will honor Gene for the rest of our days by loving and appreciating music as he did and thinking of him each time we listen to Kristina play the piano.

We were proud to call Gene Selesner our friend. He is already missed.

Dorian Stern

October 27, 2008

The Cinema Arts Centre extends its heart-felt sympathies to the family and friends of Gene.
His joyous spirit and talent on the piano complimented many of our silent film features...and for that we are eternally grateful!
Dear friend-you will be greatly missed!
The Cinema Arts Centre of Huntington

Steve Davis

October 27, 2008

I had the pleasure of teaching with Gene at Finley M.S. in Huntington for a number of years. His musical talent was matched only by an incredible sense of humor. He was one of a kind...Condolences to his family.

Lorraine and Rick Inyard

October 27, 2008

His music is silenced, but his memory lives on. Our family is deeply saddened and shares the loss of Gene with his family. He had a gifted talent, and shared it generously with everyone. We often brought our family to Cooke’s Inn at the request of our young grandchildren and 89 yr. old mother who wanted to hear Gene play. He enraptured all of us with his universal appeal of music, lifting our spirits and uniting all present with a “musical challenge.” He played to his audience, wherever their experience of music might be. The little ones loved everything from Disney show tunes to classical pieces learned in school. My husband and I loved remembering the words to songs of the 60s and 70s. He even successfully encouraged great-grandma to belt out a few songs of the 30s and 40s. Gene knew how to speak everyone’s language, and spoke it melodiously. We will miss him dearly. Our hearts and prayers are with you, his family.

Sheryl and Steven Tell

October 27, 2008

We were deeply saddened to hear of Gene's passing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies for your loss. We met Gene at Cookes Inn when he began playing the piano there and he always added another dimension to our dining pleasure. We would spend the entire meal and then some listening to him and playing his guessing game of what were we listening to and where did it come from!!!! We passed a lot of his "exam questions" and we learned a lot about the ones we could not identify. Gene was surely a talented man who loved his music. We will miss him, his entertainment, his wit and just plain old fashioned fun. Our thoughts are with your family during this most difficult time.

James Hanrahan

October 27, 2008

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Susan Melchione

October 26, 2008

I am so grateful to have known Gene. He was nurturing and supportive in his unique, funny way. Visiting him as he played the piano and did trivia, sing-alongs, and made jokes with the crowd at Cooke's Inn brought me such joy. We mostly kept in touch through birthday and Christmas cards, but I will miss these and his thoughts, kind words, and humor. My condolences to his beautiful loved ones: Eric, Janet, Gary and Honey. May the joy he gave you continue forever in your hearts. With love, Susan Melchione

Sandy and Joe Rabinowitz

October 26, 2008

We are so saddened to hear of Gene's passing. We know him from the Huntington School system, but most recently would see him at the Cooke's Inn. He was a very sweet man and will be missed. Our sincerest condolences to the family.

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