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Elliot Rothpearl Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Elliot Rothpearl
September 27, 2006
I am so Thankful to have known Uncle Elliot and his family. He allowed me to be apart of and never made me feel unwanted or a problem He was a big Teddy Bear and this world will miss him. He taught me to find my own voice and find my God. Don't ask...
When ever I think of him I start to sing "If I were a rich man"....Love You Elliot And to all his beloved , I am sorry for your loss yet I know God is rejoicing...
Josef Bennet Rothpearl
September 17, 2006
My father was a Musician & a Performer. He was my Hero. Like the Folk Legends that inspired him which he shared with me and my brothers Scott & Jeremy...now the Folk Legend of Elliot Rothpearl will surely flourish.
Music makes the world go around...and the legacy he left was a gift whose influences and influence reach around the world with open arms. In much the same way he opened his life & love to all those who came to know him.
He will be dearly missed and Extremely Celebrated as well.
He would have wanted all of us to listen to Music, any music, and enjoy it and feel good and Live life.
I received a package from him several days after he passed away that he sent several days prior. He really new how to give and he reached out to others and will continue to 'reach me' forever. I love him with all my heart and my sorrow is seemingly endless.
But I am listening to the his Music, and looking at his picture, and despite the pain...I feel an immeasurable Joy.
We played a few of his songs at the Service in New York. Everyone was singing and clapping along.
He received a standing ovation.
Jeremy Samuel Rothpearl
September 17, 2006
Elliot Rothpearl in his own words. You can find the below article and more at
http://www.pass.to/tgmegillah/theRo
thpearlindex.asp
There are two pages of articles.
“ I was born in 1943, the second child of four children born to Rochelle and Harry Rothpearl. My mother was a concert pianist and my father was a musician whose chosen instrument was the violin. He got involved in theater as a musician in the orchestra pit.
My mother's father was a world-renowned cantor, (a singer of Hebrew liturgy), who took his interpretations from the temple to the concert stage. He was my namesake since I was born after his passing, (he died at age 50). His name was Elias Josef Kritchmar but in Hebrew, his name was Eliyahu, (Elijah). It is the Jewish custom to name children after a deceased relative, (to perpetuate the line), so I was named Eliyahu. My birth certificate reads Elliot. It started with an “E” and I suppose it was a popular name way back then.
My father's father was Samuel Rothpearl and he was a gifted carpenter. (One of my sons still enjoys playing chess on a chess table built and inlaid by Sam).
I began my singing career in 1946. The legend is that I sang Jimmy Crack Corn at age three. My father would sit me atop a piano and my mother would accompany me as I sang: “Jimmy, crack corn and I don't care” etc. I'm told that this took place onstage at one of the many hotels we stayed at while summering in the Catskill Mountains. Since there is lots of corroboration, the legend must be true, at least in part. In either case "… I don’t care"!
Now let me take you on a little detour, (remember the on and off ramps on Memory lane?).
The Guitar
When I was five years old, (1948), I decided I wanted to play the guitar. My parents wouldn’t hear of such nonsense, but pacified me with a ukulele. My father kinda’ insisted I take violin lessons at age six, so I suffered through almost a year of purposefully playing badly until my seventh birthday was approaching. I then struck a deal with “good old dad”. He would buy me a guitar if I would consider playing the violin a little more seriously. My first guitar was a Stella sunburst cowboy model. It cost $12.00 including a chipboard case. The dealer threw in a black and yellow braided guitar strap with a yellow tassel and an extra set of strings, (Black Diamond, heavy), the only ones readily available in 1950.
I had a busy schedule for many years after that. I attended public school, Hebrew school, took private lessons on violin and guitar, and went to music school on Saturday to study theory and harmony. I also had to attend choir practice once a week for two months a year as I sang alto solo with several choirs, which performed on the Jewish High Holidays.
Well, that brings us all the way up to my seventh birthday. I'm now sixty so I've got a lot more years to tell you about. Until next time, Shalom.”
Elliot
The below is more of my Dad’s own words and part of the words I used at the Jacksonville Service where there was two Shofar’s blown and a Bagpipe player in full Scottish garb playing Amazing Grace, I know he really enjoyed it as did I.
“What is family? Most of us would say that it’s the people we are surrounded with, and have no choice about because of blood ties. I guess that’s as good a definition as any but it refers only to the family we are born into and born unto us. I’m sure there have been times for all of us when we said “I wish I could choose my family”, referring to a family member who had somehow stepped on our toes, our thoughts, our aspirations, our goals, our self-esteem, our physical well-being, or by something they had done that otherwise ticked us off. Unfortunately you can’t send back those who don’t fit into your life at any given time. No, they are yours to have and to hold because they are your blood, your family.
But don’t fret. There is good news. You can expand and extend your family. You can choose to be as close to anyone you want if they also desire it. Take marriage, for instance. You start out with two strangers. After a bit you are not strangers any longer. Still later on you are the nucleus of a whole new family.”
Jeremy Rothpearl
September 17, 2006
Monsters in the Morning
Monsters in the Afternoon
More Monsters in the Night
They make me scream of fright.
My first song with my Daddy.
We are extremely lucky that all we have to do is play your music and hear your voice and guitar singing and speaking to us to ease are sadness and let in joy.
You are shining like a diamond made from an ole piece of coal. Shining more brightly than the rays of the sun. The light is so luminous it seems to glow or shine rather than be reflected.
David Gerson
September 16, 2006
WOW!!!! Where to start?
As I grow older, death comes more often. This one, totally unexpected, and so much I had yet to do to spend time and visit with my uncle "Elio". I never made it to Jacksonville.
I owe so much of my life to my uncle. My guitar skills, which are so minor in comparison. I can play rhythym guitar, and I was blessed to have gotten my Uncles' Guild Acoustic (which will shortly be re-conditioned). I remember as a teen, playing his Ovation the week he got it. I was "special" as it wasn't to be touched by just anyone. He gave me a Fender Strat with a wa wa(I know you understand about the Strat, Uncle) and a huge amp that filled my room up. That one was a loaner from the studio. When he needed it back, he made sure I had another amp.
We had a special bond. He let me take out the Corvette, by myself, up in Catskills, right after I obtained my Junior license. I found my love of skiing through him, and still think of him whenever I am up on the mountain with my own children, who by the way are also very musical.
All of us from that generation hear music differently. We listen to the notes, hear what only the trained ear can hear. We can hear the instrument crying, or laughing, or speaking to us. This is a gift that my Uncle gave to many, which are few in the big picture.
I worked for my uncle for quite awhile when I was twentyish, and boy did he take care of me. Just like he took care of so many people. His heart was huge. I still have a passion for lumber and construction. When I smell a new skid of lumber, I always flash back to my time in the lumber yard.
There was always this unspoken bond between me and my Uncle. Stuie had Scott, Marc had Joey, Jeremy was too young. Whenever we went to the house in the Bronx, I went right downstairs to the studio to spend time with him. I sat on a stool near the bathroom and would watch in awe of the musicians, or just listen to the newest track he had just recorded. Or to pick up one of the many, many guitars which where down there. I even got the chance to record one of my many Simon and Garfunkel like original songs with my best friend, (I wonder if that reel to reel is still around?) Ironically, it was titled "Running Away".
You were a second father to me (and at times I dreamed you were). There were times I so wanted to live in the house in the Bronx, especially when I needed to get away from my own dysfunction. But whenever I was there, I was allowed to escape.
I have been reminiscing a lot recently, and little memories keep popping up. Me, my brothers, and my cousins just doing all sorts of crazy stuff. Times in Fallsburg, in the Bronx, at grandma's, etc. The Dr. Pepper bus, Scotty getting his hand caught in the Harpsicord, and running around like mad in Grandma's Basement at the Holidays.
Scott, Joey, and Jeremy:
You guys know my thoughts are with you. I KNOW some of what you guys must be feeling, but I vow to not let time get the best of us. It is too short, and too much time has already passed. Being with you all was wild, and I crave more of it.
Missy:
I am so grateful you helped lead my uncle to serenity, peace and happiness. He so much deserved it and you need to somehow keep going and continue what you guys started.
We will get closer.
MOM:
I feel for you. You have lost so many, but gained them back twofold for the next generation. I only strive to be the person you are, caring, giving and compassionate.
My Uncles and Aunts:
(Allen,Tina, Susie, and Alvin)
My memories run just as deep and our interactions have all helped to create the man I am today.
(MY CIRCLE)
WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN?
Life is short,
I have no doubt.
Sometimes I wonder,
What's it all about?
People come, and people go,
But blood-lines live on.
Make the time we have special,
Before we know it, it's all gone.
Keep the circle going,
We know not when we're through.
If anyone in my circle needs ANYTHING,
I will always be there for you.
MaryAnn Scandiffio
September 16, 2006
Dearest Elliot,
We've known each other since I was an awkward teenage girl with a timid voice that you recognized as something special. From that point on, you convinced, pushed and challenged me to pursue the dream of music. Your friendship, generosity and passion were just a few things out of so many that I will miss. The world has lost a great source of music and art ( yours and the music of those you mentored) but hopefully you will shine down on the rest of us here from that better place ... the way you shined on all of us here during our time on this earth together. Thank you so very much for putting music in my life and my life in music. I will always be your Rock Star.
Love Hurts ...
Love Always,
MaryAnn Scandiffio
September 16, 2006
To Missy and our dear Cousins....Our hearts go out to you in this time of loss. He was planning our next reunion. I hope we have one in his honor.
So very sorry to have missed his funeral. We were with you all day in our hearts. Love, Aunt Lil, Nicole, Evan, and Surelle
Sandra Gerson
September 14, 2006
My Little Brother,
We grew up together' We played together and had fun together. I have wonderful memories of you 60+years worth. I will miss you. I loved you so much as I know you did me. MAKE YOUR MUSIC UP THERE! We will listen to it down here.
Sandy
Missy Rothpearl
September 14, 2006
My Elliot,
I brought your body back to New York today. The rain began. The city cried. You should not have come home so soon for it to be the last time you would ever come home. And as you have sung to me, my "blue eyes were crying in the rain."
You were all I asked G-d to give to me. Talented. Intelligent. Funny. Loving. Generous. A Believer. Worthy of my devotion, honor and fidelity. You were everything.
I wonder if you knew how many people were influenced by your touch and love you in return.
The body you lived in was not a kind place. I asked G-d to take away your pain. Instead He took you out of the pain. I know where He took you. I know exactly where you are. I rejoice and take comfort in that knowledge. Perhaps my pain of losing you is little to ask in return for all the love you gave to me.
I mourn the loss of your voice when I call your name. And the warmth of your hug. And the love in your kiss. Some day it will be time for me to come home. You'll be there. There will be no parting. My blue eyes will be smiling in the rain.
I love you.
Your Missy
Alan Greenfield
September 14, 2006
Allen,
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Our hearts go out to you and your family, with our deepest condolences.....Alan Greenfield and the staff at Islandwide Medical Imaging.
Allen Rothpearl
September 13, 2006
Elliot was my big brother. When I was a child, he took me skiing and golfing for the first time. In 1968, he picked me up at elementary school in his new Dodge Charger, and he was the coolest thing in the world to me. When he first got a car with an eight-track tape player, he came over to take me for a ride and we blasted Sgt. Pepper while driving down Pelham Parkway in the Bronx. When I was really young, he played the Kingston trio's records for me and I can remember puzzling over the lyrics to 'Tom Dooley' and 'MTA' in his living room while studying the album cover...I must have been around 5 or 6 at the time. Years later, I first heard the Beatles, Simon and Garfunkel, The Grateful Dead, Mountain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and many others thanks to him. He always included me when he and his wife and Scott went to the drive-in movies in the Catskills, where we spent most summers back then. In later years we grew apart. I spent most of my adult life not really knowing him. Recently we had begun talking over the phone again. My little girl Alison was the flower girl at his wedding when he married Missy. We saw each other only rarely, exchanging only the occasional phone call and e-mail. I will miss him though. His death leaves a void in my life despite our not being close. He was my big brother. And now he is gone.
Mel and Arlene
September 13, 2006
Dear Missy,
We were blessed to know and call Elliot friend and brother. I know how much he loved and cared for you. El was a perfectionist and had a passion in all he did. He loved G-d and loved his neighbor, we'll miss him. We are sorry that his time on earth is over.
I know we'll eventually be joing him and Praising the Lord together.
Love,
Wanda Jones
September 12, 2006
Missy,
It was by chance that I found out about Elliot's passing. Please call or email me if you need anything.
Tera Swindle
September 12, 2006
I am very sorry to hear of your loss,I didn't know him very weLL but,what I knew of him is to be a very nice gentlemen.I'm sure he will be missed.I come to know him through Duncan Sudlow. I was invited to prayer gatherings a few times. The family and freinds who knew him will see him again in the end when we all go home[heaven].
Michael Fein
September 12, 2006
My Dear Missy,
Elliot became such a close friend in the relatively short time I knew him. His writings in the Gantseh Megillah along with his dear friend Mel Yahre brought great joy and pleasure to our many readers. Arnold and I will miss Elliot more than we could ever hope to express.
Cherry Hutcherson
September 12, 2006
Missy, I can't imagine what sorrows you are going through. I want you to know you are in my heart and my prayers. I know God is there to help get you through this difficult time. Elliott was a wonderful person and I know he will be greatly missed. My heart is breaking for you. Love Cherry Hutcherson
The Staff Collier Spine Institute
September 12, 2006
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Latonya Franklin
September 12, 2006
Missy,
May the God of Israel comfort you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
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